Christmas Just Seems to Get Earlier Every Year!

Especially at our house! I compared with other years and having Christmas on the 18th is not really that early. Usually we have it right before we leave on our Christmas trip, but this year we wanted to have it while Grandma and Grandpa were here and there are still 5 days until we leave - so I have had to warn Caleb about how most of his friends haven't opened gifts yet. Some highlights:

Tradition:I've mentioned before that, while she only made it once, my Nanny made a cinnamon roll Christmas tree that made a big impression on me! I like to make one on "Christmas" morning and it always reminds me of her.

Our t(h)ree:

At our house, Santa only fills the stockings - I don't think either Rob or I had it like that as kids, but it really simplifies things for us. Trust me, they get piles of gifts even without stacks of Santa presents. Caleb said, "My own sunglasses! Finally!"

Annalise's present from Daddy - a pink fishing rod:

Caleb's dress up gift - a suit of armor (from Annalise - but the inflatable sword was in his stocking - the sword was his favorite gift, and I got it for $.10 at a garage sale)

O Elendil!

Annalise's dress up gift - a princess dress (from and made with love - if not skill - by Mommy - the crown was a garage sale find too)

It just tastes like Christmas!

Before we leave, I planned a playdate with some friends for Tuesday - I had this idea to have a preschool level mystery party - A Gingerbread Man-hunt - Usually if I am having a themed playdate (and yes I occasionally get a wild idea and won't rest until it's played out), I'll send out an evite to say 5 friends and 2 of them will come. Well this time, I really wanted about 4 or 5 friends, so I invited about 13 people...and 10 of them are coming - along with 18 children. Any of you who have been to my house are probably laughing uncontrollably, but this is kind of a crisis. Fortunately, I can delegate and have enlisted help and really only have to make the gingerbread men and figure out how and where 18 children are going to play and or do crafts, while their moms sit on the couch, the rocker, two wooden chairs, 2 plastic chairs, and a metal folding chair - I, for one, plan to stand.