Here is my view of the entire day–I was home in bed sick under a Christmas quilt. Wow, I feel like I’ve been hit by a train. So I talked Pres Lewis into taking some photos and some notes for me today as he interviewed members of the Yakima Zone here in town. I mostly slept and took meds. Here’s what these good missionaries had to say today: (Sorry I wasn’t there to really interrogate them and get the details.)
Elder and Sister McKeen, serving with the Young Single Adults in the Yakima and Selah Stakes
Elder and Sister McKeen: We do a white elephant exchange (the funnier, the better). We also tell a family history story with visual aids about Christmas. This year I (Elder McKeen) will try and review weekly my weaknesses in preparation for the sacrament, to help me be more dependent upon my Savior. Sister McKeen: I will forget about myself and reach out to all those around us or me the way Christ would–by feeding, loving and encouraging.
Elder Summit and Elder Eliason, serving in the Summit View Ward
Elder Summit (isn’t it perfect that he’s in the Summit View Ward?) My favorite family traditions are putting up the Christmas tree as a family and our Christmas Eve party at grandma’s house. This year I will have a more Christ-centered Christmas by doing good to others!
Elder Eliason: Our family cuts down a tree together and we play games together. This year I am learning a lot about Him.
Sister Cannell and Sister Shinkle, serving in the Yakima Randall Park Ward
Sister Cannell: We open a present on Christmas Eve and have a party at my aunt and uncle’s house. This year I will work on a Christ-like attribute each week and apply it to my own life.
Sister Shinkle: On Christmas Eve, all 7 kids sleep in the same bedroom. We eat sticky buns in the morning right after opening presents. This year I will focus more on others rather than myself.
Elder Miwa and ELder Miller, serving in the Yakima Meadowbrook Ward
Elder Miwa: My mom always makes an activity advent calendar and she puts Lindor chocolate truffles with it. We have cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning. My Christmas will be more Christ-centered because I’m doing Light the World and I’m “Trying to be Like Jesus” throughout the Christmas season.
Elder Miller: Our family reads the book, “The Worst/Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” On Christmas Eve we all sleep in one room and in the morning we eat cinnamon rolls. This year I will pray before opening presents and give thanks.
Elder Ence and Elder Johnson, Zone Leaders of the Yakima Zone, serving in the Cottonwood Canyon Ward
Elder Ence: My family enjoys making wassail and we have a white elephant party–with laughter, gross gifts and family! This year I’m reading of His life in the New Testament and serving others.
Elder Johnson: My family delivers plates of goodies and has a family Christmas Eve Party. I have studied Christ’s life more this year than ever before. I will strive to follow His example.
Elder Heaton and Elder Ready, serving in the Yakima Randall Park Ward, East
Elder Heaton: We read the story, “The Christmas Orange” and the story of the Birth of Jesus on Christmas Eve. This year I am studying the life of Christ and following His example.
Elder Ready: My family goes caroling and we watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” Christmas morning. This year I will #Light the World.
Sister Wadman and Sister Stevenson, serving in the Ahtanum Creek and YSA Wards
Sister Wadman: We have a cake for Christ on Christmas Eve and then frost it and sing Happy Birthday on Christmas morning. On Christmas Eve we have a party at my grandma’s and then as a family we read Luke 2 and sing songs and bear testimonies. This year I will act as Christ would act and I will study His life.
Sister Stevenson: Our family makes caramels and wraps them together and we deliver them to neighbors. On Christmas Eve we eat clam chowder and read stories. My parents have a special candle that is only burned on Christmas Eve. This year I am helping to Light the World. I didn’t get to do it last year.
Our Washington Yakima Mission 