Christmas Highlights

At the beginning of December I read an article someone linked to on Facebook that was written for the mothers of "littles." The basic message was, "I get that you're looking at Pinterest and seeing all these things that you think you need to do with your kids during the holidays to be a good mom, but that crap will probably just stress you out. You've got enough to do already. So take it easy. Your kids won't remember every craft you did. They just want to hang out with a happy, relaxed parent."

For me, this was very good advice. So I lowered the Pinterest-fueled bar and instead took it easy. Some days we stayed in our pajamas for way too long and watched Christmas specials on TV.

My mom gave us this advent calendar, and I swear it was TDL's favorite thing in the world ever. When we got him up in the morning that's the first thing he talked about and the last thing as we put him to bed. "It's number eighteen! We get to open eighteen! Let's see what's inside! Nineteen is tomorrow!" And then we realized that he remembered all the numbers and their picture, so we would quiz him at random places, like in the car. "What's number 6?" "The mom with the cookies!" "What's number 18?" "An angel!" Kid's pretty much a genius. Or Rain Main.

Saw Santa at the library and TDL was totally cool about it. When asked what he wanted for Christmas, he replied, "Presents."

Drove to Preston for the Christmas lights. Ate dinner at Big Js for the diarrhea.

Braved the single digit temps to see a live nativity in Nibley. TDL was beyond impressed with the real-live camel. It was penned next to the little barn where they had the Holy Family (plus hand warmers) set up, and the camel came over and stuck his head in the window. So people walking through turned their heads to see a camel face about 2 inches from theirs. Lucky for us, he seemed friendly and not spitty.

On Christmas Eve we made cookies to leave out for Santa.


Christmas Eve dinner (really a spread of appetizers and finger foods, which was awesome and a great way to get in your Christmas calories) and carols by the piano at GH's aunt's house. Since TDL loves singing (current faves are "Jingle bells," "Rudolph," and "We wish you a merry Christmas,") this went over well.


What went over less well was the much-too-late bedtime. He had a meltdown and wouldn't wear the cute Christmas pjs I bought. Then he insisted on wearing the Christmas stockings. We had to put him to bed like that and then go change him once he was asleep.

Christmas morning with a roaring fire

A digital camera so he will stop breaking mine

Special Christmas oatmeal. For the kids.

The Tiny Dark Lord made a Christmas ornament for Loki. You can tell how impressed he is.

Loki with his new activity mat and toy
I hope everyone had a great Christmas!


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