It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

This year I made a goal to not let the holidays stress me out and so far all the diligent planning, preparations and early November gift purchasing has indeed led to a very relaxing Advent season full of more family fun than frenzy.  Here is a rundown of some of the season's sweetest memories that we have checked off the list already...

🗹 Rake and jump in the leaves once fall showed up in South Carolina

☑ Celebrate Luke's birthday

Luke and his friend Connor shared a birthday party at school

Birthday dinner at Chick Fil A

☑ Drive through the holiday lights on the river with the sunroof open and Christmas music blaring

☑ Decorate the tree

Excited about her new Queen Elsa ornament

☑ Meet Santa

☑ Listen to Christmas favorites on repeat (Jingle Bell Rock for Kate and Jingle Bells for Luke)

☑ Shop

☑ Play Reindeer Games

☑ Open Advent Calendar each evening for a treat

☑ Read Christmas books (Favorites this year are Little Blue Truck's Christmas, Click Clack Ho Ho Ho, and Bear Stays Up)

☑ Complete my Elf puzzle

☑ Watch the Christmas pageant at our church and dance in the aisles to the Christmas carols

I hope that you are finding some time to pause and enjoy the season this year as well.  Kate and Luke are at such a fantastic age, they marvel at every house with a twinkly tree in the window when we drive by them.  It really can be a magical time instead of a stressful time and my wish is that we all get to experience the same old season with a fresh perspective this year through the eyes of a child.