Epp Christmas

My Epp family is steeped in traditions, and for the most part we like them.

Every Christmas we eat fried potatoes, ham and sausage. The rest of the menu varies some, but zwieback, apple salad and cherry or pluma moos are almost always in the mix as well.

Mom and dad hosted the gathering this year and we fit nicely into their newly remodeled house. Their new dining room/kitchen layout makes gatherings so much easier.

Fried potatoes cooking on the stove....hhhmmmm....yummmm!




Cambry loves to give Levi hugs, sometimes it's a tackle, but usually it's a hug.


Before we eat our meal, we have a candle lighting service. My entire life (nearly 29 years), we've done this prior to our Christmas meal. Each person around the table takes a turn reading "I love you (insert the name of the person next to you), as we all do. God's light has come for you. To it be ever true. May God's abundant blessing always rest on you." They pass on their candle light to the next person and around the table it goes. Then we sing grace. And now, without Grandpa or Grandma Epp, there are also some tears that get dabbed away.


There is also a "program" before we open gifts. This is a newer tradition, since the granddaughters (Vanessa, Megan, Erica and Tina) got beyond the age of playing an instrument or reciting a Christmas verse. And, at this point, most of the little ones are too little for performances this new tradition emerged. Between my mom and my aunt, one hosts the gathering and one is in charge of the program. This year, Patricia was in charge of the program.


Addison was one of readers. Isn't she cute in her new glasses?! She also played a duet with Erica on the piano.


Caiden and Ty with Papa (Myron)


The house was full, but we managed pretty well. Our boys were tired and not on good behavior. Earlier in the afternoon, I had thought it would be a good idea to take them swimming at the Hesston Wellness Center. They had a wonderful time, but it wore them out and it showed once the clock struck 7.




Erica, Sherri and Rylee took off the next morning for Christmas in Oregon! Thankfully, the made it there safe and sound.