Our Countdown to Christmas

Aaaaahhhhh. Christmas is over. It's my absolute favorite time of the year, but a little too fast-paced for me. I wish it weren't that way, but it always is. I taught preschool this month which also added a fun and busy twist to our holiday festivities. Here is what we did to get ready for Christmas at our house:

Dec. 1
We put our new Advent Calendar up. (I figured this year was the year to make one becaue I'm not pregnant and I don't have a little baby - the perfect time for a project):

Isn't it cute? Andrew helped me fill it with candies (each number is a mint tin) - we also read a scripture about Jesus each day (well, not everyday - but we tried). Want to make your own? Click Here. And here is a link to The Friend's scripture advent.

Dec. 3
Our preschool class and our community playgroup got together to make Christmas cards for the children at Primary Children's hospital. I brought my camera, I even pulled it out of the bag to take cute pictures of cute kids making cute cards - but then Andrew needed to go potty and I forgot.

Dec. 6

We went to our Ward Christmas Party - Santa's helper (aka Bishop) paid us a visit. We enjoyed hanging with our friends and making gingerbread houses.

Dec. 8

We put up our tree with all the trimmin's.

Dec. 10
We mailed a letter to Santa: Andrew wasn't super enthusiastic about writing the letter that day - I managed to get him to write his name and "Dear Santa." I think I stress him out because I try to get to him to write in a straight line and in smaller letters - oh and to hold his pencil correctly. It's tough being the mommy and the teacher. We dropped it off at Macy's department store - they deliver it to the post office for you and for every letter they receive, they will donate $1 to Make a Wish Foundation. We also visited the mall Santa - I had to sit on Santa's lap to keep Josh from going ballistic (I'll spare you from the hideous picture).

Dec. 11
My neighbor and I went to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert - it was magical and I loved every minute of it.

Dec. 17
We went caroling at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. This is definitely going to be a yearly tradition while we're here in the city. We went with our playgroup - the kids did a great job.

From left to right: Kyle, Rachel, Josh, Andrew, Fiel, Kaylie, Megan, Isaiah & Lance. (Fiel, Kaylie & Isaiah are part of our preschool)

We had a gift exchange after the caroling - such a fun day:

Dec. 20

We enjoyed being with Randy's side of the family at the annual Family Christmas party. The boys love their cousins.

Dec. 21

We took the train to Temple Square to see the lights and the Nativity. Brought the camera - now I know why they say to get an extra battery - it was beautiful though. Freezing but beautiful.

Earlier that day, we made a fireplace to hang our stockings. Andrew was very concerned that we didn't have a chimney - the faux fireplace put him at ease. The 5th stocking is for my mom - she came to be with us Christmas day.

Dec. 23

We went to This Is The Place Heritage Park for their Canlelight Christmas - it was so beautiful - everything was covered in fresh snow - the decorations made you feel like you were truly in an Old Time Christmas greeting card. We didn't get to do even half the activities, but we managed to ride the train and to see Santa. This is definitely on our Christmas To-do list for next year.
We also celebrated Josh's birthday & our 8th anniversary. Whew!

I'll have to save Christmas Eve for another post. To Be Continued...