My very favorite time of year

Although it's Emma's third Christmas, it is the first Christmas that she understands a little bit about what is going on.  She knows who Baby Jesus is in a nativity scene.  The theory behind our Elf on the Shelf, Barbara, is still a little advanced for her.  However, Emma totally understands the Christmas tree.

We have an Advent calendar that Emma has thoroughly enjoyed making.  Gluing on Santa's beard is thrilling!  Cotton balls and glue, people.  It's magic.

Emma has her very own special Christmas decorations in her room that used to be mine.

 

 

 

This Playmobil set wasn't mine, but I wish it had been.  I would have loved playing with it, as I'm sure Emma will.  In fact, she already enjoys playing with Baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.  We're trying to get her to leave the rest of it alone until she's older...lest the stable come a-tumblin' down!

 

"Wook at da wight!"  (There's a little lantern that glows when you press the button, and it's on a timer - you don't even have to worry about the battery running down.)

 

 

Christmas is a crazy time of year for everyone, and our little family is no exception.  But I'm ok with going to bed with our den looking like this:

 

 

 

because instead of cleaning up, we got to play with and hold Emma like this:

 

So do yourself a favor tonight: don't clean up your den, and leave the dishes in the sink.  Instead, glue some cotton balls on Santa's beard or play with Jesus, Joseph, and Mary with your child, grandchild, niece, nephew....or any little child for that matter.  There are a lot of people in Connecticut who would trade a clean den floor, an empty sink, wrapped presents, and folded laundry for just one more day with their beloved children.