JANUARY 2026 - New Year - New Beginnings

WINTER 2026

We are actually still waiting for Winter to arrive.  We have had unusually warm weather with very little precipitation for this time of year.  Much to Russ's dismay we have even done some yard work this month.  We have hibernated for much of the month as we recover from a very busy December.  

BYU VOCAL POINT 

We received tickets for this concert as a Christmas gift and it was high energy uplifting phenomenal music from 7 young men who make music together.  It was an enjoyable evening that lifted our spirits.  

As a bonus we saw friends from Texas who were also attending the concert.  The Kimball's and Larry and Gail Manion.  It is so fun seeing friends at unexpected places.  

The next night we were back at BYU for the Men's VOLLEYBALL MATCH.  

So much power on the court and so much energy in the crowd.  They clocked some of the kills at 80 mph.  BYU won in 3 matches.  

COSMO was busy in the stands taking pictures and making it a fun night for all.  

AND WE ARE OFF TO WICHITA KANSAS

This picture was taken from the airplane and was the most beautiful Sunrise but my phone just did not capture the beauty.  It was so bright it would only take a thin line of color.  

This week as I was doing Scripture study I came across some scriptures that tell about experiences with Jesus Christ that were so sacred they could not describe it or were told not to write it down in the records.  They talked about sometimes in the English language there are just not words to translate some of the scripture passages with adequate meaning and so by studying in the written language you might get more from the passage and better meaning.  I thought about this picture and how the camera could not capture what the eye could see and the beauty of the scene.  

Brian and Beth flew to Boston MA to celebrate Brian's Birthday.  We got to spend 5 days with William and Nora trying to keep up with their busy schedules.  We are not used to keeping such a strict schedule and we were so glad Beth had 4 pages filled with all of their activities.  

Nora is a soccer player and in the Winter they do indoor Futsal - a fast-paced 5 on 5 soccer variant played indoors on a basketball-sized court, often using a smaller, low-bounce ball.  She had a tournament and we watched 2 out of her 3 games.  It is nice seeing her progress.

They both tried out for the Wichita Theatre 2026 Productions.  It was an all day event with Russ and I dividing and conquering the schedule to get them to all of their events.  Picture on the left is William in the Dance routine tryout.  He got a call back for his singing and I was amazed at how talented he is and knew the song they asked him to sing at the call back and just went back in and sang without even practicing.  

He was cast as the Chef in the production of The Little Mermaid and Nora was cast as one of the Sea Urchins.  We will return in March to see them in the Show.  We played lots of card games, ate good food, shopped at ALDI - Oh how I miss that store - and got hooked on Lego Masters on TV.  

Williams Selfie

Josh and Julie traveled to New York City to celebrate Josh's Birthday and their 25th Wedding Anniversary.  Josh wanted a carry-on bag and so he went to work on creating a new leather bag.  He continues to amaze us with his design skills and then his ability to make it just how he wants it.  He was inspired by his memory of his Grandpa Haney's saddle bags and their construction.  He said it fit perfectly under his airplane seat and worked just like he wanted it to.  

Our Scripture Study for this year is The Old Testament with an emphasis on finding Jesus Christ - Jehovah in the Old Testament and the study of Covenants.  As I have studied and taught in Sunday School I have also been studying more about the Temple and uniting families together.  As a result, I have spent many hours working on Family History and finding my ancestors.  I have worked for over 5 years on my Father's line with not much progress.  They are from Germany and the records are only in recent years available.  After many hours I made an appointment at the Family History Library to get some help.  I was getting a little frustrated that they were not going to be able to help me much when the worker clicked on the Memories Tab and someone had recently found a legal document listing the Family with all of the children authenticating what I had been trying to find.  We printed it and compared it to the records I had and she looked at me and said, This IS YOUR FAMILY.  I knew it was and it all came together.  I have worked hours this week getting it all entered and all 9 children with their spouses and children finally put together.  I am so grateful for the Tender Mercies that helped me add more pieces to my family puzzle.  

EVENING IN SALT LAKE

We ended the month by taking the Front Runner Train to Salt Lake for a nice evening of Dinner, Tabernacle Organ Concert and visiting with our friends John and Denise.  

The weather was pleasant and it is always relaxing to leave the driving to the Train conductor.  

