I’ve had to simplify some of our traditions this year just due to time constraints. We’ve still had lots of fun but a lot of it has revolved around reading our Christmas books each night, watching holiday specials, running holiday-related errands and listening to music all day long. I don’t think the kids have minded one bit!
We have a ton of traditions that start December 1. The kids get their chocolate advent calendars for the month. They also get to open a new pair of Christmas pjs to be enjoyed all month long (daddy picked these out this year and the kids love them. Sadly Carter is getting too old to have jammies that match his sisters but he still gets a new pair!) Finally, we start our Christmas book tradition. I wrap up all our Christmas books and we unwrap and read 1-2 every night all month long. I am up to 45 books so pretty soon we will be able to do two every night. Last year I raided my mom’s collection and got to bring a few books from my childhood home for my kids (quite a few out of print!)
A few days later we had a snowstorm and the kids had a snow day. I took full advantage of being at home all day and had a fun time with my kids. We started the day with snowman pancakes:
For dinner we made a couple snowmen pizzas and made snowmen cookies afterward.
We watched the First Presidency Christmas devotional and had oreo peppermint milkshakes as a treat. I really loved the devotional the year. For the first time ever my kids were really reverent and attentive. We loved the movie clip they showed from the new video series on the life of Jesus Christ and really felt the spirit (can’t wait to see more).
We attended and helped at our ward party. This year we had a traditional Hawaiian luau that was AMAZING. We had yummy authentic food (way better than the food at the luau at the PCC!), great entertainment and a visit from Santa. Allen was the MC this year and did a great job (do you love his outfit or what?) and the youth performed several traditional Polynesian musical numbers and dances. It was one of the most fun and memorable ward Christmas parties ever! I got to help make a lot of the food and learned a lot about Hawaiian cooking!
For teacher gifts this year I found this cute idea. This was the outside packaging and inside we placed gift cards to Pei Wei along with a few fortune cookies. Easy, original and adorable
I took the kids to the local tree farm where they have a bunch of fun activities. There is an entire village set up for the kids to play in. They can write a letter to Santa, make an ornament, play house or play in the corn feed pit (always a favorite for my kiddos). There was also a petting zoo and a few games to play. It was a bit chilly so next year I will make sure we go on a warmer day but we still had so much fun!
That afternoon we also made it to the mall to see Santa. I was totally dreading this because I waited so long this year. We got to the mall (which was packed), found a super close parking spot and when we walked in there was NO LINE to see Santa (really not a single person in line). Emery was NOT impressed and started bawling immediately. And can I just say that you know you have a lot of kids when they can’t squeeze everyone into the picture!!!
Makenna and I went to see the Nutcracker with some friends this year. We had such a fun time. We went to lunch beforehand and then went to local ballet company’s production this year. She loved it as much as she always does and remembered so many of the specific performances. It was fun to get dressed up and spend most of the day together. Addison was really sad that she wasn’t able to come but I knew she would never make it through a 2 hour performance after the 50 minute Aladdin show at Disneyland could not keep her attention. Next year will be her first year!
For dinner we made a couple snowmen pizzas and made snowmen cookies afterward.
We watched the First Presidency Christmas devotional and had oreo peppermint milkshakes as a treat. I really loved the devotional the year. For the first time ever my kids were really reverent and attentive. We loved the movie clip they showed from the new video series on the life of Jesus Christ and really felt the spirit (can’t wait to see more).
We attended and helped at our ward party. This year we had a traditional Hawaiian luau that was AMAZING. We had yummy authentic food (way better than the food at the luau at the PCC!), great entertainment and a visit from Santa. Allen was the MC this year and did a great job (do you love his outfit or what?) and the youth performed several traditional Polynesian musical numbers and dances. It was one of the most fun and memorable ward Christmas parties ever! I got to help make a lot of the food and learned a lot about Hawaiian cooking!
For teacher gifts this year I found this cute idea. This was the outside packaging and inside we placed gift cards to Pei Wei along with a few fortune cookies. Easy, original and adorable
I took the kids to the local tree farm where they have a bunch of fun activities. There is an entire village set up for the kids to play in. They can write a letter to Santa, make an ornament, play house or play in the corn feed pit (always a favorite for my kiddos). There was also a petting zoo and a few games to play. It was a bit chilly so next year I will make sure we go on a warmer day but we still had so much fun!
That afternoon we also made it to the mall to see Santa. I was totally dreading this because I waited so long this year. We got to the mall (which was packed), found a super close parking spot and when we walked in there was NO LINE to see Santa (really not a single person in line). Emery was NOT impressed and started bawling immediately. And can I just say that you know you have a lot of kids when they can’t squeeze everyone into the picture!!!Makenna and I went to see the Nutcracker with some friends this year. We had such a fun time. We went to lunch beforehand and then went to local ballet company’s production this year. She loved it as much as she always does and remembered so many of the specific performances. It was fun to get dressed up and spend most of the day together. Addison was really sad that she wasn’t able to come but I knew she would never make it through a 2 hour performance after the 50 minute Aladdin show at Disneyland could not keep her attention. Next year will be her first year!
In the midst of all this busyness I have also hosted book club and a busy bag swap at my house this month (more on those later), attended class parties and a few other parties, got packages and cards mailed AND I was called to serve as the 1st counselor in the primary presidency in my ward! I am so excited to serve with an amazing group of women but this is the busiest time of year for Primary since we have to get everything ready for the new year. It has just added to the general craziness of the month! It has been nice to slow down a bit this week and enjoy having my kiddos home!
4 comments:
Isn't it funny how every year I end up wishing that every month was like December...with all the family focus and fun things we do. But then I remember how much work it takes and am glad to just let it happen once a year. Smiles. Have fun with your family and have a MERRY CHIRSTMAS!!
Love the cute pjs, the girls outfits to see Santa and your teacher gifts! You and M. look so pretty to see the Nutcracker - I seriously can't wait to do that with Campbell when she is older. You have so many great traditions!!!
Fun times!! You and Kenna looked so cute in your red and black!! Lookin good sister!!:) Glad you had a fun month!
It's good to be at the Frost home in December! Such fun traditions. I loved your Christmas card photo. Hope you enjoy your time with your family this Christmas!
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