Holiday cheer

We are really trying to get Claire involved with the things we do over the holidays and are hoping that the spirit of giving (and not just getting) will catch on with her. We've tried to explain to her as we select and purchase gifts/toys for less fortunate children that some kids don't have lots of toys and clothes like she does. And I share with her as she helps pick out an angel off the tree when we grocery shop that we are providing a meal for a family who can't afford to buy as much food as we do. Don't get me wrong, I know we're not the most generous or the most giving people around, but I do feel like sometimes I need this exercise to remind me of a few things... not only that this season is about giving as well as receiving, but it's also a lesson to me to be more content with what I have and realize how blessed I really am!

Today, Claire enjoyed helping me make some baked goodies for our neighbors and was so excited to knock on doors and deliver them all. There were a few people who weren't home, which was soooooo disappointing to her! Oh well, it gives us something to look forward to tomorrow!

She also wanted to help me put together our Christmas cards and listened carefully as I told her who they were going to. She loves it that we are getting cards in the mail and wants to open them all herself to see the "surprise" inside! She loves to help wrap presents as well - she calls it helping, but it's really just handing me tape!

Our elf on the shelf has been a big hit. "Giffy" has appeared in some interesting places each morning, and Claire just can't wait to find him when she wakes up.

We're reading stories from our Advent story book every night and that's been fun. Claire has also really enjoyed the advent book with numbered ornaments and loves to hang them on the tree after we read each one.

We've already watched more than our share of Christmas movies, some of the classics and some of the new ones too. Although we've enjoyed them all, I must say we are partial to The Santa Clause movies with Tim Allen. They are just so cute and funny!

We've been to see Santa a few times now. We went to a local Breakfast with Santa event, and it was just ok. We also went to Opry Mills to see him, and Claire really enjoyed that visit because there were games to play and trains everywhere.

I just love that she is sharing in all the joys of this season - the joy of Jesus' birth, the joy of giving as well as receiving, and the joy of sharing special times with family and friends!