While we were at dinner we contacted John and Denise Sivo and invited them to join us for the Organ Concert.  

The Concert featured Daniel Hyde the Director of Music at King's College, Cambridge.  He also is the director of the world-famous Choir and he regularly conducts concerts and broadcasts at home and abroad.  He is also the director of the City of London Choir.  He performed works from Johann Sebastian Back, Mozart, Debussy Buxtehude and Cesar Franck.  It is always enjoyable to hear the organ played using its full capacity.  So many beautiful sounds and the lighting added a nice touch.

They have begun taking the scaffolding down from the Salt Lake temple renovation.  It was a beautiful clear night and also a full moon with Jupiter lined up with it.  

The highlight of the night was meeting up with John and Denise and catching up on life.  They are always so welcoming and the views from their home are stunning.  

THE TALE OF BEING A FOREIGNER

My life has been filled with so many experiences that have changed my perspective on things and enriched my thinking over the years.  I am grateful for the opportunities to have lived outside of the United States and also for the experiences I have had in helping people come and begin a new life.  I would like to share a personal experience that Russ and I had a few years ago.

When we were called to serve a Mission in the Alpine German Speaking Mission we were initially assigned to serve in Salzburg, Austria.  All of our VISA paperwork was for Austria and was completed and sent in for us to be able to live for 2 years in Austria.  The week before we were to leave just before we went to the MTC in Provo, UT we received a call from our Mission President telling us that he had prayed about our assignment and that we were needed in Freiburg Germany.  We were excited for this new assignment and just assumed everything would be taken care of.  When we left the MTC we were told we did not have a VISA but that we would get one once we arrived in country.  We arrived in Munich Germany and were given instructions including all of our VISA paperwork that we had submitted that had not been turned in and told that upon arriving in Freiburg we would need to report to the Government and begin the process for our VISA approval.  The building in the picture above became a place we visited often.  I have to say, we were a little - no a lot intimidated by our first visit.  I did not speak German and Russ was trying to get back in the swing of it.  We turned everything in, paid our money and they said they would be in touch  with us.  We knew we were OK for 90 days on a Tourist Visa.  We got an International Driving license and enjoyed all of the benefits of living in Germany.  When you move to a new city you have 1 week to check in at the Government office and register with the City as well as when you leave you have to check back in a let them know you are leaving.  We always made sure the missionaries took care of doing that as they came and went to different assignments.  Well, our 90 days were almost up and we did not have our VISA. We had to regularly report to the Government and at this time we were told - DO NOT WORRY - you are in our system and you will be fine - just pay us another 150 Euro and come back next month.  

We were traveling regularly to Switzerland and occasionally to Austria and it was a little scary trusting that we really were OK.  One day as we sat waiting for our appointment we watched as a refugee women was being deported back to her Country.  It was a very emotional experience for us as we knew what she would face returning leaving her family in Germany.  She was also working on her paperwork.  

After 6 months of being in Germany - more payments to the Government - we finally received our VISA.  We were so relieved and grateful that the system worked and we were finally legal!  Six months later we received another call from our Mission President and we were asked to transfer to Vienna Austria.  WHAT??  We were finally legal in Germany and loving our time and the people.  This is where we thought we needed to be - until we arrived in Vienna and it was immediately Home.  With that, we had to start the VISA process all over again but for Austria.  That's another story that I don't need to tell - just to say it went well and we were given the VISA the day we turned in our papers.  A Tender Mercy.

My point to this is that there was a system that allowed for us to come and be in the system and be OK.  We hear so much about immigration today in the United States and it is all about anti-immigration or being "legal" instead of working out a plan to allow immigration again in our Country.  We have people in the "system" who are currently being treated poorly. I am glad I was not treated that way in Germany even though every time we had to go to an appointment it was stressful.  

 I talked earlier about doing Family History and finding my ancestors in Germany.  They immigrated in 1881 arriving in Baltimore Maryland and being sent to Illinois and then they settled in the Long Pine Nebraska area.  Some changed their names in the early 1900's because they did not want to have German names in the United States.  They were now Americans!  My family comes from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Switzerland, and Germany.  Each one of them have a story to tell of their Immigration.  

