Holiday Magic

Dear Addie,

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year, filled with cookies, twinkle lights, laughter, more cookies, and an abundance of warmth, joy, and kindness. Add in all things Grinchy (if you know, you know, he’s my fav), and not to mention your birthday sneaking up on us before we know it… and honestly, my dear? That’s a recipe for perfection in my book (year-round). Also, did I mention cookies?

As we continue to try and find a sense of normalcy, whatever that looks like for us, while managing symptoms and those moments when it feels like we’re on the other side, only to realize we’re not, we’re choosing not to let it dampen our spirits or our enjoyment of the holiday cheer. All within reason, of course. We’re not forcing anything or placing expectations on you; we’re simply following your lead when it comes to commitment and energy. Making things extra special when you’re feeling well enough to take in all the festivities of the season.

With that being said, we’ve had Christmas parties with school friends filled with fun games and yummy treats. We saw Santa not once, not twice, but three times in one weekend at different places—he really is everywhere! We’ve made Christmas cookies more times than probably needs to be mentioned...lets just say our first batch was made on Halloween, but who’s counting. I’ve heard Christmas cookie calories don’t count, or maybe perhaps I made that up, but I’m going to go with it. Now, where was I, oh yes, we’ve walked through our local town, which looks exactly like a Christmas town scene from a Hallmark Christmas movie, with all the lights and people sipping hot chocolate! I didn't see any film crews, but we even have a snow machine that makes at least a portion of it feel like a real-life snow globe, with the sounds of giggling children. Very magical!

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/b10a86_690ef837e3024c98b3b550377ceabfe1/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

*You played Reindeer Games trying to pick up marshmellows with reindeer hooves. You inevitably found a more efficent way to get the marshmellow in the bowl lol.

*You picked out your red and green holiday attire for the school party all on your own. Nailed it!

*Holiday lights in our local town ;)

You and I also did our favorite art activity of what I call “Monkey See, Monkey Do”—where I draw a shape and then you draw a shape one chilly afternoon (and by chilly, I mean probably 50 degrees… a temperature that makes our northern friends and family laugh at us, but I digress). We drew the Grinch, and I have to admit—yours turned out way better than mine and has truly been my favorite picture of the season. Now speaking of chilly days, we’ve even had every kid's favorite this time of year, a few snowless snow days off from school! Woohoo!

Addie, we’ve welcomed in as much holiday magic as we can, but the very best part—by far—has been sharing every bit of that joy together.

*The Grinch by: Addie

“Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.” - The Grinch

Very wise words from my very green friend ;)

Love you always,

Mom