by Shelley Bennett
It’s a well-known fact that Santa only had to check his list twice. I think he might be fibbing. I have multiple lists and I’ve had to check them all more than twice.
I’ve got a list of presents purchased and presents that need to be purchased. There’s the grocery list and the Walmart list.
The list of what we’re eating for Christmas Eve dinner (a.k.a. Sofia’s Birthday), Christmas Day Breakfast, and Christmas Dinner. A list of treats to be made. And a list of deliveries that need to be done.
Luckily this week doesn’t include a list of assignments to create, lessons to plan, and papers to grade!
High on my list of things to do is soak up this time with my family. Every time the five of us are together, I am super aware that it might be the last time that I get them in the same place for this long.
Jake and Landon have been eating in a dining hall for the past four months and they are happily adding their favorite family dinners to the list of things to cook and eat: fried chicken, tamale pie, steak.
One list that is dwindling is the list of places to go. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the holiday events I have been able to attend.
Last week the Drill Team was invited by principal Josh Blackburn to help at Shaffer School’s Christmas Carnival. With the help of Anna Townsend, the girls placed glittery tattoos on the arms of many young girls and boys. They were definitely a hit!
The school grounds were beautifully decked out in lights and with the sweet voices of students filling the air with carols, really put me in the holiday mood.
Then I drove through the Live Nativity at the Church of the Latter-Day Saints with friends. Christina Anderson (with her husband Tim and a creative team of volunteers) keeps adding more amazingness to this display. This year there was a program, more set pieces, accompanying music, and a beautiful host of graceful angels.
It was especially fun to see who you could spot in their roles of shepherds, guards, angels, etc. Some broke the fourth wall (Luke Peterson, Logan Stiles, Justin Ellena) and some were firmly committed.
Since we were already in the car, it was natural to drive through the Festival of Lights at the Lassen County Fairgrounds. We were so proud of Lassen High’s entry which won first place! The scene of ice-skating bears was imagined and created by our Student Advocate Nancy Singh.
It was over-the-top adorable Miss Nancy! Congratulations! I bet she is already planning what to do next year.
With each thing that gets checked off my list, my mind gets one step closer to Christmas. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and cherish your time with family and friends. See you in 2023!
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