The first year she participated she was more of a backup singer to the main characters of Joseph, Mary and Jesus.

She still was learning how to compose herself — especially after a devastating blow of not getting to be Mary. She wore a sad long face with puppy dog eyes that seemed to be transfixed on Mary’s flowing headpiece.

Oh, how she longed for that role, to hold the swaddling baby in her arms.

Lo, and behold, the following year she strategically placed herself in the momentous role of Mary. That was the year that they all received treats after their performance, and I got some great shots for the photo album as the chipmunk-cheeked candle lighter with the sucker stick hanging out of her mouth, dressed as Mary.

This year her height has placed her as Angel of The Lord. “I am the lead Angel, mom, because I’m the tallest and the three Wisemen (who are all little boys), bow before me — like they’re asking me to prom!”

There are many possible reactions a person can have to this statement. Mine is simple joy at this unexpected twist of a little girl’s expectations in her future.

Granny tip for combining Christmas with prom in this giving season: As you are hauling Christmas decorations out of storage, cleaning out closets to make room for winter sweaters, go ahead and grab those dreamy prom dresses. Give them to ECKAN to make another girl’s dream come true on this special right of passage. Prom Boutique is in February for local high school girls to receive beautiful new and gently used formal dresses at no cost.

Check it out at: http://www.eckan.org/prom_boutique.html

Money, gas, time are all serious setbacks to my family in seeking holiday entertainment. Are we missing something here?

I am going to go ahead and hit the religious button (never talk religion, politics, age or weight).

For outstanding drama and comedy — and to set the scene of a non-material, true meaning of Christmas — there is no better choice than a local church Christmas program. PLUS, who doesn’t like Christmas songs?

I usually laugh and cry through these programs as I see the nervous Sunday school teacher try to keep Joseph from kicking the wise men and trying to keep everybody’s halos and wings on straight. Most of these kids should have a slightly tilted halo!

Let’s run down the excuses for NOT going:

1) Everyone looks down on me because I am not a regular member.

I know those looks from the corner of the eye, but are you going to tell me that you don’t get those standing in line at the grocery store? It doesn’t keep you from eating, does it?

2) I have nothing nice to wear!

Hmmm. In all the likenesses of Jesus I’ve seen, He was in a robe. I am NOT advising to show up in your robe or slippers, but, honestly, that is one poor excuse.

3) I need that time to fix our big family breakfast and lunch.

Oh, you’ll love this answer: Check with the churches for those that are having a big potluck afterward. I don’t think there is a better potluck you can home in on than the diversity of a church potluck. Please don’t be a schmuck, take something to contribute.

4) I am a germaphobic, and I am scared I’ll have to shake someone’s hand!

It’s the year of H1N1 there are bottles of hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. Call ahead or slip a bottle in your robe pocket.

5) I hate it when the collection plate comes around.

Again, do what you can do. If you ain’t got it, that same church is probably funding community projects to help you!