Christmas Eve in Bethlehem

Every few years we put on a "Christmas Eve in Bethlehem" dinner. We eat on the floor and have food from that area of the world. I'm sure the quantity and selection of our spread is way more than Mary and Joseph actually ate that night; perhaps more on the lines of what the Kings and Wise Men would have. But the kids get a feel for what it might have been like in those days. It was a special evening for our family. We started by reading the first half of our Nativity Book. We took a break for dinner at the part where there was no room in the inn. After dinner we finished reading the Nativity.

{ Our Bethlehem Menu }

Lamb Stew with rosemary, potatoes and carrots.
Grape and Cranberry Juice
Pine nuts, Almonds, Cashews, Soy nuts
Dried Fruits: Dates, Figs, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Cranberries, Pineapple
Greek Olives, Black Olives, Kosher Pickles, Beef Jerky
Goat Cheese, Brie Cheese, Baby Bel Gouda
Various Crackers: Whole Wheat, Sesame, Matzo
Cream Cheese with Salmon and Capers on Pita Bread
Baklava for dessert