A Good Idea

I have been trying to get Munchkin to weed out a few toys. She has not been very receptive.

I think I'll bring this one into play AFTER Christmas....

Losing the Meaning a Little?

My husband said we overdo the Christmas gifts, that we should cut back next year. 

So, I've been perusing other ideas from other families.

The ones I like best;

For Christmas; 1 gift you want, 1 gift you need, 1 you'll wear and 1 you'll read. I like that. My kids are not huge list makers, so I improvise. 

1 box on Christmas Eve. Has pajamas, hot chocolate, popcorn, a movie, a book, and an ornament. They get to put their ornament on the tree, we make popcorn and hot chocolate, snuggle in the pjs and watch the movie. Then they get the books read to them at bedtime.

I also found this article.

Elves, Elves, Elves

Ho, Ho, Ho...No, No, No

The plan? A meet and greet with Santa, no lap, no picture....just see him and maybe when we come back next week for photos there would be no freak-out.

We got there super early, saw Santa and Mrs Claus arrive in street clothes. She smiled, waved. I'm thinking, yay! Victory!

Nope.

The Santa Encounter video...du du duuuuuuuuu No, No, No

Big sister excited for Santa. Baby actually seems excited to go, safety in numbers, right?

Nope.

Busy Elves, Slacking Mama

everyone saying how creepy the elves are....

countdown

karate chopping out of the loft

more lights!

And Baby Makes 3....Elves on the Shelf

Jingle and Jangle brought home a surprise this year, and now we know her name; Jolly!

December 1st......and I'm Done.

A Christmas Miracle, indeed.

I have not been so together this year, despite all good intentions and planning.

But, Christmas? I was mega-super organized and focused. By Black Friday, I did it all; The tree was up and decorated, all the store-bought presents are wrapped. I even mailed out my Christmas postcards.

Went with this little guy.

The Elves on the Shelf arrived; with a baby!

And they got busy right away;

For the first time in a few years, all I have to do now is the fun stuff.

Creepy Snowmen

found on eBay.

I am attempting to watch NEW movies over the next year. I am one of those people that got wayyyyy behind on new movies, so new to me may not be so new to you. I am trying to wait until Black Friday to start the Christmas movies.

Trying.

So building a list.

100 Best Christmas Movies

It's That Time Again

Plotting out the Christmas cards.

Last year, for a different event, I made postcards from a 1918 postcard at Staples. 100 for $10. I was thinking of doing the same thing for Christmas cards this year.

So, browsed eBay for some candidates.

Found a bunch that were winners in a different way....

The Naughty Children

Drawing and Art Always Make Our List

I am hoping this one is as cool as it was advertised to be; a 3D drawing pad.

Shopping info here.

First Up, A Family Favorite: Superheroes

I am all for being a superhero. The kiddos have all done their share of hero dress up as well.

I found this cute kit in an ad in Wondertime.

More info here.

Don't Hate Me, But I'm Starting My Christmas Shopping

I always start early. Or I always used to.

For several reasons, and unless you've been here before, you may think I am insane. But I also usually have all my gifts wrapped by Halloween.

1. Budget. Mine is very small already. In the past, almost without fail, something major has occurred around the holidays and my holiday budget is gone.
2. Being Thoughtful. I really try to give thoughtful gifts. I think it's working. My nephew told my sister that I always give him the best presents. I don't see him a lot. So I am cool with being Awesome Aunt.
3. Holiday Rush and Crowds. No thanks. An extra $5 off isn't worth never finding a parking space. Nothing being in stock that I wanted to buy. Or being too tired to do the fun stuff, like stories and baking cookies.  

I am working up a list. I have ordered a few things and hopefully by the end of the month I can recommend some really cool stuff.

I also am working up a list of really cool stuff that I am not ordering, but have found somehow in my internet travels.

So, join me?

Tick, tick, tick.

Kiddo is Missing Jingle and Jangle

Considering doing some e-mails from them to Munchkin.

Elf Baby Take Two

This time I read the description a little more accurately.

5 1/4" Effanbee, Wee Wishes collection (Wee Patsy reproduction)

Elf Baby

One of the blogs I was following had an Elf on the Shelf.

One year their Elf came back with a wife.

This past year, the Elf couple arrived with a baby.

I thought that was a cute idea.

So, eBaying I went.

Perfect, right?

Nope.

Turns out I didn't read the description very well.

They were almost as tall as Jingle and Jangle. And their heads were twice the size of the Elves.

Drats.

The Elves Farewell

was on Christmas Eve.

They left in a fancy bag and left a note.