The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

December is practically over, and Christmas is a couple of days away.  As is our custom, the holidays are a happy blur around here.  We try to pack in all of the usual traditions and rituals and make time for new ones here and there.  You have been a joy to watch this year.  There are so many things to see and smell and taste and experience.  I was afraid you'd still be a bit young to catch on, but I am pleasantly surprised that I am wrong.  

Junior Lighting Technician

Mommy's helper.

Cocoa goes with tree decorating like macaroni goes with cheese.

You have amazed me with the restraint you've shown toward our tree.  I honestly expected a major disaster.  From the first morning that you woke up to a decorated tree standing in the living room, you've shown a rather reverent respect for it.  That's not to say that we haven't had an episode or two (or four) where you have manhandled an ornament or branch, but as a whole, you've been on your best behavior.  It wouldn't have surprised me if we had endured at least one tree-toppling by now.  We were careful to do all of the decorating after you went to bed so you wouldn't see us touching the giant "no-no" that is our tree.  Even still, I thought we would be forced to make a decision between gating off the tree or possibly moving it all together.  But so far, so good!

The showdown!.

The temptation is too much.

It would probably help if I was scolding you instead of taking a picture.

You've also taken to quite a few new faces.  You point out Santa and expect me to give you my best "Ho! Ho! Ho!" when we see him.  You also say "snowman" (which sounds like "noman").  There is one stuffed snowman in the house that you've chosen as your favorite.  You hug and squeeze and kiss him incessantly.  Before we know it, you will have acquired an entire new holiday/winter vocabulary.

Your favorite Christmas buddy.

Another thing that I'm delighted to see is that your disdain for accessories seems to be dwindling.  You will wear them on your terms.  Usually, "your terms" means walking down our sidewalk.  You will choose to put on shoes, antlers, sometimes hats and (always) backpacks as long as I let you march up and down our street in your new outfit.  Your ritual is to stop at the neighbor's house and smell her (odorless) flowers, and sometimes even sniff her sprinkler pipes for good measure.  Then we head back toward home and then back again.  I can't help but wonder what the neighbors think of this tiny backpack-wearing, Mardi Gras-bead-bedecked, antler-sporting person who lives on their street.  You are quite the sight!

December comes with its own set of dress-up props.

You got in on the act, too.

Beaded reindeer.

Since Thanksgiving, our house has blossomed into full Christmas mode.  This is the last year that I can openly shop for you while you are in the same cart.  It's the last year I can get away with giving you the baby stocking.  It's the last year that you won't expect to get candy in your stocking like your big sisters do.  It may be your second Christmas with us, but it will be the first time you've participated.  I am struggling to find the time to do all of the the things that the holidays require like shopping and wrapping, fit in the fun stuff like baking and gingerbread houses and still take time to follow you up and down the street snapping pictures of you in antlers.

We have our priorities.  Much of our time has been spent doing traditional Christmas things.  Visits to Santa, letters written and mailed.  We even have a new tradition this year: our Elf on the Shelf, Clora.  She has been keeping an eye on you and your sisters, and causing some mischief in the meantime.  

Roasting elf-sized marshmallows.

Mailing a Christmas list at Macy's.

The mall Santa  The sign said no pictures.  I snuck one.  And he knew!

Happiness powder to help with Sydney's morning grumpies.

Live nativity.

Tortilla snowflakes.

Glitter pinecones.

Some of our December memorable moments are less of a tradition and more of a special event or milestone.  We received such a special package from a friend in Kentucky.  Mommy's friend Megan, and her kids, packaged up a box full of things that represent the beautiful state they are from.  We had such a fun afternoon exploring that box!  I still can't believe that a friendship formed through Instagram can bring such meaningful memories.  She even mailed a box of fall leaves, which were such a treat!  Once the rain stopped, you and Sydney spent the good part of an afternoon playing in the on the lawn.  

White chocolate cat, beautiful accessories, hushpuppy mix, salty ham, blue straws and bourbon balls.  So much Kentucky bounty!

December has been ridiculously warm.  Summery.  We hit the nearby empty "field" for pictures only to discover that you were allergic to something there.

Trying out sparkly shoes.

Leaf jumper.

Kentucky leaves.

You loved the goodies, too.

She finally lost a tooth!  Good thing because the permanent one is on its way.

Self-feeding practice.

You didn't learn this from me, I swear.

This month may be hectic and frenzied at times, but we are doing our best to slow down and just enjoy the magic of the holidays.  And they are magical, for sure!