The Holiday Season

Image from Raceytay's Etsy Shop

Part of the reason I started the season feeling unorganized and scatterbrained is because I failed to make a list.  Lists are wonderful things.  They are so easy to do, and they never fail to highlight what's really important.  Writing this post last year helped me focus on what I wanted to get out of the holiday season, so although the list is nearly identical (this time of year is full of family traditions), I needed to do it again.  I am doing this a bit late, so some of these are already complete or underway. 

When I think about what I want to do as a family this holiday season, here's what makes the list:

- Make a paper chain for the Christmas tree with the big boy (he doesn't need help this year, so although we still work together, it's even more fun)
- Watch Rudolph while we decorate the tree (with colored lights!)
- Bake something yummy to bring to the neighbors
- Send holiday cards
- Cut paper snowflakes with the big boy to decorate the house (he did these all by himself this year!)
- Attend the Holiday Pops concert at Symphony Hall. (Last year was the big boy's first year attending, and he is so excited to go again.)
- Purchase gifts for a child living in poverty (buying presents for someone you don't know is wonderful, and it initiated a cool conversation with my son about Santa and homeless kids and how fortunate we are to have so much)
- Celebrate St. Nicholas' Day (Dec. 6th - they each got a train in their shoes, and they almost fell down the stairs to get them)
- Games - Beat my mom at Scrabble (one of life's little pleasures, especially since it's rare), play Apples to Apples with family, Hi-Ho Cherry-o with the boys.
- Watch "It's a Wonderful Life" and cry at the end like I always do.  I am in such a mood to watch "Little Women" too.  That may happen tonight.
- Cookies, cookies, cookies - Some to enjoy on the spot, some to decorate, some to bring to a cookie swap, some to freeze so we can replenish our supply as needed.
- Allow my kids to open a present on Christmas Eve - a new set of pajamas.
- Chocolate fondue and champagne on New Year's Eve.

What's on your list?  What are the highlights of your holiday season?