Live Nativity

For some 50 years or so, Tom's mother's family has a tradition called "Hawkes Family Christmas." There is an official carol sing along, and, when there is a generation whose ages lend themselves to play dress-up, a real live Christmas pageant. Five years ago Sam was baby Jesus (each year the newest baby gets the honor). This year he was Joseph. Jack was baby Jesus 3 years ago, and in 2009 he was a shepherd. Typically one of the older children (one who is literate enough to read Luke's account of the birth of the Savior) "narrates" via the Bible passage, and the cast of characters enter. It's so sweet. There is no telling which angel will burst into tears, which wise man will decide that he doesn't want to wear his crown, or if baby Jesus will freak out when a 4 year old 'Mary' has to hold him. It's OK- because we know the end of the story. No major mishaps this year- with the exception of shepherd Jack losing and trying to don his headdress- largely unsuccessfully.

Mary (cousin Claire), Joseph (Sam), and Wise-man (cousin Grant)

Shepherd Jack and Joseph



Array of angels (cousins Edie, Tess, Abbie, Elizabeth)
Baby Jesus looks a little terrified, but his mom (actually named Mary) is just out of the shot ready to catch him if Mary drops him.
It's a very cute tradition. Maybe by next Christmas I'll download the video......