GIVING
This year, we continued our tradition of having Snowflake, our Elf on a Shelf, create "good deeds" to do every day. She brought the kids treats, whether it was small toys, puzzles, books, or family games, but she expected Lauren and Charlie to smile at strangers, do something nice for someone at school, give a compliment, etc. They were small acts, but Lauren really got excited about doing one every day, and many times she was thanked or appreciated.
I also tried to come up with ways the whole family could also give back during the holiday season. So, one afternoon, the kids and I took boxes of donuts to our fire department as a Thank You for keeping us safe. The timing could not have been more perfect, because the alarm bell went off while we were there and they got to watch the firemen take off for an emergency. The firemen waved goodbye and they truly made the kids day!
Another afternoon, Lauren and I placed candy canes on all of the car windshields in the Walmart parking lot. She got a kick out of being the "candy cane fairy", and she was very excited when a customer returned to their car and thanked her for bringing a smile to her face!
One night, Lauren and I went caroling at a local shopping center. She sang proudly and loudly and knew a lot of the words! I was so excited to start that tradition with her!!
This year, in addition to our usual Toys For Tots drop off, I also put out a basket and asked Lauren to fill it with toys that she no longer uses. I asked for her help in part to teach her to pass it forward and also as a way to clear out the toy room before the new Christmas gifts made an appearance. Lauren took her time and carefully picked out toys she thought other kids would really like. She helped make sure we had all of the pieces and that the toys worked, and then she placed them in the basket. After we got a few baskets full, she went with me to donate them at the local Goodwill store.
We also went shopping for the local food pantry and donated blankets/coats to a local shelter.
And we had Lauren shop for Christmas gifts, by herself, at the school gift store. She had a set budget and got to pick out presents for me, Chad, and Charlie, but not herself! She was sad that she didn't get a gift, but it was a good way to teach her that Christmas is not just about what you get, but rather what you give! In the end, she picked out great gifts, and was very excited at our happiness when we opened them.
It is so easy to get caught up in the festivities and forget that not every person in our communities is as fortunate or excited as we are. I want my kids to understand that it is important to enjoy the traditions and happiness, which the holidays bring, but we also need to look out for one another.
CELEBRATIONS
This year, we kept the festivities going all month long! The kids kicked it all off with a visit with Santa!! They both ran right up to him, climbed in his lap, and Lauren talked his head off. She told him all the things that Charlie might want and then told him all the things she wanted! They took a great picture and we had to drag Charlie off of his lap.
We spent some time at Lauren's school holiday show. The kids had a great time playing games and doing crafts.
We spent some time down at the neighborhood holiday party. It was outside, and cold, but they had unlimited hot chocolate, carolers, Santa, and a ton of kids playing on the playground! The kids and I had a blast.
And we baked and decorated cookies with a lot of friends.
We took in the annual Christmas lights at Bull Run Park. We always pile in the car, drive through the park, and pick out our favorite displays. It is a highlight for me!! And we end the evening at a small carnival at the end. Even though it is cold, there is something magical about the lights/sounds, the little rides, and the games.
An, this year, we even made a Gingerbread House!
It was a wonderful month and the perfect lead up to my favorite holiday of the year, Christmas!! I am always exhausted by the end of the month, but I would never change a thing, and I cannot wait for our next crazy December!!
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