Our Star and Shepard

This year, both boys participated in the Christmas Pageant at church. Oliver was the star and Trenton was a shepard. Before the play, we invited family over for an early dinner. 

 Trenton initially did NOT want to be in the play. Then he attended a practice realized that he could participate without having to say any lines. In the past, he was a shepard and a cow.

Oliver stole the show as The Star. I had the idea of putting glow stick bracelets all over his legs, arms, and chest. He also wanted two to hold and shake. Above, you can see him using them as drumsticks on my head. 

 Both boys waved to grandparents and uncles in the audience. Many thanks to my MIL for taking these pics.

Oliver kept waving and saying "Hi Dad! Hi PopPop!" I discreetly tried to feed him mini-M&Ms to quiet him down. He really got into his role, and was not nearly as shy as he had been during rehearsals. 

(I rehearsed for my role by lifting heavier weights at the gym, haha.)

Afterwards, the kids celebrated with a birthday party for Jesus.

I think it is a great thing that our family can celebrate both Christmas as Jesus's birth, and Christmas as a joyous, reflective, giving time of year. My kids are equally interested in Santa and our Advent calendar, the Christmas Tree and our Nativity set. A great time of the year for tradition and memories. :)