How Wonderful it is to Celebrate the Birth of our Savior Jesus Christ

Lights, Music, Cards, Festive Gatherings with Friends and Family

A beloved tradition in my ward building in Palo Alto has attracted thousands of visitors each year. I miss hostessing and enjoying it!

From left, the Honorable Zanetor Agyemang-Rawling, a member of Ghana’s parliament; Elder Alfred Kyungu, General Authority Seventy and president of the Africa West Area; Sister Lucie Kyungu; Sister Tracy Y. Browning, second counselor in the Primary general presidency; and Sister Tamara W. Runia, first counselor in the Young Women general presidency, turn on the lights to the Accra Ghana Temple compound on Nov. 22, 2024. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Tammy is my wonderful neighbor!

Those who do not live in São Paulo can take a virtual tour at www.vilazinhadebelem.org. Senior couple missionaries Elder James Welch and Sister Deanne Welch, originally from Palo Alto, California, were called on a mission to help augment the event this year.Sister Welch located more than 75 different Nativities from around the world, lent by local members, missionaries and friends of the Church.Elder Welch is a professional organist and helped organize 45 concerts with local members, wards, stakes, families, missionaries, soloists and other groups. The Welches are good friends who moved to Provo almost 4 years ago as did I. They worked with many other friends on the Palo Alto exhibit for many years. Check it out!

The annual Christmas market held at "This is the Place" in Salt Lake City, memorial park honoring the first group of Mormon Pioneers entering the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847

The monument (below) and one of many restored or replicated  pioneer era buildings of the park (above)

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Christmas party of the congregation which my Millcreek family attend

They had a Hawaiian theme and a limbo contest. My youngest grand-daughter Phoebe (above), then her twin sisters, Elise (below) and Stephanie. The twins are celebrating their twelfth birthday today (born 12-12-12) !!!

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  One of the amazing 4 BYU student quartets who recently performed

A highlight is the spectacular "Christmas Around the World" held each year in the Marriott Center. BYU's International Folk Dance Ensemble presented dances from Poland, Ukraine, Brazil, Israel, Czechia, Slovakia, Canada, Scotland,, India, Spain, Philippines, Puerto Rico, West Africa, USA, accompanied by the 6 member folk ensemble.

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Cordelia's first basketball game at the rec center where I swim daily.

We ended our candlelit ward dinner by ringing the cultural hall/gym singing "Silent Night"

Dada Kelly Taylor (right) returns December 17 after serving 18 months in the Iowa City Swahili-speaking mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She'll return to BYU in January.

Two touching events at the SLC Conference Center were held last weekend: The annual Devotional (with music and talks), and the annual Choir and orchestra and soloists at Temple Square with music. 

Guest singer and Broadway actor who played Aladdin, Michael Maliakel, and a short presentation of a Victor Hugo story of how his family invited the poor off the street to a yearly Christmas dinner and pageant in their home in Paris.

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My grand-daughter Evie de Schweinitz (standing below left) played a Russian dancer in the Oquirrh Mountain Ballet's "Nutcracker Suite."

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Wasatch Elementary School gave a rousing concert. Cordelia in center. She is in the Mandarin immersion program in third grade.

After an Orem Temple session, driving home past Utah Valley Univ.

       It's beginning to look and feel a lot like Christmas at my house.

I loved the 3 wonderful folk music ensembles at BYU: above is Mountain Strings, below, the American ensemble,  and not pictured, the Celtic ensemble.

My grand-daughters Elise (aka Coco) and Stephanie (aka Taffy) Carlston celebrated their 12th birthdays (born on 12-12-12) with cakes decorated with favorite activities.

The Wasatch chorale (ecumenical) performed a beautiful Christmas concert at the Provo Congregational church downtown. And the performances continue!

I had to share an amazing Lego village which a friend has been collecting and assembling for many years.

As we celebrate and gather with those dear to us, may we remember the homeless, the hungry, the refugees, those discriminated against often in war-torn places. All are our brothers and sisters, God's children, just as we are; all deserving of love, understanding, care.