HAPPY HOLIDAYS

This holiday was special for so many reasons.  Violet, our self-proclaimed big girl - each day, three times at least, she goes up to the Papa and I and asks "you know what? I two now." - was genuinely excited for the first time that Santa was coming.  There was excitement leading up to the morning of Christmas as always.  The babes count down from the morning advent begins (a tradition which we totally dropped the ball on this year).  The night before cookies are made, carrots and milk are put out and last thank you notes to Santa placed by the fire.  So magical to see the little eyes light up with excitement because their hearts are about to burst in anticipation.

Our Christmas traditions are simple and not related to the birth of Christ.  We are not religious, so I wish as a family we could call it something else that reflects our tradition of observing Santa's visit.  But we choose to call it Christmas to make our lives easier - I honestly get a little tired of explaining all our "alternative" choices all the time.

OUR TRADITIONS

1.  OUR ADVENT:  For weeks before December, I searched Pinterest in hopes of finding a cool advent calendar.  I found some really neat ones.  There were a lot of envelopes and hanging art pieces.  This year I was so not in the organized mode having been 38 weeks pregnant and about to deliver a baby.  I couldn't commit to putting together 24 days of activities and gifts.  So I purchased a silver box from the dollar store and superglued a circular piece of wood to the top.  Each night the Papa and I would write a countdown number on the wood and inside would place an activity (write letters to Santa, make cookies, sing carols).  We dropped the ball at 8 days in.  Next year I'll give it a better try.

2.  SANTA LETTERS:  Each year since Charlotte was a baby "we" have written a letter to Santa.  I have saved each response from the busy overweight jolly man.  My mama always did this with us when we were children and I always remembered the joy I felt in receiving one.

3.  TREE DECORATING:  We don't have an artificial one, although I had one as a child and white ones get me all giddy inside.  The first snowfall in December usually means tree getting day.  This year we stalled because we had little funds and went hunting in the forest for one.  We failed.  (The Papa ended up hauling 3 babes to the grocery store in the wagon and hauling a grocery store tree back).  Each year the girls decorate the tree.  Charlotte, our eldest, finger knit colourful yarn one year and that serves as our colourful wrapping.  The Papa is obsessed with tall trees and usually gets an 8 footer.  Regular Griswald Family Christmas.  Each year we also cut the bottom of the trunk and turn it into an ornament.

4.  CHRISTMAS EVE:  Music is played (usually Raffi and She & Him).  We eat a delicious vegan dinner consisting of faux tourtiere, stuffing, vegetables, homemade cranberry sauce and gravy.  Christmas stories are read, hot chocolate sipped by the fire and kisses.  Notes to Santa are put out with cookies and milk.  We never forget the reindeer.

5.  CHRISTMAS PRESENTS:  Something you want, Something you need, Something to wear, Something to read.  Santa is also good about bringing the item each girl wants and a sharing gift.  Our babes are working really hard on their sharing.  That is it.  Well and stockings full of candy and fun.  

6.  CHRISTMAS MORNING:  The babes wake us up early morning.  Gifts are usually sorted and then ripped open feverishly.  The Mama takes photos.  The Papa puts on the Coffee and music.  We are full of joy and happiness.  

7.  CHRISTMAS DAY:  Spent eating, making food, lazing around.  There is copious amounts of candy and watching of "Home Alone".

I'd love to hear your traditions.  I love Christmas and the bringing together of family.  I always dreamed of having Babes to pass on the Santa tradition.  I hope you all had an amazing Christmas regardless of what you celebrate.

CHRISTMAS DAY

The eve of Christmas Day, Eldest Babe fell asleep at a decent hour. Littlest Babe fell asleep in a chair at 5:30 ish and awoke as the Eldest Babe entered slumber. She was up until close to 11. Santa was not impressed and must have been really tired waiting for this little to drift away and dream of sugar plums again.

The morning arrived. The Papa and I were woken by a very excited Eldest Babe. We were unsure if she was going to begin to open the gifts without the rest of us, but her instinct was to wake us up and inform us of the present delivery. Her first instinct was to share the experience with us.

And oh what a magical experience it was. Although sleeping bags were the first to be noticed, the wrapped presents were the icing on our Christmas fruit cake. The eldest babe opened a book with polar bears on the cover and was over the moon. She continued to open another paper wrapped gift with the babe's initials marked on it. It was Horton Hears a Who and she stated that "Santa knows we love elephants!" Santa was a real hit and got them all of the few things they were hoping for: a toy wagon to match the Mama, a book, a purse for gathering nature stuff, and lollipops.

The Papa and I exchanged records. I received She & Him. I had been hinting at it for a period of time. I had given him Hollerado - a local successful indie band. We were both pleased with ourselves and instantly hit the record player to begin our Christmas song listening: a new tradition in this little mess.

The day was calm and full of a flow and rhythm that was not stressful at all. After a quick breakfast, we all dressed. The CBC and little ones were playing in the background, as this Mama prepared part of a vegan feast, our traditional vegan menu. The Babes ventured outside for a sled ride as the Mama rested. The G-units arrived with gifts, love and food in hand. It was amazing to welcome them into our home, the place that is most comfortable to us and the space that is so warm in our hearts.

We ate, drank, chatted and anticipated the arrival of our sister, brother and niece. Their arrival marked such a happy time. Seeing my niece always warms me. She "makes my heart happy". It was simply a day of amazingness. It ended with a walk in a fluffy winter wonderland, a visit to the Papa's job site of restoring an old courthouse in town and the most amazing hugs from my niece. The celebration has ended for this year, but the smiles, memories and love lingers.

xoxox

The Mama

P.S. I so desperately wished to be with all other special people who we love. I miss my lovely sister and her family, my niece and nephew, who we were unable to connect with. I love my Hayles. I love my T, Zip and Deuce. I miss my friends who are sharing this day with their family. Missing you and love you.

CHRISTMAS DAY IN PHOTOS

The wagon ride that almost ended it all...the fun that is. Charlotte had pretty much a meltdown the entire time through town.

What a little bundle.

I spy you eating with my little eye, Charlotte.

Cupcake teether for Harriet.

Harriet playing with her vintage train set.

The Vintage train set and Dada's warm tootsies.

A Waldorf silk rhythmic stick.

Into my wagon!

Santa...next year please don't bring chocolate or at least tell Charlotte to wait until after 7 am to eat it.

The Vintage Train set

Rudolph had a few bites of his carrot

Santa loved El's double chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Santa had time to type the girls a letter.

Silly Rudolph leaving tracks in the house for me to clean up.

My gift to Allen.

Opening Stockings first.

Good morning Harriet!