Rather than have a more traditional big holiday meal, on Christmas Eve, while reenacting the nativity, we have a shepherd's feast. We sit on a blanket on the family room floor and eat by the light of the fire.

While the food isn't authentic to shepherd's of Christ's day by any means, it's still a way to reflect. The finger foods we eat are simple and plain. It's a tradition we all enjoy. While we eat, we imagine what it must have been like to see the star and hear the angels sing of Christ's glorious birth.

Here are some food ideas we often use:

• Breads
• Nuts
• Cheeses
• Olives
• Fruit
• Veggies
• Wassail

Alison Moore Smith is a 61-year-old entrepreneur who graduated from BYU in 1987. She has been (very happily) married to Samuel M. Smith for 40 years. They are parents of six incredible children and grandparents to two astounding grandsons. She is the author of The 7 Success Habits of Homeschoolers.