Advent Countdown

2 more days until Christmas. 

We have been counting down the days here at our house. 

Last year, I made this Advent calendar with little brown 

envelopes that have special Holiday activities for each day. 

Some days are about reminiscing about Christmases past and

some days are about making new holiday memories. 

Last year we started ringing bells for the Salvation Army. 

It was a day with negative wind chills and snow on the ground. 

This year only 5 days before Christmas, the weather was much more pleasant as we 

rang bells to raise money for those who need it more. 

These beautiful smiles were just to cute to walk by without putting

a little something in the red box.  We also were given suckers, 

free cookies, and free hot cocoa from strangers. 

Ringing bells is always a great reminder to my kids 

on the importance of helping others. 

It's not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving. -- Mother Teresa

 Of course we can't have Christmas pass us by without seeing Santa Claus.

Our Christmas list go to Santa in our stockings on St Nicholas day on December 5th, 

so seeing Santa in person just means we verify that one gift they really want.  

I was so proud of my son, who when I told him to think of something he wanted to ask 

Santa for... instead said that he didn't need anything really, but had a question to ask the big guy. 

His question was "Everyone tells you want they want for Christmas Santa, but what do you want?"

Santa answered, "Hugs!" 

 Popcorn and Movie day is one of my favorite and I have to admit we do this more than once 

over Advent.  This past Saturday was special though, because we went to the Putnam Museum 

to participate in the their Polar Express Pajama Party. 

 They had face painting, a snowman scavenger hunt, and we explored the museum in the 

dark with flashlights.  To end the night we watched Polar Express in 3D. 

It was so fun, and of course like every time I watch the movie... mommy cried. 

It has become a routine for the kids to watch mommy during 

sad parts of movies to see my tears. 

I think it's mean... they think it's funny. 

What can I say, I'm an emotional person! 

 We waited until the kids were on Christmas break this year to tackle the 

Christmas baking.  We made 6 different kinds of cookies, candies, and breads. 

  

 I love our Advent countdown. 

It takes even Bah Humbug daddy and turns him into a 

Holly Jolly Elf. 

We can't forget the true meaning of Christmas though.... 

O Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining

It is the night of our dear Savior's birth

Long lay the world in sin and error pinning

Til he appeared and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. 

Fall on your knees,

O hear the angel voices!

O Night Divine,

O night when Christ was born!