One of our Christmas traditions is to wrap up all our Christmas books (+ one new one) each year and put them under the tree to open each night of December. 

The new one this year was President Monson’s story of the train he gave to the neighbor boy down the street.  He told the story when I was a little girl and I Still remember it.  I was so excited to find that they made it into a children’s book!

Last night, Reagan got to read.

One of my favorites stories is The Last Straw by Paula Palangi McDonald.  It’s the story of a mother who wants to help her four small children stop fighting and feel the spirit of Christmas so they draw names to serve each other every week until Christmas Eve.  Each time they serve their person they put a piece of straw into a little wooden manger for the baby Jesus to sleep in Christmas Eve.  This mother’s approach had the desired affect and so we decided to implement it.  It is so fun to watch the kids serve each other and us.  But Reagan is by far the best at it.  He is always watching and waiting for the chance to serve.  He remembers every day when the rest of us sometimes forget.  This week he picked Liberty’s name. He has been giving her piggy back rides, changing her diaper and getting her breakfast, among other services.  But this one was my favorite. 

All on his own he set up a tea party for her.  He got them all dressed up (note the boa and purse, though the glasses and ties are a nice touch too), set the table and poured the water.  It was awesome!  I love my sweet, thoughtful, loving boy.  (And so does Liberty!)