Hansen Christmas Party

Since the passing of my father-in-law, Earnest, the family has divided up the gatherings and each takes a turn to be in charge. Jaren and Cindy were in charge of the Christmas Party this year. It was held out in Herriman and Cindy's mom, Linda, provided the entire meal. We had 4 different soups available with all the toppings possible, salad with dressing, homemade rolls, and a bazillion different kinds of dessert. When Linda does something, she goes all out. It was delicious and so relaxing to show up and not worry about a thing, second gathering that has done this....I'm liking this theme except Corby and I are in charge of the next gathering.
Everyone was in attendance except HyLee and Natalie, Corby and Malia. Malia wasn't feeling well so Corby opted to stay home this go around and study for an upcoming test. Sierra brought Conner, friend from school, so it was a full house or church;)

Here are the teenagers all huddled and  interacting. Seems so weird that in less than 6 months two of these rug-rats will be graduating high school. Where has the  time gone I say.
When we first arrived at the church, we ate our yummy dinner than gathered in a circle and did the traditional gift exchange and white elephant. 

Troy, the oldest son, and his mother Grandma Hansen

 Grandma Hansen always provides us with a number and a gift that coincides. After you open your gift, you can exchange with other willing participants. If you have a gift no one else wants, you are SOL and home you go with your new treasure. I love white elephants, it is hilarious to watch.

Ada got a new baby from the white elephant exchange and she is already taking such good care of it. She tenderly is feeding her little bundle of joy. Oh how I love this little girl.

Brynlee and Bria sporting their new fancy socks from Grandma Hansen. Grandma always gives the best gifts to the kids. She provides well thought out needed items.....and always a few wants too.


As a family we exchange family names too. This is the last year we will continue this tradition as we are wanting to provide to different charities. I am so excited for this new change. The family that had us this year is why I want to donate to charities. Now, don't think I am not grateful because I am and don't  think Christmas is about presents to me so just hear me out. What I dislike the most about Christmas is spending money or receiving a pointless gift just to be able to cross someone off the list. I think Christmas should be about thoughtful service or gifts and providing items that people never thought they would receive. This year my family received flavored chap stick, a book, and fleece blankets. Now, the blankets are useful but nothing else is so see my point, money spent on useless stuff when kids are going without all over the world. I am so glad we are donating to charities from here on out. I came up with a great gift for Kathleen this year and watching her expression is what Christmas is all about to me. I had the Salt Lake Temple printed on canvas and gallery wrapped. This was the temple she was sealed to Earnest in over 47 years ago. I loved watching her open a well thought out gift. Merry Christmas!
When the gift exchange was cleaned up, we could hear bells ringing and guess who stopped by to say hi........

can you tell from the expressions on the children's faces? Our special someone was Santa Clause with his dear sweet wife. The reindeer stayed outside, silly kids reindeer don't belong in the meeting house.

Bria is dumbfounded and Ada ran to Teesh for comfort

The children listened intently to the story of the candy cane, only a little false doctrine was taught but hey not much different than Sunday School. I love Bria's face here, she is enthralled.

Ada warming up to the idea of Santa being so close. Alynna is so funny here, really concentrating that girl.

Bria wants a puppy with a doctor bag

Each child/teenager was able to sit on Santa's lap and tell what they wanted for Christmas. 

Ada wants a purple chicken(good luck with that one Santa)

Teesh wants a reindeer

Sierra wants a pony and Conner a red rider bee-bee gun, don't shoot your eye out!

Before we knew it, the evening was over and we all said goodbye to Santa. We helped clean up and headed home. It is always so nice to get together without any contention and just enjoy each others company. Well done Jaren and Cindy. In fact, you did such a great job maybe you can take our turn next year.......