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decorations .
Johnston ’ s friends start their visits the first week of December because she has less time for visitors the closer it gets to Christmas Day .
On Christmas Eve , her family comes for appetizers and snack foods . They play games and exchange gifts .
On Christmas Day , they
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have a traditional holiday lunch .
Just like each family member gets their own special cake or dessert on their birthday , Johnston ’ s family celebrates Jesus ’ birth with a special cake .
“ Christmas Day , the cake holder will be in the middle of the table and on it will be sitting a white
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cake . Sometimes it is coconut cake or an Italian cream cake , but it will be some kind of white cake . And that is Jesus ’ cake ,” Johnston said .
“ I get one tall , big white candle to put in the middle . After the meal , we all gather round , we all hold hands , and we sing happy birthday to Jesus ,”
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she added . “ It is really special . That is our Jesus cake .”
While the holidays can be a little exhausting , Johnston is excited about spreading a little joy and Christmas spirit to others . “ I do enjoy decorating ,” she said , “ and it does my heart good if it brightens somebody ’ s day .”
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