The Show Must Go On 2020

Although it was another holiday without travel for us we wanted to make sure that some of our holiday traditions didn't break stride. One of the more highly anticipated activities of the season in our household has become tape ball with the Abrams, and for the seventh straight year we got out our tape, dusted off the numbers, and made a massive orb of newspaper and tape.

We added a new twist to our gathering this year with matching pajama pants for the crew. Unfortunately, Reese missed out because we couldn't find pants in her size. Kirk brought it to a new level when he found matching local beer that was officially labeled "Dad." We knew this was a good sign for the evening overall.

Here are the non Dad members of the crew. We were gathered on Christmas Eve, which has become the set day for us. This means we can no longer go with the easy meal of pizza since the restaurants are closed, but we more than made up for that with a fantastic dinner of burrito bowls.

Normally we would gather after the Christmas Eve service at our church. As was the case for so many across the country, we experienced the Christmas Eve service via zoom in our jammies. First Presbyterian did a great job giving us an Advent box for the season that included all the materials we needed, including an advent wreath and candles for the Christmas Eve singing of silent night. It wasn't the same as being in church with everyone, but it was nice to have our extended Lexington family with us.

Once we had celebrated the spiritual and fed the physical, it was time for the emotional. Tape ball brings out all the emotions. The excitement, the competitive spirit, the anticipation, and at times the disappointment. It's amazing what a single die, a ball of paper and tape, and a bunch of unknown presents can spark.

Fortunately it was another year of fun. Highs and lows abounded, but no tears. And after an evening of high energy fun the kids were tired enough to go to sleep quickly in preparation for the next day.