We had an absolutely fantastic Christmas Eve. Played with the kids all afternoon. We had a talent show in the afternoon with lots of singing and dancing. The combined "Walton" family decked the dining hall with garlands, lights, and all sorts of decorations. We decided that you can never really have too much confetti at a party for so many kids. They kept picking it up and throwing it for hours. Endless fun! We took the kids to church (that was absolutely insane taking so many kids to church!!) but it was really beautiful and the kids were incredibly good - even ours. 

The service was in Spanish, of course, but the cadence and the rhythm of the prayers sounded just like home. We sang Silent Night, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, O, Come all the Faithful, and lots of other familiar, and unfamiliar hymns. Even a little Simon and Garfunkel mixed in. The kids enjoyed the electric guitar and drum set versions of all those familiar songs. We lit Sparklers as we sang Silent Night before heading home.

We piled back into the van (28 bodies in one of the vans!) and came home to a big fiesta. Lots of music and running around. And glow sticks! Then Santa (AKA Bill) showed up with gifts and stockings for everyone. 

The kids lined up to receive their Christmas cards and stockings and for turn to sit on Santa's lap. Their faces lit up as they dug through Santa'a bag for a puzzle, race car, coloring book or other toy. After gifts, we all enjoyed the cakes the kids baked in the bakery the day before. And, if course, continued throwing confetti. 

Then at midnight the entire city erupted in Fireworks. Think 4th of July all over the city. The school sits up high so we could look down across the city full of fireworks. Absolutely gorgeous!  Also at midnight, everyone exchanges hugs and kisses and says Feliz Navidad! I got at least a year's worth of hugs and kisses. It was like Christmas, New Year's Eve and 4 of July all at the same time!  We went to bed around 1 am. And, believe it or not, Santa found us! All ten if us woke up to a small gift and a stocking.

Christmas Day is quiet in Honduras. All the Excitement happens on Christmas Eve. We loaded the kids into the van to take everyone to see "Frozen," a new Disney movie, in the theater in Spanish. Popcorn, soda and the works!  The rest of the day was pretty quiet with the regular soccer games and crafts. 

While Chaney, Sean and the boys played soccer, Julie, Bill, Betsy and Mikaela hung out in little boys' dorm before bed.  Apparently Betsy was identified as a "robber" and was put in "jail" several times. Luckily, Julie and Mikaela broke her out of jail in a daring rescue. Exhausted, we said good night to the boys.  Everett said this was his best Christmas ever. He had been playing soccer, baseball and tag all day with 50 of his best friends. And he got a stuffed polar bear. Who could ask for more? 

We all agree, this has been the absolute best Christmas ever. So much love, so many smiles, and so many hugs. But there were also some sad moments. Small faces with tears rolling down their cheeks during church. Quiet little ones alone in a corner while everyone played. Reminders of why this place is so important. El Hogar is an oasis of love. It is wonderful that these kids get to live and grow here. But at the same time it is sad that they have to.

We are privileged to be here with them. And with each other. 

Feliz Navidad!