More Christmas Stuff

(originally published March 31st, 2016)

Santa's Helpers, trying to get packages ready to mail.

One of our attempts at being more service-oriented was for the older kids to be Secret Siblings
for each other.  With only three of them, it didn't take long before they figured out who was a Secret
Sibling to whom, and with them being as young as they are they didn't do a whole lot with it,
but perhaps we'll try it again next year and be able to do a little more.

Oh, how they love cutting out cookie dough.

Eliza's music class had a sharing day where parents saw the kinds of things
they've been doing in class.  I love that the teacher incorporated singing, instruments,
yoga and other movement, along with other developmentally appropriate skills such as
taking turns, following directions, and developing creativity into her classes.
Methinks she would make a good music therapist.

Luke and I attended the kids' school Christmas activity, Sing Around the Tree.
Eliza's grade sang "Christmas Don't Be Late," Jack's grade sang "Feliz Navidad,"
and Cat's grade sang "Marshmallow World." There was also a fun "Elf Yourself" video that Cat's
teacher made using pictures of all of the staff at the school.  That was really cool

With a little help from me, Cat made this cute little pillow
as a Christmas gift for a good friend.

Making Mud Cookies is really just an excuse to get covered in powdered sugar, right?

One night when Ben was out of town, a friend and I loaded our kids up in the car and
drove them to a house in PG with a cool light show that is choreographed (?) with music
that is broadcast from a radio station.  After watching all of the songs, we drove around
and had a Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt, then came home for hot chocolate.

Gingerbread Man Decorating.  A must-do.

 

One morning during Christmas Break, I told the kids to choose their favorite Christmas
picture book (some of which were ours, and some were from the library) and pile up
blankets and pillows in the family room.  We turned on the fire and just read Christmas
stories.  Cat and Jack were only interested for the first 4 or so stories, but after that I kept
reading to Eliza and Luke and it was just lovely.  It was definitely a highlight of the
Christmas season for me.