happyBoth evenings, we've come home, I've fed the critters, got supper ready, then lit the candles. I'm still self-conscious doing the blessings (I think that'll change with time and familiarity), but I bless the servant candle, light it, then bless the current candle and use the servant candle to light it (and the others). We eat, the kids clean up (YES!), I do a Bible verse and explain how to apply it, then it's present time.
The kids seem to be absorbing the lessons, and - I'm impressed. Because there's not a total dearth of presents (only 1 per night, getting bigger as the Festival progresses), they actually get to *play* with the current gift - it's not "open gift, squeal, toss it aside, grab another gift, etc." It's....nice. MUCH nicer than giftmas, and the kids are actually focusing on the REAL reason (even if Jesus wasn't born in December - it was either September or October..so to say "He is the reason for the season" is a lie.../soapbox) we celebrate, and why Lights are so important.
Because the rest of the family doesn't agree with our beliefs, giftmas will still occur - but only with family. *WE* won't exchange gifts again (well, we will with the family members) and we'll probably do a movie or something giftmas day. :grin:
Anyway, I can't wait to see how this unfolds as we go along!
