Christmas Traditions

As Christmas drew nearer, we needed to get going on our Christmas traditions. Somehow, time got away from us and we had to pack it all in. 

Starting with our annual visit to Santa. This year, Brian wasn't able to go with us, but we still made the most of it and had fun. 

Reese was all gun-ho to see Santa. Until it was time to sit on his lap. Then she wanted NO part of him! 

As I start to unbuckle her from the stroller, she panics. "No no no! Buckle on!" and she is frantically trying to buckle herself again. This is a first in her life. I am calmly and happily telling her that she gets to sit on Santa's lap, "How fun! Look Bubba is sitting on his lap." Reesey, "No lap! No Anta! Buckle on!"  Not even her big brother could coax her to sit on Santa's lap. I tried my hardest to throw her on his lap, but she is a strong girl and I could not pry her arm off of me. In order to avoid a huge scene, I sat down next to Santa and she was fine. She looked at him very curiously, but stopped yelling. So now I join the millions of moms who have to be in the picture with Santa.

For at least 5 years now, Cottonwood kindergartners make a sock snowman for their parents. I am now a proud owner of said snowman. I even had the privilege of helping in Jaxon's classroom when they assembled their snowman. They are absolutely adorable and each one has their own personality. It is one of my favorite Kinder traditions!

We can't forget my most favorite Christmas tradition of all! Our annual Christmas Cookie Disaster. The girls & I have been getting together each Christmas to make Christmas cookies since 2007. Well, okay. We don't actually make cookies. That is where the word disaster comes from. Baking together isn't our strong suit so instead Sarah makes the cookies at home, brings them and the rest of us eat & drink. The hostess makes a delicious dinner, we chit chat, drink wine, make a memory ornament and enjoy each other's company without kids. 

The only kid this year was Kinsley, but she didn't make a peep all
night so it didn't really count. :) 

Ami had wine labels made for us from our Friends/Wedding dress
get together. Such a perfect gift! 

Our Memory Ornaments. Not sure where 2011 went...
We write memories of the year on a strips of  scrapbook paper
and fill a glass ornament. Super easy!

This year we went to Winterhaven. Winterhaven is a neighborhood in town where almost all of the houses go all out with their decorations. They are open the last 2-3 weeks of December for the town to come admire the lights. It is quite impressive.

Reese on the way home. She's in there somewhere.

My mom bought the kids a gingerbread house kit. Jaxon and I sat down one night to decorate it. It was super fun. He took his decorating job very seriously. He did not eat a single piece of candy. 

Ned the Elf visits us from the North Pole each year. 

This year, on Christmas Eve, Ned left the kids a note saying goodbye and telling them that Santa was going to lift his magic at 10:00am. They would be able to hold him and hug him for a few minutes. 

Jax could not wait for 10:00. He was way excited, but once it came around he was nervous. He did not want to be the first one to touch him. 

Daddy had to go first, to make sure the magic was really lifted.

Reese was not scared. She immediately poked him in the eye. 

Look at the excitement!

Giving him one last kiss 

one last hug.

Once they said goodbye to Ned they wanted to say goodbye to Sally, my parent's elf. 

Thank goodness Sally was on the ball.

Good bye Ned & Sally. See you next year!