They are invited to wear pajamas and to bring an already-opened gift. The service and following community time lasts about one hour and a quarter. The congregation has a tradition of placing a rose in a bud vase when a baby is born, with the names of the parents, siblings, and other family members displayed. On Christmas morning, we place a rose in the bud vase for Jesus. His name is Jesus.
Volunteers prepare snacks for after the service.
We gather in the worship space, shuffling around in our slippers. Conversation revolves around who stayed up the latest, got up the earliest, those who have eaten, those who haven't eaten. The service includes singing, the Christmas story, and the re-lighting of the Advent and Christ candles. One year the Christmas story was told with people acting out parts as it was read, adding comments and interpretations as they went. There is usually a new Christmas story book to share, and people snuggle up with each other to listen.