As I write this, the trees are up, the lights are shining inside and out and I’m plotting for a little shopping on Cyber Monday. There is something about the holidays that makes me so happy! I enjoy the cheesy movies, my family’s “bacon-wrapped” Christmas Eve gathering and picking out gifts for friends and family. Here are a few highlights of what I particularly love about the holiday season and some experiences that my boys will enjoy now and in the years to come.
Music: I play holiday music in my car from mid-November through New Years Day. Classics, New Pop, Instrumental – I can’t get enough. My four year old son’s favorite song is “Silver Bells” and every time I play John Legend’s “Bring Me Love,” I hear giggles from my 17 month old’s rear-facing car seat.
Decorations: I love having a little bit of Christmas cheer in every room in our house. I have memories of my mom letting us stick up those tacky window clings each season and I’ve even let my son do it, too. We have our main tree in our front living room and one in the family room. My son has a mini tree in his room, too. And yes, there are definitely some snowflakes being projected onto the front of the house right now. 
Black Santa: Very rarely, I’ll run into a Dark-Skinned Santa and every part of me wants every single one! I do not collect anything, but this is where I will hold on to a few special items. I have a tiny black nativity scene from my mom and scored some wrapping paper from Target that features Black Santa this year, so we’re all set!
ELF on the SHELF: This harmless little doll can bring a lot of joy to my sons, right? I have Pinterest-ed my merry little tail off trying to come up with some fun ways to use this little Elf to have some fun during December! I’ve seen so many people have a love-hate relationship with the whole thing, but what is the harm?
{Timeout}- I have questions for Team Elf on the Shelf: Will I totally regret this in two weeks? What if I forget to move him? I will definitely have to keep doing this for several years – will I be able to keep it fresh and fun?
Quality Time: I absolutely love holidays that focus on people gathering together. The cookie swaps, office parties, gift exchanges, family parties with matching jammies, christmas dates, concerts, holiday lighting walks, church programs, lighting up the neighborhood with lights, volunteering, getting cards from old friends in the mail and the list goes on! The scheduling and social interaction can get intense, but I always enjoy the frenzy of it and also the calm when it is all over in a few short weeks.
Happy Holidays!