I am grateful they chose to come and that I am an American - a composite of all of them.  They were Irish Catholic, Lutheran German's and a some who found The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in England, Ireland, Switzerland and Wales and came for Religious freedom.  All of that has shaped my life and thinking.  

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf regarding immigration:  "Sometimes as Church  members we have to see where we are coming from before we say, 'We cannot help everyone.  There are too many.  That is too much.  You cannot ask for so much.'  Fortunately, Quincy Illinois did not say that.  They accepted us."

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has long expressed its position that immigration reform should strengthen families and keep them together...We are deeply troubled by the aggressive and insensitive treatment of these families.  While we recognize the right of all nations to enforce their laws and secure their borders, we encourage our national leaders to take swift action to correct this situation and seek for rational, compassionate solutions."  Official Church statement, June 18, 2018.  

As we begin this New Year I want to end with a quote from Pres. Russell M. Nelson that brings me peace and hope for the coming days.

"Some things are simply true.  The arbiter of truth is God - not your favorite social media news feed, not Google, and certainly not those who are disaffected from the Church . . .

Many now claim that truth is relative and that there is no such thing as divine law or a divine plan.  Such a claim is simply not true.  There is a difference between right and wrong.  Truth is based upon the laws God has established for the dependability, protection, and nurturing of His children.  Eternal laws operate in and affect each of our lives, whether we believe them or not.  

Truth isn't relative.  It is man's understanding of the truth that is really relative... Truth proclaimed by Deity is as absolute as Deity."  Contrary to the doubts of some, there really is such a thing as right and wrong.  There really is absolute truth."

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The Grimmett's

DECEMBER 2025 - THE BEST OF CHRISTMAS, FAMILY TRAVELS, FRIENDS, NATIVITY DISPLAYS

 

December has been a whirlwind of a month filled with parties, concerts, family, friends, travels and everything that goes with Christmas.  We have been so blessed we "Stand All Amazed" with all that has happened in our lives this month and this year.  We appreciate the people in our lives that have helped us in our journey of life and continue to read our Blog and share in the happenings of our daily life.  

THE PARTIES

We had our annual Relief Society Christmas Party to start off the month.  The Norton's recently built a home in our neighborhood and the party was held in their new home.  It was a night of delicious food, Christmas Carols and constant chatter as we visited with each other.  

Emily and friends

I took these Cranberry Pecan stuffed Dates.  They were a big hit and the plate was cleared in minutes.  

Recipe:

12 Medjool dates, pitted

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped

1 Tablespoon Honey

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

pinch of salt

Instructions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350* and line baking sheet with parchment paper

2.  Mix together the softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, chopped pecans, honey, vanilla and a pinch of salt.  Stir until smooth and fully combined.  I use my food processor.

3.  Slice each pitted date lengthwise to create a small pocket - Do Not cut all the way through.

4.  Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each date with the cream cheese mixture until fully stuffed

5.  Arrange the stuffed dates on the prepared baking sheet

6.  Bake for 10-12 min. just until the dates are warm and the cream cheese is slightly softened.  Leet cool for. few minutes before serving.  Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

WARD CHRISTMAS PARTY

We had a nice evening gathering with neighbors at our Church for our Christmas Dinner and program.  This gorgeous life size Nativity was the focus of the room and brought a wonderful spirit to the gathering

Emily and friends

We have so much talent in our Ward and were favored with music from the Primary children, the Youth group and many others who sang, violins and guitars and a special number from our neighborhood Bagpiper, Brother Minor.  

We also participated with a Giving Tree to help Refugee families in the area.  This was just a small part of what was donated by the end of the night.  It was an outpouring of Love that would make a difference for so many families.  It was mostly the necessities of life like sheets, pillow, towels, toilet paper, diapers, coats, socks, walkers for disabled and a few fun toys and bikes.  

I was asked to bring a Salad.  I made a festive Winter Salad.

DETOX CELERY SALAD

I small radicchio head torn into small pieces (I used a mixed salad mix that contained radicchio)

1 Fennel Bulb, sliced thin, fronds reserved

1/2 cup Pomegranate seeds

1/2 cup Parsley Leaves

2 Apples, cut into matchsticks

Ricotta Salata cheese ( I used Feta.  You can also use Pecorino Romano or Cotija)

Dressing Ingredients

1/2 cup Olive Oil

2 Tbl, Rice Wine Vinegar

3 Tbl. fresh Orange Juice

1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt

Pepper to taste

2 Tbl. Honey

1/2 tsp. Dijon Mustard

Add all of the salad ingredients to a large salad serving bowl.

