Hellooooo to my FAVORITE month, December! It's SO good to see you- you are full of my most favorite activities! I say it every month but WOW, where did November go?! Story of my life.
Anyway, I thought I'd share with you all some of our most favorite December activities in place of my normal monthly goals. Because let's face it, not a lot will be getting done besides decking the halls! =)
Jolly Holiday Lights- we love going to this light display in DSM! Last year, we didn't make it because it got flooded out. This year, it's in a new location and I've heard it's even better! All proceeds go to Make a Wish Foundation- so it's a great cause and fun for everybody!
Jingle in the Junction- another fun tradition located in Valley Junction. Santa and Mrs. Clause are there and there is a horse drawn carriage ride to take the kiddos on! Plus, it's a great chance to check out all the small, cute shops!
Elf on the Shelf- Oh, Elf! I have an extreme love/hate relationship with our Elf. It's so fun, the kids love it but by the end of December- this mama is DONE with Elf. This year, we changed things up a little and got a girl Elf, and explained that our old Elf, Peppermint was training her. Sometimes, our Elf does funny things and brings the girls small gifts (today, she brought Christmas pajamas and an ornament to hang on the tree) but mostly, we just have fun moving the Elf around to a new spot each day. We don't go all out and that's ok!
Peppermint brought breakfast last year!
Silly Peppermint! Sophia was not amused, by the way!
Visit Santa- we always take time to visit Santa somewhere. Usually it's at the mall. I used to get the girls dressed up but last year was a spur of the moment visit and I didn't fuss around with trying to get a picture. We also saw Santa at Will's work last year. Visiting Santa is always fun (or scary!) =)
As you can tell, Saidey wasn't so sure about this guy...
Advent Calendar- this year we also are learning about the Advent wreath and what all the candles mean. It is another way to start learning about the meaning of Christmas and grounding ourselves.
Gingerbread House- the last few years, we've had so much decorating gingerbread houses! Last year, our Elf, Peppermint brought one for the girls!
Decorating cookies- I absolutely love baking and decorating sugar cookies with the girls every year! It's one of my favorite traditions. Although messy, I wouldn't change it!
The aftermath....
Ashby Neighborhood lights- Beaverdale is one my most favorite neighborhoods in DSM. If we weren't so rooted in our neighborhood, I would have lived there in a split second when we were looking at houses this Summer. The cutest neighborhood all puts out lights and Santa even makes an appearance to hand out candy canes! Last year, we picked up Starbucks cookies and hot chocolate and drove around the neighborhood at all the pretty lights while listening to Christmas music! SO much fun!
Nothing says Christmas time then hot chocolate and cuddling on the couch watching Christmas movies!
Indeed, it's the most wonderful time of the year!! And just for fun...
Sophia's first Christmas... those cheeks!!
Too stinking cute!
Last year's Christmas jammies!
What are some of your favorite holiday traditions? Share below!