Lights On Party

 Our Lights on Party was a success!!

We had families in person and digitally. The Buzelli’s FaceTimed in.  

( I delivered a box of crowns, gingerbread house kits and Christmas jammies in advance to the Buzelli home) 

First we had Fondue fun Covid style.  Salty cheese and delicious chocolate. We kept all of the food stuffs on the counter and everyone got their own little cup of fondue for dipping.  The kids love dipping and dunking.  Our fave is potato chips dipped in the chocolate.   Lexi's mom Rebecca joined us. 

Second a costume change for the kiddies— Christmas jammies. 

Then lights off and in the dark house we turn on three different trees and oo, aah and sing a Carol at each one.  “Silent night,” “First Noel” and “Oh Little town of Bethlehem.”  We move in silence from tree to tree. It is very reverent and magical.  I cry every year while we stand in the Christmas tree lit dark and sing, and I look at my awesome family and just feel the love!  We sound great too!  

At this point we gather in a circle and pass a candle around and share our light and love by talking about the person next to us and saying why we love them.  Wayne did a little devotional on the light of Christ and shining our own lights. We sang “This little light of mine” and our favorite “Running Over.”  

THE KNIGHTING OF THE CLAN

We added a new twist this year. I’ve been thinking about it for awhile and it was the perfect time for this ceremony. Wayne and I knighted our grands with special names and qualities that we see in them or want to cultivate. We made crowns for everyone in the room. Wayne and I put on capes and crowns and Wayne got an awesome sword for this from the Belnaps. Then one by one, oldest to youngest we had them kneel in front of us and as Papa of the clan Wayne spoke beautiful words over each grand then dubbed them with their new titles.  

Andrew the Creator. Sophia the Confident. Alfie the Courageous. Tayla the Kindhearted. Poppy the Joyful. Lady the Brave.  Elsie the Sweet. 

The kids eyes were big as saucers as the sword touched their shoulders.  Then I announced their new title and everyone clapped. We are going to remember to call them these titles when they come and go from our home instead of telling them how cute, pretty or handsome they are. 

All the kids did fine kneeling or standing in front of us, but Poppy saw the pillow and immediately lay down on it.  Bre and Addison and I all tried to help her get to her knees, but she wasn't having it.... in the end we just did it with her laying down. Then she jumped up and clapped with all of us when we announced her new title.  She is joyful! 

We did this in person and also over the computer with Sophia and Andrew kneeling in their home.  

We talked about being a part of the Welch clan who’s foundation is built on faith and family.  Then we made gingerbread houses.  It was so fun!!!  The kids loved it and I loved watching them create.  

(Pro tip hot-glue the gingerbread shapes together  then use icing and candy everywhere else. )

Sophia the Confident

Andrew the Creator

Poppy the Joyful

Tayla the Kind-Hearted

Lady the Brave

Alfie the Courageous

Laila with her finished Gingerbread house in Blue and White

Elsie the Sweet!