Live Nativity

 

There is so much to be thankful for this time of year but there is one thing in particular that has blessed our family over the past few years. My neighbor and friend, Alison Larsen started doing a live nativity the winter after her mom passed away from Leukemia. Donations are accepted but not required and all proceeds are given to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. It has been a few years now and the Nativity has evolved and grown over time. Brian has participated by singing with a quartet every year since it began but it has just been in the last few years that the rest of us have been involved. Last year and the year before, Brian and I were able to be Mary and Joseph. Italia and Acacia each were able to be baby Jesus. This year Brian sang and Isaac, Olivia, Ainsley and I were "townspeople" in Bethlehem. This was Olivia's first year being part of it. Isaac had a wrestling party on the night that we were going to participate in the Nativity. I told him he would need to choose because we couldn't do both. He surprised me by immediately saying he was doing the nativity. This has been a fun and thought provoking way to start December.

There is such a special spirit there. I love hearing the children comment on the things they see and the parents as they whisper information and thoughts to their children. It has been a fun way to make it real for us as we have been able to go as a spectator as well as being active participants. There is so much work that goes on behind the scenes but I am grateful that Alison and her family have dedicated their time and efforts to doing this for all who come as well as for the memory of her mom.