How I Know Parker Loves Christmas

We own a Little People Nativity set. Every night, I set it up underneath the tree. And every day, Mary mysteriously escapes from the manger scene, kidnapping the baby Jesus and her husband Joseph by stashing them in the back of this trailer. They are on the road for several hours before they are finally intercepted by me, the nativity police.

Christmas shows - and his desire to watch them 24/7. Among his favorites are Alvin & the Chipmunks Christmas, The Polar Express and A Walt Disney Christmas. It's nice that his favorites happen to be my favorites.

Tree Hugger - The other day at a friend's house, and upon seeing their tree, he exclaimed, "Oh! I just LOVE your Christmas tree! It's beautiful!"

At almost any given moment, you can hear the faint humming of "Jingle Bells," "Joy to the World," or "O Christmas Tree" coming from his general direction.

While looking at a Christmas book (a story about a reindeer who is afraid to fly) on his own the other day, and upon seeing the picture at your right, he says to me, "Mom, he's trying to get the poopies out." You can tell we've been dealing with a bit of incopreses in our recent past :).

Whenever we are out in the car after dark, he shouts, "let's go CRUVING for Christmas lights!" Whether it's cruising, grooving, or cruving, he loves 'em.

He will announce that any star he sees is "the star for the baby Jesus!"

Will only use his special "Santa Soap" from Grandma in the tub these days.

Wants to constantly wrap all of his cars in Christmas wrapping paper, complete with tape and bow.

Is scared that since it is 66 degrees outside, without a hint of snow, that Santa can't get here. I'm assuring him that once the reindeer gets his poopies out, they'll be on their merry way.

Ornament Exchange Party

The first year I lived here, I was invited to an ornament exchange party at my friend Kristy's house. It was, being the fabulous hostess that Kristy is, one of the most fun parties I had ever gone to and when she moved the following year, I made it my personal mission to carry on her legacy.

Now, there was no way I could do this without help, so I recruited my friends Camie & Michelle. That first year, we had about 40 ladies attend and it was insane, but a total blast. The next year we had about 30, and this year we were down to 15. I guess I'm not as cool as I used to be!

As usual, it was a very fun evening spent chatting with great friends, eating delicious food and taking home a darling new ornament. I hope wherever we end up next year that I have the ambition to do it again - with a whole new crowd!

A New Christmas Tradition

While browsing a favorite blog the other day, I came across this idea for a December advent. I wanted to try it out myself before I posted it, and it has truly become the highlight of our days!

The way I've chosen to go about it this year is to take some of the Christmas books that we already own (and are only brought out at Christmas time), and to them add many of the books found on the suggestions in the original post. My favorite Christmas tale is pictured at the right. I checked most of the books out from the library to see if I like them first and then will buy a favorite or two to add to our collection every year. Then I spaced them out so that we alternate between secular and Christ-centered ones. Lastly, I've wrapped each one and numbered them, 1-24.

Each night, right before we say prayers, I let Parker open our designated book and we read together as a family. The fun part is that I've already forgotten which ones are which, so it's a surprise for me, too! I love how it creates anticipation throughout the day, and instead of feeling tired and grumpy at night (ready to have the kids in bed), the day ends on a great note. Hey...maybe I'll do this all year long!