Making Christmas Memories

One of my favorite new traditions from last year's holiday season was our Advent Calendar.  So much so, it was the very first thing I hung when the Christmas boxes were unpacked last week.

Jackson loves it too and can't wait to "check the envelopes" when he wakes up each morning.

Here are some of the things we've done so far:

The Annual Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade with Gram, Grump, Aunt Kate and Cousin Attia. 
(Credit goes to Gram for the awesome pictures.)

A Gingerbread House Viewing
(The houses were later auctioned off to benefit the Lawrence Boys & Girls Club.  Some were made by kids and some clearly by seasoned professionals!)

Decorating a Tree for Jackson's Room

 

Of course, not every day is a big activity.  We've also watched Christmas movies (The Grinch is a definite favorite this year), unwraped a new book, put up our tree and stuffed/labeled Christmas cards. 

We haven't been perfect.  Jack's letter to Santa hasn't been written yet (his patience level wasn't cooperating that evening) and we neglected to drive around town looking at Christmas lights (it just got too late), but we'll fit those things in somewhere.

I promised myself that I wouldn't view the advent calendar as another thing I have to check off my daily to-do list.  Rather, I'll take advantage of this opportunity to slow down for a minute, enjoy the holiday season and make memories with my family.

So far, it's working.