Silent Night

Look what I found at the Amish produce stand – cranberry beans (or as I’m affectionately dubbing them, Christmas beans!). Aren’t they gorgeous?

In liu of Christmas Turkey tomorrow, I think I’m going to be cooking up some of these in a simple mixture of olive oil, parsley, and a few other herbs.

Mom decided to get playful with some “toothy beans”.  

Mom got lucky and got to open a Christmas present early! She was washing some dishes and Dad decided it was time to replace the old dish drainer.

Isn’t my Dad so handsome?

While I was at the grocery store picking up some last minute things, my mom was baking away and was so sweet to make everything vegan-friendly for me! Vegan friendly zucchini bread and whole wheat beer bread! 

Our dinner for Christmas Eve was really simple, as it was just the five of us (mom, dad, me, Ross, sister Megan). While everyone else enjoyed a pork tenderloin, I used the marinade my mom made (lime juice, oil, honey, garlic) on some light firm tofu.

We also had a dish of sweet potatoes, sweet onions, maple syrup, seasonings and vegan butter and some steamed asparagus.

Then came the traditional Christmas Eve service at church. Last year was our first married Christmas and we spent it in Alabama with Ross’ family. It was my first Christmas away from my family and I really missed all of our traditions, so I was excited to be back again this year although it was different. This year was the first Christmas Eve Service (besides last year, which didn’t count because I wasn’t here) that I didn’t play! Flute, that is. Every year since I was in middle school I played, anywhere from one to three Christmas Eve services. It was always so lovely, and I missed not playing tonight! Still, it was a beautiful service. I love the end, when all the lights go out and everyone lights each others’ candles, and you have a sea of candlelight and a capella voices singing Silent Night. It’s always so still and beautiful, and the perfect introduction to Christmas.

On that note, I hope you all have a beautiful, silent, holy night. Merry Christmas!