BB 12/22/15

Good morning Phoenix! It’s Tuesday, and the countdown to Christmas is getting closer. Hope everyone has their shopping done. If not, it’s off to the stores with you, unless you enjoy being in the mall with all the guys that wait till Christmas Eve. *grins*
Here’s some more holiday traditions for around the house – maybe you will find one that you would like to start.
• Start the ‘Elf on a Shelf’ tradition. Your kids will love it and it will keep them on their best behavior!
• Read holiday books before bed each night. The Polar Express, Santa Mouse, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas are all excellent tales to boost your family’s holiday spirit.
• Go to a tree farm to locate the perfect Christmas tree. At home, decorate it as a family or let the kids do their thing. Have some treats and hot cider or cocoa on hand to keep energy levels up!
• Create a holiday playlist that your family listens to in the car or at home. Don’t forget classics like ‘White Christmas,’ ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas,’ and ‘The 12 Days of Christmas.’
• Use an advent calendar to count down to Christmas. There are many varieties of advent calendars, from candles that are burned daily to boxes you open daily.
• Set aside one night each week to watch a holiday movie or television special, such “Miracle on 34th Street” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
• Have your child start an ‘I Am Thankful’ list. Have him add one thing he is thankful for each day. You can turn this into a decoration by having him write it on a paper Christmas tree or snowflake that you then hang across the fireplace or some other area.
• Purchase or make a holiday ornament for each child every year. This is a great reason to reminisce during holiday decorating.
• Sit down with your child and write a letter to Santa.
• As a family, write your holiday letter. Have each member contribute one memorable moment from the year to be recorded to share with friends and family.
• Make holiday decorations yourself! Decorate windows with paper snowflakes, glue glitter onto pinecones and arrange in a bowl, and visit kid-friendly crafts sites to get creative and fun ideas that will involve your children.
• Start a holiday village display. Add a new house or shop to your display each year.
• Camp out in front of your Christmas tree one night. Keep the tree lights on, read holiday stories, and snack on holiday treats.

C’mon folks – let’s hear your holiday traditions! (or even some naughty Elf on the Shelf ideas)
<3 Brock V"""V