New Year's Eve with the Bedards

Our friends, Art and Nicole Bedard, have a family tradition on New Year's Eve which has become our tradition as well. It was actually started by Nicole's mother, and Nicole and Art have taken over hosting it for the past several years. They invite all of their family and friends to come over on New Year's Eve. Everyone brings an appetizer or dessert.

It starts with praise and worship music.

Everyone sings along. Art and Nicole have collected a supply of music books so everyone has the words, and the kids will call for their favorite songs.

After about a half hour of music, they pass around the blessing cup (actually, the group has become so large that they have three cups. As the cup comes to each person, they say what they are thankful for and how God has blessed them in the past year.

I think my favorite part is how all the Bedards cry when it's their turn. And often when it's other people's turn. I know that's weird to say, but I love that they wear their hearts on their sleeves this way, and the deep love that they express for each other every year.

This year I was also very moved by Nicole's father, who talked about his experience this year in going to the adoration chapel and how God has blessed him just by letting him sit five feet away from his savior every week.

After everyone's had a turn, there's more music.

And some dancing

By now, it will be around 10, so we'll all break for food and spend time talking with each other. Matt and I usually spend the time chatting with Bill and Marie and Art and Nicole.

Until around 11:40, when it's time to put on funny hats.

At Midnight, everyone counts down, and then there's lots of hugging.

It's a great way to begin the new year! Thanks Art and Nicole for making us a part of it.