Getting Ready for the Holidays

 

 

In the evenings, I've slowly been getting ready for the holidays.  Every year I prepare a list of what I need to do.  Then a second list of what I'd like to do.  Yesterday marked the second day of the Advent so out came my handmade advent calendar.  I made it from origami papers.  Each cup holds a treat for the boys.  It was a simple and fun project to tackle while sitting on the couch.  We also have Playmobil advent calendars for each of them.

I prepared a short video for each of the boys, a message from Santa.  DD was excited to watch his video, but BB, who understands more, was thrilled.  Santa was saying his name, talking directly to him, and even had photos of him in his Santa book.

To get into the spirit, we're planning on listening to holiday music and watching Christmas movies and specials.  All of the oldies but goodies from the 60s (How the Grinch Stole Christmas) and 70s (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer) are being broadcast right now, some of my childhood favorites.  I'm also going to arrange a special bookshelf of Christmas and winter-themed books for the boys to delve into everyday.  Then there are the Christmas cookies to bake and decorate, the holiday cards to send out, the gingerbread houses, the shopping to do, and the Christmas tree to buy.  I love it!