Add all of the dressing ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.  

Add dressing to the salad, toss and serve.  (Do not use all of the dressing, coat salad as desired)

EVENTS

Linda and Sister Pam

Russ 

Cute Alpine Children

  The Christkindlmarkt in Salt Lake City has become an annual Tradition.  We met up with my sister, Pam and had a delightful time shopping, eating Brats and enjoying the Alpine atmosphere.  Highlights are the Brats with sauerkraut, Cinnamon Hot Chocolate, Lebkuchen, a new Nativity and wonderful wool socks just to name a few things we enjoyed.  

BYU SHOW CHOIR WITH ADAPTIVE LEARNING STUDENTS

Our neighbor, Bailey participates with the BYU Adaptive Learning program.  She is 15 years old with special needs and performed her dream to be a princess and dance with a Prince.  It was so special to see her with the BYU student as Prince and her in her Princess dress and dancing in the Smith Fieldhouse in front of hundreds of people.  We were so proud of her.  Each participant was paired with 1 or more BYU students to do their performance.  They then sang 3 songs as a whole group.  It was impressive and tender to our hearts.  

BYU CREAMERY ON 9TH 

GRAND OPENING OF THE BYU CREAMERY

The BYU dairy dates back to 1949 when BYU established a dairy processing plant to provide milk to the students.  In 1964 the operation moved into the new Dairy Products Lab Building, known as the Creamery.  They added ie cream to their production.  

While we were at BYU 1975-79 there was a grocery store originally Kent's Market that became Carson's Market that I shopped at as a student living in Heritage Halls.  In 1999 the market closed its doors.  The widow of the owner willed the building to the University,  The University decided to turn it into a grocery store/creamery becoming the iconic The Creamery on Ninth.  On August 24, 2000 the Creamery had it's Grand Opening.  It was the first full-service grocery store on any college campus in the USA.  The Creamery holds a special place int he hearts of BYU students, faculty and alumni alike.  More than 200,000 gallons of Creamery ice cream are served each year.  

In December 2025 another historic event happened as the doors to the new larger and updated Grocery Store and Creamery opened just behind the original Creamery on Ninth.  We had to go check it out - yes, it is part of our memories with our kids and grandkids - while it is a great new building and will serve the students better, it was a little sad to know the historical building will no longer be a part of our lives.  It's All About the Ice Cream!

THE TABERNACLE CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA AT TEMPLE SQUARE CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Always a fun adventure when we take the FrontRunner to Salt Lake City.  It is so nice to take the train and leave the driving to them and no hassle trying to find a parking place.  It is always hard to acquire tickets for this concert and we were blessed to have my sister get them and share with us. 
The Choir and Orchestra performed with guest artists, Stephanie J. Block and Sebastian Arcelus. 

Stephanie is a Tony Award winner and one of Broadway's most dynamic leading voicers.  She recently appeared as Kate in Kiss Me Kate in London; Broadways Into the Woods and Falsettos and The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

Sebastian Arcelus most recently played the Baker opposite his wife Stephanie Block in Into The Woods on Broadway and the National tour.  He has performed as Jay Whitman on Madam Secretary and Elf, Jersey Boys, Wicked, Rent and more.  

My sister, Pam and her granddaughter Leah attended with us.  It was a magical night of Christmas music, stories and being with some of our favorite people.  The Christmas Spirit just keeps giving and adding to our Holiday Season.  

FAMILY

We decided this year in place of gifts to family we would travel and visit each family.  

We made a quick trip to Wichita Kansas to visit Brian and his family.  It is always an adventure getting to Wichita.  Our flight was delayed in Phoenix and we arrived 2 hours later and so instead of dinner we took them to Braum's (a little Texas nostalgia) for Ice Cream and got to spend a few hours with the grandkids, William and Nora.  The next morning we were off to DFW for a haircut and visit to Granbury for The Nativity Display - more on that later.  

