Happy Friday, all! Where the heck is this month going? Things have been quiet on the blog but anything but quiet in real life. I'm sure it's the same in your world. December is such a busy time, especially with kids!
I hope you've been truly enjoying your season, though, in between the big stuff on the calendar. The singalongs, brunches, spirit days, parties, cookie exchanges, work events and more are all fun, but I've always found my absolute favorite memories are made during the "in between" -- impromptu dance parties to Jingle Bell Rock, sharing chocolates from my $1 advent calendar (the chocolate tastes like plastic but I will never not have my cheap advent calendar!), pointing out all of the twinkling lights on the drive home from the store.
Do you find that, too?
Anyway, I wanted to just stop in and do a simple catch up on all of the holiday-related life things. Here's a little of what we've been up to!
Decking the Halls
We've added our sparkly touches to the outside and inside of the house (with help from a particularly cute, old Golden girl, as evidenced by the photo above). The "yay, you made it!" door mat is my favorite decor purchase of the season by far. Still available here for just $12.74 today! Just love the welcoming, casual vibe.
The girls each decorated their little trees for their rooms this year. The trees are older Target purchases and the ornaments are a mix between a few new ones they've collected over the past few years and some from when I was a kid. Kind of fun to pass them along to my own kids!
School Activities
Along with elementary school comes a whole new event/spirit day calendar. This year I've had the chance to volunteer at C's school shop (so fun), watch her sing her heart out in a holiday singalong, and get her ready in her most festive pajamas for pajama/gingerbread house day at school. Hadley has her school singalong next week, and I can't wait!
Matching Christmas Pajamas
Speaking of pajamas, you know I had to do full-on matching jammies for my three little girls this year. It's Isabelle's first Christmas, after all, so there was no way anyone was getting out of full coordination (though I skip the whole family-matching thing as I think Steve might leave me - haha!). The big girls' nightgowns came with miniature nightgowns for their dolls.
Walking in a Winter Wonderland
I met one of my best girlfriends (hi Sarah!) in a nearby town last weekend for crepes, coffee, and window browsing. I love exploring local downtowns this time of year -- they're always so festive and fun.
Our Advent Calendar
The first thing the girls do when they go downstairs in the morning is check their advent calendar. I got this one on clearance after Christmas last year (check the stores after the holidays this year!), and I put a little slip of paper with an activity, idea, or event in each day's pocket. Here's a full list of our advent calendar activities. They're mostly very simple, which is perfect for us, especially in this season of life. One day was "Santa Pancakes for Breakfast," for instance. But, shhh, tomorrow's is a big one: "Ride a Christmas train!" We're so excited to surprise them.
So, what about you? What have you been up to? Do you go all out for the holidays or try to keep it low-key?
Thankfully it is low key here: Christmas parade last week, spelling bee this week and school parties next week. We are enjoying some Christmas crafts and Christmas music every other night or so!
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That sounds like the perfect combo of plans & relaxing! Hope you have a wonderful season!
DeleteAw,love those matching Pj's and I was honestly thinking of making fun Christmas pancakes for my boys this morning!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I couldn't resist. :) Festive pancakes are one of the easiest ways to make the ordinary fun, I think!
DeleteHi Jen! Lol, I feel famous... thanks for the shout out xo
ReplyDeleteOf course, my love! :) Such a fun day with you! xo
DeleteI adore the matching Christmas pjs. So cute. I love that you made Christmas pancakes too. Just sooo much amazing Christmasy things going on!!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you! I have to say, I love them too. So much going on -- trying to soak it all in since we're already in the single digit countdown! Hope your week is off to a good start!
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