Christmas in Williamsburg

 

We celebrated Christmas with our Winterhoff Family last weekend, and as always, it was a joyous event.  The cousins were wide-eyed and giddy with excitement at the piles of presents in front of them, and we grown-ups delighted in watching the children's reactions and interest in their gifts:

 

 

 

Even Winnie had a big role in on all of the festive happenings.  She is very loved by all of her cousins, and receives lots of attention at these family gatherings.  She was taken on numerous walks per day, was petted and pursued constantly, and was showered with presents and affection.  I'm not sure what she thought of these reindeer games, but her expression here makes me giggle:

 

Bean and Poppy prepared a special "Christmas Church" at home for the children, which included songs, readings by the big kids, and the narration of Christmas story.  Even the littlest grandchildren participated by helping to set up the nativity scene and placing baby Jesus in the manger: 

 

 

 There was also a lesson in the true meaning of Christmas giving as the children pulled coins from Poppy's coin jar, counted them, and used the money to buy meals to feed hungry people.  The kids were given stickers to represent their meals and placed these on a large world map.  All six children loved this activity, and choosing the locations and countries where they wanted to donate each meal:

 

There was also a birthday party for Baby Jesus, complete with cake!



One of the best parts of the weekend is the cousins together as they create beloved childhood Christmas memories.  This pictures says it all, and is truly worth 1,000 words:

 

Another highlight of our Christmas in Williamsburg was the Offutt Family Christmas party, with Great Grammy as the matriarch, and many of Mark's maternal aunts, uncles, and cousins in attendance.  It's another joyful, busy event, with lots of young children, yummy food, and of course Redskins football:

 

 

Loyal Football Fans!

 

 

 

Hope you enjoy these pictures of our wonderful Williamsburg Christmas!