In between all of this we were preparing our home for our own Nativity Display and Open House and getting the refreshments baked and prepared.  Our next stop was

PORTLAND OREGON

The Portland Airport is a true work of art using their local natural resources.  It is so beautiful.  

Josh is a true train hobbyist and has created a two track system around his living room, He handmade all of the trees and the bridges and has painted the cars of the train to look weathered.  It is amazing and so festive at Christmas time.  

We stayed at the Mark Spencer Hotel in Downtown Portland and had the best time walking the streets and visiting the shops and riding the street cars and bus to get around.  The Hotel was a historic building with a fun history around the Theatre in Portland.

This is the hallway in the Hotel with the frogs watching over us.  

Josh, Kelly and Shannon spent the first day with us shopping and walking around downtown.  It was so fun being with them.

We took everyone to The Urban German Wursthaus for dinner,  

It was fun to share our love of German food with our Grandchildren.

Brats, spaetzle, pretzels, schnitzels and fries were enjoyed by all.

German Pretzel Appetizer 

Their home is so cute and inviting and decorated so festive for Christmas.  They still have roses blooming it is so green.  

The next day Josh took us on a drive to Multnomah to have lunch at another German restaurant, Otto & Anita's Schnitzelhaus.   It was just like the gasthaus (restaurants) we would eat at in Germany and Austria.  

Their specialty was Dill Pickle Soup.  A NEW Favorite.  It is right up there with Spargle (asparagus) and Pumpkin Soup.  

We were getting spoiled by all the good food and atmosphere.

One of the highlights of the trip was to attend the Christmas Concert of our grandson, Jamie.  He is a Tuba player in the band.  The band, orchestra, Jazz band, choirs and dance team all performed.  It was a phenomenal performance like nothing we had ever attended for a school concert.  It was a sell out crowd for all three performances with over 500 students participating.  We loved seeing the school Jamie attends and to see him perform.  

Before we left Portland Josh and Julie gave us our Christmas present.  Josh has told us to bring an extra bag or room in our suitcase for something.  We had no idea what he had in store for us.

I have shared his talent and skill in making custom leather boots.  A year ago he made a scan and mold of our feet so that at some time he might make us a pair.  

We each received a pair of hand sewn veg tan leather boots.  They are the perfect fit for each of our feet.  I received red boots with natural toe and Russ received a nice green boot.  We have been wearing them around the house to get them worn in and the leather is already softening.  This will last for many years to come - probably out last our lives.  

TWIN FALLS IDAHO

My brother, George turned 80 in September and also was diagnosed with Cancer.  He has been undergoing Chemo and Radiation therapy for the past 2 months.  He has had a few setbacks and had to be in the hospital a few times and has to stay at home isolated with his compromised immune system.  We wanted to bring him some Christmas cheer and decided to gather my brother Tad and my sisters, Pam and Brooke and meet in Twin Falls to sing him a Christmas Carol and wish him a Merry Christmas.  We were going to just stay at the door and let him know we were thinking of him and love.

We arranged with his wife, Irene for the surprise.  

He was very tired from a day of treatments and finally was able to come out to see who was there to see him.  It was an emotional reunion - 7 years since we have all been together.  We could hardly sing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas".  

We put on our masks and had a wonderful visit.  It was so fun being with my siblings and hanging out for a day with Tad and his wife, Kris, Brooke and Pam.  We shopped and ate and played games together in a great reunion.  

Pam and I drove through the neighborhood we grew up in that formed our lives and friendships.  So many fond memories.  The house looks pretty good for being 70 years old.  

Our next door neighbors growing up in the Lynwood neighborhood, The Crocket's have also moved to Utah and came over for a visit.  We have loved reconnecting with them and have so much fun reliving those wonderful years.  Valene is 97 and the last of the parents of our neighborhood friends still living.  She is a legend.  

CHRISTMAS WITH EMILY, LOGAN AND PRESLEE

We begin our Christmas celebration with our Christmas Eve, Night in Bethlehem.  We have done this as a family for about 35 years and look forward to it as one of the best evenings of the year.  The food was prepared, the candles lit and the family came and paid their taxes with chocolate coins, we talked about the candles of the advent - HOPE, LOVE, PEACE AND JOY.  We enjoyed our dinner of pita bread filled with grilled chicken and toppings, potato cubes, chips and salsa, dates, craisins, dried fruit, nuts, variety of olives and dolmas with fruit breads for dessert.  

