While we had our fun last year, this year feels like a totally different ball of wax as Aggie is really much more hip to what is going on. She knows the elf is coming (yes, we are doing it and I will not apologize no matter how uncool it is) and she will get to meet Santa later. While she doesn't understand the spirit of Christmas, I'm excited to see the season through her eyes. I know she will love the lights and the parties and all the rest.
The only bit of decor that is up right now is this Christmas checklist tree I drew on my office wall. As you can see, I left a little bit of room at the bottom - what am I forgetting? I'd love to hear suggestions on fun things you do with your littles during the holidays.
that is adorable. I think I will copy you...imitation is the highest form of flattery ;)
ReplyDeleteHow about adding reading the Christmas story from Luke 2 ?
Ann
Go for it. I'd love to see your version.
DeleteLove this! I'd add... go iceskating, watch Home Alone & go sledding!
ReplyDeleteOh good one! How could I forget sledding??
DeleteI think Home Alone might be over her head (she tends to stick to cartoons) but it's worth a shot!
Watch Christmas movies! Polar Express, The Snowman, Frosty, etc. etc.!!!
ReplyDeleteHow could I forget watching Christmas specials? Love those.
DeleteCan you believe i've never seen Polar Express? So it would be new to both of us.
I remember as a young girl a friend of my Mum's said "it's not Christmas until I've washed the curtains!" I try to do it now too (although I only have one set in my house) I just think it's so funny that I remember that from so long ago ! Also I need some Gardenia action in the house to feel Christmassy - that's from Down Under where it's sunmer ✅
ReplyDeleteOh lucky you don't have to deal with the cold. No gardenias here around this time but what a gorgeous scent.
DeleteIt's so much fun having little ones at Christmas - especially with the Elf on the Shelf - she'll love it!
ReplyDeleteWatch Polar Express while drinking hot chocolate and then gift her with her own little bell to put on the Christmas tree.
ReplyDeleteCan you believe I've never seen or read Polar Express? I must be missing out. We can see it for the first time together :)
DeleteDuring the Christmas season the Polar Express train ride reenacts the movie and children love the whole train ride/movie adventure. Not sure if they have one in driving distance to you but I'm sure you can google. If she's too young this year just something to keep in mind for another year.
DeleteCould you sketch little books underneath the tree, then have a wrapped Christmas book for her to open each night? There are soooo many adorable Christmas books for little ones available now.
ReplyDeleteShe's a bit young for The Nutcracker Suite, but is there a local Children's Theatre that does plays for toddlers? Perhaps a real Polar Express event nearby?
I don't know if y'all have a Nativity, but when my Grandma put up hers up, she'd put the Wise Men and their steeds in a completely separate room and we'd have great fun moving them along their journey. (Perhaps too much fun at at times; they ended up outdoors several times, and once took a side-trip to 2nd grade...)
I love the book idea but she tends to want to read the same books over and over. I'm going to try to add a few Christmas books into the mix but I don't predict it will go well.
DeleteI'm holding off on the Nutcracker until she is older but I can't wait til she is ready for that. We have an amazing production here in NYC.
It would probably not be worth the hassle given how crazy thing get this time of year, but she's young enough that you could probably get away with ,ahem, re-wrapping the same books every few days. (Yes, I am that kind of mama, what can I say?!)
DeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you and your sweet family!
That is totally genius!!
DeleteWell, even my big kids are upstairs drawing your tree so thanks! And, they're making Christmas paper chains to hang on their bed. I got an early start this year. We go to the Christmas Carol at the theater, and going to see Sandi Patty Yuletide Joy. Of course I teach them the reason for the season--Jesus!
ReplyDeleteOh how cute! I want to see your kid's version!
DeleteI am going to say that you are missing - saying a prayer for people to find joy and donate a coat, food or toys to a local charity
ReplyDeleteI think that is something very important to teach from a young age. And it such a big part of the holidays.
I contribute/volunteer to throughout the year so it's not something I associate specifically with Christmastime. Plus she really doesn't understand the concept just yet anyway - maybe other two year olds are more adept at understanding social injustice but its its a little beyond Aggie's reach at this point.
DeleteNo 3 year old gets that really yet but more about starting it young. What about "do something nice for a stranger"?
DeleteYou're going to need a bigger tree! Here's my ideas for you ! How's about making a snowman and in the process a (gentle) snowball fight! (Of course, the weather must cooperate!) And in your neck of the woods, a trip to NYC to see "the tree" is an absolute must. And then there's walking around the neighborhood to look at Christmas lights! All these ideas courtesy of an old NY'er now in South Florida! Enjoy it all for me and I'll enjoy our cooler weather at 73* today! for you! (I miss the cold weather but my toes don't!)
ReplyDeleteTwo of our absolute favorites have been reading The Night Before Christmas on Christmas eve which became a family event with mince pies and hot chocolate. And visiting a giving tree and purchasing a gift for a child of the same age as my daughter. In the early years she didn't really understand but loved the shopping and wrapping, leaving it at the tree wasn't a difficult as you would think. Over the years it has developed into a very meaningful activity for her which she loves.
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