Parties Galore

As is tradition at this time of year, there are LOTS of Christmas parties and programs to go to.  The first of these was a reception at the Ambassador's house.  That was a kid-free environment, and I actually didn't go to socialize--they asked me if I'd go and play the piano as background music for the party!  So, I sat and played their baby grand while people mingled.  It was quite lovely and funnily enough, I really enjoyed myself!  I didn't know about it until a few days beforehand, so I didn't have to stress too much about it.

The next program was all my baby.  It was the Christmas sacrament meeting program.  I organized the narration and all the musical numbers.  It was quite fun, too!  Yes, that one was REALLY stressful, but it came together SO nicely!  I think there's something to be said about less rehearsal time...he he he...  Everyone in the whole branch did something.  I had the Relief Society choir, the Priesthood choir, the primary choir, some duets and quartets, and I played my clarinet for a few pieces...the BEST one being this amazing arrangement of Silent Night that I found!  It was SO gorgeous and the perfect closing for the program.  I honestly don't think I can top what we did.  We have a lot of lovely talent right now...and everyone's leaving! :(  Hopefully someone else with move in and we'll be saved at the last minute... :D

The next and last BIG Christmas function was the branch Christmas party.  The person who put that one together did a MARVELOUS job!  The decorations were beautiful and the food was glorious (I have to admit, that turkey was so yummy!  Oh, wait, I made it...he he he...)! 

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The program was perfect.  It wasn't too short or too long, and again, lots of people were involved.  I played the piano and the clarinet for this one, too, but it wasn't too difficult (except for when I sat down to play the piano and Devin was singing a duet just as Peter punched Andrew in the face...yah, that was nice...then Andrew tried to attack Peter back, and Peter came running up to me and almost knocked me off the piano bench and held on with all his might while I tried to finish playing the song...good times...) and it was just so beautiful!  (Yes, I still play barefoot...)

The BEST, though, was the nativity done by the primary!  HA!  Someone read Luke 2 out of the bible while the kids acted it out.  It was totally awesome!!!!!!!!  The kids pantomimed in the funniest way--we have some seriously talented actors...or perhaps just a large group of hams! :)  Claire was Mary and was so sweet--and it was so funny to see her and Joseph give each other these completely embarrassed glances! Ha!  And I really loved that they used my laundry basket as the manger (hey, sure shows resourcefulness!) and gave the baby Jesus my hand sanitizer as gifts!  Oh well.  I suppose that's appropriate considering they were in a barn!  Ha!!

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Merry Christmas Everyone!  And may all of your Christmas programs and parties remind you of the true meaning of Christmas and refresh your spirit! <3