We then load into the car and go see the lights of Christmas.  I have done that with my family since I was a little girl.  The perfect end to a day filled with the Light of Jesus Christ.  There are houses filled with lights and music, Santas, all kinds of characters, Manger scenes and the come thing in all is the LIGHTS.  We can find Christ is everything around us.  

Christmas morning is still fun even with teenagers.  Emily makes it so special for her kids and we enjoy being a part of their morning.  Logan was so happy with his stack of gifts and he and Preslee even got along and enjoyed watching each other open presents.  He spent the past two weeks building a computer for Santa's gift to Preslee.  He took it very serious and kept the secret and was very busy behind closed doors most of the time.  He was invested in her gifts and it made it really fun.  

We enjoyed our morning together and then Russ and I were off to Minnesota to visit Jaime and her family.

Farmington Minnesota with Jaime and family

We arrived about 7:00 pm in Minnesota and went directly to the Hotel we were staying in.  Jaime and Andy got a room as well and even took their Christmas tree and put it up so there family could have Christmas morning together.  Andy is a professional SANTA and Christmas Eve is his busiest day and night.  They do their festivities all on Christmas day.  We got there just in time to be a part of their Night in Bethlehem dinner.  Two nights in a row to get to eat that dinner was a real treat.  Jaime cooked the most delicious chicken and it was so nice being with their family again.  It has been over a year since we have been together.  We then were off for a good nights sleep to be ready to help the next day.  

Jaime and Andy own a bakery and Jaime had a private cookie making class the day after Christmas.  We got to join them at the bakery kitchen and help prep for the class.  Andy is the baker and Jaime makes the frosting, packages, does all of the marketing and sales, and teaches the classes.  They are really good at what they do and it was a good year for them.  

While Jaime was teaching the class, Russ and I drove to Northfield about 20 minutes South of Farmington - the Hallmark movie Love Always, Santa was filmed there in 2016.  We watched the movie a few days before and then wanted to see the charming downtown that was used in the film.  

We had a delightful day together and really enjoyed walking the square and the main street and visiting/shopping all of the antique stores and quaint shops.

Lunch at Hogan Brother's Cafe was a highlight.  There were lots of coffee shops and bakeries but this was the only cafe on the street and it did not disappoint.  We asked a couple coming out of the cafe if it was a good place to eat.  They said, "we come from Minneapolis just to eat lunch here."  They had the most delicious soups and sandwiches - perfect for the cold rainy day.  We got a 3 scoop bowl of the best Mint chocolate ice cream for $2.49 - it was like going back in time.  

The best treat was the antique store in the upper stories of the building.  I got some really nice things for gifts and just enjoyed browsing through all the antiques and vintage things.

The Cannon River, a significant community feature flowing from South Central Minnesota toward the Mississippi River was a focal point in the movie.  It was covered with ice and then water is flowing over the dam. 

 

Cannon River Bridge

When we got back to the Hotel our granddaughter, Emma had made this Gingerbread House.  It was so cute and had so many details.  She has learned a lot from her mother and is a very good artist as well.  

 She made it three sided so she could decorate the inside.  Notice how detailed she decorated the little men and the inside.  It is so cute.  

Gingerbread House Interior

We then took the family to Dinner at the Dragon Star Buffet - one of their favorite places to eat.  

It worked great for everyone to eat what the wanted and as much as they wanted.  The Seafood was so delicious - the best shrimp.  

We really enjoyed our time with the grandkids eating good food and catching up on their lives.  They range from 26 - 17 and it is getting harder as they get older to spend very much time with them.  

ZUIS FAMILY

Having fun watching the Koi fish in the restaurant pond.  

Well, that is a wrap for our Christmas visits to family.  It was a lot of traveling with a few adventures along the way.  We ended up flying home via Boise Idaho and spent the night with my sister, Brooke and then she drove us home to Utah.  Family is the best.  

This is a fun AI Photo of Jaime and Andy as they finish up this Christmas Season with SANTA.  It was another successful year and they are already booking for next Christmas.

