A Christmas Festival

Christmas Festival took on a whole new meaning this year… when I hear those two words together “Christmas Festival” my mind immediately thinks of the 100+ year old annual Christmas concert at St. Olaf College. But this year the Bollinger Family held its own Christmas Festival…created because of the pandemic as a safe way for celebrating Christmas together with multiple families and young energetic children.

Grandma and Grandpa Claus…

My daughter-in-love came up with this great idea and it was fun planning it with her. She worked hard to make it happen. We helped where we could ahead of time.

The day of the festival we gathered together early one December afternoon, which ended up being a very mild day…almost 40 degrees and no wind…a beautiful blessing. The weather was tolerable for staying outdoors for five hours! We had propane heaters in one area to warm up if necessary… the adults used it a few times but not the kids – they were active enough to stay warm the entire time!

The yard was decorated with garland, lights and lanterns, and a Christmas tree which came to life at dusk…on one of the shortest days of the year.

Beautiful lighting.
Festive table.

The table was covered with a red tablecloth and decorated with lights, mini-trees and ornaments for the crock-pots of chili.

Jingle balls.
Decorating the Christmas tree.

There was games and activities and a very special Nativity Story Walk all planned out for the children, which they hardily enjoyed. 

Painting a Happy Birthday banner for Jesus.
Find the stars – a Story Walk to the manger scene.

Towards dusk we started fires in two fire pits. We enjoyed eating our chili dinner from compostable bowls around the bon fires.

Tending the fire pits.
Roasting marshmallows.

We brought along our roasting sticks to roast marshmallows and make s’mores for dessert…all with Christmas music sounding through speakers in the back ground. 

Our outdoor Christmas tree.

The grandchildren (and grand-dog Charlie) had a good time celebrating together while social distancing and masking up. I trust the grandchildren will remember this Christmas Festival for years to come. I know I will. The adults had a great time too!

Merry Christmas!

20 thoughts on “A Christmas Festival”

  1. Merry Christmas! This is incredible! You all know how to make such beautiful memories and celebrate! I bet your heart is full!

    2. Valerie, This is so precious and many others are blessed because you shared it with us ! Thank you SO much.

  2. What a wonderful celebration. Your grandkids will have an unforgettable memory of Jesus birthday for the rest of their lives. Have a very merry Christmas.

  6. Oh, Valerie, my heart brims with happiness upon viewing this post. What an excellent idea. I love love love this way of celebrating Jesus birth as a family in a safe way. Your daughter-in-love did a great job in leading this.

    Merry CHRISTmas, my friend!

    1. Yes, my daughter-in-love did a great job. We appreciate all the work she did.

      I’m glad you get to be with your grandchildren overnight!

      Merry Christmas.

  7. Here from Pinawa, Manitoba. Our little lakeside town in the large forest of the Canadian Shield. We have a Lutheran Church and a fellowship of people from various denominations. Each year I tune in to the St. Olafs Christmas concert. Alas not this year. Blessings on all of you.

    1. The St. Olaf Christmas Festival is a wonderful tradition…hopefully it will be able to start up again next year.

  8. What a fantastic way to get together with family to celebrate Christmas! What an awesome memory it will be for your grandchildren (and the both of you). One thing this pandemic has taught us is how to use our creativity to come up with things that work in a way that won’t cause any harm to others. Wishing you and Gary a very Merry Christmas!

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