A Lovely Holiday…

“Oh Christmas isn’t just a day. It’s a frame of mind.” -Miracle on 34th Street

Ever since Thanksgiving, it’s felt like a continuous sprint to Christmas and checking off the list to make sure that we hit all of the holidays highlights.

While a joyful and magical time, especially through the eyes of our Little Lovely, I feel like I’m just now catching my breath to reflect on it all.

Here are some of the seasonal events and activities that kept us on our mistletoes:

Eloise and I have a tradition of seeing “The Nutcracker” the day before Thanksgiving to kick off the holidays. She loved watching the ballerinas and even got out of her seat a few times to dance along.

It was also a treat to have an early visit with Santa at Duck Duck Goose Children’s boutique and give him our list.

Eloise was the sweetest little angel in her preschool pageant and learned so many Christmas carols this year.

Santa kept popping down from the North Pole, and we saw him again for brunch (and Eloise was sure to recite her list again)…and he stopped by our annual Christmas cookie party along with Queen Elsa. The pair added even more magic to a sweet afternoon with friends.

I think that we felt the spirit of Christmas the most when we rang the bell for the Salvation Army of the Midlands to raise funds for those families most in need in our community.

Eloise also joined her grandmother to wrap presents for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. So glad that she is learning the importance of giving back at an early age.

Another favorite tradition is caroling with our neighbors and enjoying some treats afterwards. I grew up on a small street without many neighbors and always wished that our family could go caroling, so it makes me happy that Eloise is growing up with this fun memory.

We hosted family for Christmas Eve dinner, which is always Italian themed in honor of my mother’s side, and we watched “The Grinch” before setting out cookies and milk for the big guy (Eloise wearing ribbon nightgown by Lullaby Set}.

Christmas morning was the merriest yet, and it was pure joy watching Eloise’s delight as she opened Santa’s gifts. Her first bike, a Glinda costume and a pink yo-yo just like Peppa were among her most coveted presents.

Lunch with extended family was a wonderful way to finish the day. As we reflect on Christmas, we are so grateful for the most important gift to come in 2019, a baby sister for our Little Lovely.

Wishing you and your family a happy holiday and new year too!