I will finish this months Blog with the most meaningful part of the Christmas Season - The reason for the Season - the Birth of Jesus Christ - The Prince of Peace, Savior, Messiah, Emmanuel, Lamb of God, Bread of Life, Good Shepherd, King of Kings and Light of the World.

NATIVITY DISPLAYS

The ALPINE LIVE NATIVITY started the month with Emily, Logan and Preslee. It was a gorgeous night with a full moon.  

You start outside with the animals and Shepherds.  It is located on a working farm and they have created this Bethlehem City for Christmas.  

The camels are a favorite and they are really interesting to watch and even pet.  

Camels

After the animals you go into a barn that is created into the market of the city.  As you enter you receive a coin and then pay your taxes to the tax collector.  

Booth in the market

You then walk encountering the Roman soldiers, musical entertainment and then arrive at a small building that houses the cave where Mary, Joseph and the Baby are residing.  It is stunning to enter and go around the corner and see this beautiful setting.  It is quiet and peaceful and filled with the Spirit.  This is becoming another tradition for the family.

GRANBURY TEXAS

For 29 years we have shared in the Nativity with our dear friend, Faye Landham.  We did not know if we would make it this year, but it just does not seem like Christmas without sharing it with Faye.  She loves sharing Jesus with anyone who will listen.  She has such a love of Jesus Christ and his birth.  

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Granbury Ward is now the stewards of her Collection.  They held the display at a new location this year in a Historic Home and it was absolutely stunning.  

I really liked how the Nativities were displayed and the flow of the rooms.  We really enjoyed walking through and seeing our favorite sets and meeting Sister Johnson who put it all together and has a love and desire to carry on the display in Granbury,  So grateful for her efforts - her prayers and dedication to the event truly made a difference.  

Russia Collection

Around the World

It is amazing to see that what started 30 years ago in Arlington Texas with 250 Nativity Sets on loan for a display has grown into this display in Granbury of 1,000 Nativity sets and my own display in my home.  

Thirty years ago I was the Cultural Arts Specialist in the Arlington Texas Stake.  My dear friend, Suzanne Sadler came to me and said, "We need to host a Nativity Display in our Stake and you are the one who could make it happen."  That was in August and by December 1 we were ready with our first display in Arlington Texas.  

At that time I owned two Nativity sets.  Our collection has grown to over 100 sets from all over the world.  We have met so many people and have been able to share our love of Jesus Christ with so many. 

 One of the original organizers of Nativity Displays first in California and now in Midway Utah are Jack and Holly Zenger.  They participated in the community event for many years and the past few years have shown their collection in their home.  

Russ and I visited their display three years ago and were welcomed and became fast friends of the Zengers.  They have over 2,000 Nativity sets and display about 600 each year.  We were invited to help host at their event and we have looked forward to it the past two years.  

The theme for this year in the main room was Oriental.  The two Christmas trees were decorated in the Oriental theme and were spectacular.  Each year with a new theme and different Nativities displayed make it a wonderful experience.

This large floor set was in the entrance to the living room from the Orient.  

Main Christmas Tree

This was one of my favorites as it shows Mary lying down resting.

A treasure that has gwon over the years. Created by Judy Gibson King, a North Carolina artist, who works with polymer clay in the southwestern Santero (Saint maker) tradition.  No paint is used, just colored clay.  For the angel wings, Judy mixes colors ehn cuts and applies each feather individually.  No two angels will ever have the same feathers.  

Below is another set in a similar style but with Joseph holding the baby Jesus while Mary rests.  So simple and beautiful.

Fontanini Village

Angel Displays

Pure of Heart

2025 Christmas photo

The next day we hosted our Nativity Open House.  We opened our home on Sunday, Monday and the following Sunday with a few private showings during the week.  I love having my home filled with the Nativities and to feel the Spirit of Christmas every day.  It was a lot of work with such a busy month but it is a big part of our Christmas Celebration.  We really enjoy sharing with our friends and neighbors and this year even strangers.  

OUR HOME

Welcome to our Home Tour.  

We start upstairs in Emily's home and begin in her living room.  She decorated three large trees in her home and they were each unique and beautiful creations.  

We move into the Dining Room where we display a large number of our Nativities.  We showcase our Thomas Clark, Jim Shore, Hand made creations, Africa, Israel, Italy, Japan and others.   

