On Saturday, December 16, the annual youth Christmas celebration started promptly at 5:00 p.m. with young people entering the Fellowship Lodge bearing their presents for the white elephant gift exchange. The evening of fun started with a meal of roast beef, whole caramelized onions, mashed potatoes, gravy, buttery carrots, salad, and fruit punch, all served with a smile.

After eating and cleaning up the tables, the young people played a quick game that involved matching Bible verses to popular candies and holiday treats. With some teamwork and furious Bible searching, the game was finished, and everyone was directed to line up for the traditional youth Christmas photo. Following the sounds of clicking and relieved sighs, the group headed back to their seats and Erik Calhoun announced it was time to judge the Christmas sweater contest. Individuals were cheered to the front for categories such as "Most Festive," "Most Retro," "Most Outrageous," and "Overall Best." One by one, contestants were advanced or eliminated by applause (or lack thereof). A not-to-be-named Santa Claus won for "Most Festive," and someone dressed as a camo Christmas tree won for "Most Outrageous."

The cheering died down and then guests were separated into groups of about ten for an Amazing Race style scavenger hunt. After bundling up against the cold, teams rushed outside and began running back and forth to complete wide ranging tasks. For example, one requirement was to act out the Christmas story in the tabernacle with the nativity pageant set. The performances were not as good as the ones at Christmas on the Campground, but the actors clearly had a great deal of fun!

Following the scavenger hunt, everyone returned to the Fellowship Lodge and warmed up with cups of hot cocoa. Then the group made their way back outside to sing Christmas carols to some nearby neighbors from our church congregation, with a lovely brass accompaniment. The evening ended with the white elephant gift exchange and a yummy dessert of fudge brownies topped with peppermint ice cream and toasted marshmallows. The celebration, which was full of Christmas festivities and fun, was a great way to wrap up the Christmas season and the year.