Dining Room

Fontanini Collection - a gift from Marsha Turner.  I crafted a new Manger this year and added some additional decor to enhance the display,  This set has become a favorite as I spend time creating the village with townspeople, musicians, Roman soldiers, Wisemen, Shepherds, Farmers, animals and think about their role in the Birth of Jesus Christ.  It has become very special to me.  

We move on to the family room with another tree and more Nativities.  Emily's collection is shown in this room along with more our our collection.  

We made this ladder shelf to better display more of our sets.  It turned out really nice and was so much better to showcase the Nativities.

We have Africa, Mexico, Peru, Haiti, India and many wooden homemade sets from family and friends.  

This year was really special as we had so many friends from our Texas days who have also moved to Texas come and visit.  The Smith's and the Jepson's - two families that made a difference in my life during our years at the Arlington Texas Institute.  Margie and Cameron Anderson came twice and that was a trip down memory lane as we shared our love of Max and Sally and the many years we spent with them on Christmas Eve.  Sam Jones and his brother and family along with Steve and Betty Anderson from our Texas days made the evening extra special.  

Former missionaries, neighbors and friends.  We love that several families have made it a family tradition to come each year.  We look forward to their visits and catching up.  

We now go downstairs to our home for the remainder of our Nativities.  

This is where we showcase our Germany, Austria, Czech, England and Spain Nativities.  We enjoy sharing our stories about each one and why they are special to us.

Christmas Tree and Nativities

Willow Tree, Olive Wood Madonna from Israel and others are displayed on our mantle.  Amazing how many we display in our small home.  

Our newest addition is a Brick'um set released this year.  I had Logan build it and he really enjoyed putting it together.  He needed a little Jesus in his life and I think he was actually touched by experience.  

It wouldn't be an event if there was not food served and this year I made mini cinnamon rolls with apples and caramel dip, chips with pepper jelly over cream cheese, cookies, hot chocolate and lemonade.  

I finally found a German Lebkuchen (german gingerbread) recipe that is authentic with the dried fruit, frosting and dipped in chocolate.  The are so delicious and one of our favorite German cookies.  Only for those who want a true German experience!  

This Paper Nativity is 60 years old and my very first Nativity.  It is my most special one and is quite the conversation piece.  It speaks to me in a way that no others do.  It has been to Germany and Austria with us and was our only Nativity for several years.  It becomes more valuable to me each year and I cherish the memories I have because of it.  

We will enjoy them in our home for another week and then they will be taken down and stored for another year,  I hope the Spirit that has been in our home with continue the whole year through.  

President Jeffrey R. Holland, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles passed away on December 27 and his funeral was held on Dec. 31 in the Tabernacle on Temple Square.  

Pres. Holland was a lifelong Religious Educator including being the 9th President of Brigham Young University, Dean of Religious Education at BYU and commissioner of the Church's global education system.  He was a dynamic speaker and became one of my favorite Apostles to speak at General Conference.  

He was an advocate for Repentance for the sinner and a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and His redeeming Atonement for ALL mankind.  

He will be missed but his words will carry on in the hearts of those who heard him.  

NEW YEAR'S EVE

Raclette food

Another tradition brought from our mission is having a Swiss Raclette dinner.  We had Riverbend Ranch Sirloin steak strips, onions, peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, apples and pineapple to grill on the grill.  While that is grilling you melt cheese to put over boiled potatoes and any other of the grilled foods.  We rounded out the menu with a green salad and sparkling water.  It is so festive as each person grills their own food on the grill just like they want it, good conversation and a relaxed atmosphere.  Perfect way to end the year in the quiet of our home enjoying a delicious meal.  

BYU WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

The final event of the night/year was attending a BYU Women's Basketball gave vs. TCU.  It was our first time at a Women's game and it was a really fun way to spend the evening.  It was festive and entertaining even if BYU lost the game.  TCU has a really good team and it was a great game to watch.  

We are looking forward to a few days of rest after a very busy December.  We have felt so much Love and Joy as we have had these experiences that we shared.  We wish everyone the Blessings you desire, the Hope of a bright future, the Peace and Joy found in Jesus Christ and all the Love you can feel to share.

With Love,

The Grimmett's