It’s our favorite time of the year! From our fun Christmas card to the Christmas Pageant to the joy of opening special gifts- there is magic in the air!

The boys are getting older and can appreciate the spirit of giving more. Brendan talked to us about Toy s for Tots and wanting us to help those in need. We shopped for both Toys for Tots and also sponsored a family in our neighborhood and got to shop for them. Brendan wrapped and delivered the presents to the Neighborhood House. It was really special to have him put so much thought into what others would want.

Aidan spent weeks making a special gift for Brendan- a colorful scarf and bracelet. It was a lot of work but he was so proud of himself. And Brendan loved it.

We went to Jordan’s to the Enchanted Village, we visited Santa, made cookies enjoyed the Christmas lights and decorated the tree. The boys both performed in their school Christmas concerts. All favorite fun traditions.

We also decided to add a new tradition- we called it the Polar Express Party. The boys invited friends over to watch the Polar Express. They all wore pjs, decorated gingerbread cookies and had pizza and hot coco. It was a fun way to get into the holiday spirit and may be a tradition we add to each year!

And as for gifts- the boys were very good this year, so Santa brought them what they asked for as well as a few surprises!

Before the holiday busyness began, we first needed to finish up the fall after school activities. Both kids tried new things and had a lot of fun. We enjoyed seeing all their hard work and the fun they had with their friends.

Aidan continued with piano lessons. He has a real talent for hearing music and trying to figure out how to play it on his own. Aidan loves science and science club days were his favorite days. He enjoyed trying experiments with  Dr. Tim and learning all kinds of fun things. His new club this session was Lights, Camera, Action! This was a movie making class. He and two friends worked with a teacher on an improv movie that they created and directed. It was very funny!

Brendan’s new activity was ballet- Frozen Ballet to be exact. He had taken hip hop and liked it. Ballet was just as fun for him. His other new class was “4th Direction”- a vocal ensemble group. They even visited a recording studio and made their own CD! And he of course he was in the music theater program. This session’s play was The Music Man.

It’s no secret that we love Christmas- everything about it.  From decorating to the Christmas Pageant to the many family traditions in between, it’s our favorite season.  So it should come as no surprise that our family finds a way to share our joy and excitement, and hopefully make a few people smile, with our Christmas card.  We like others to know they are thought of at this special time and what better way than with a good laugh.

Two years ago, when Brendan was old enough to start giving input, we began talking about “fun” Christmas cards.  That year our theme was “Deck the Halls” complete with Brendan taped to a wall.  Last year Aidan was upside down on a ladder while both kids were tangled in lights.  We started thinking in August about what we could do this year.

Our initial plan was “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth.”  Back in August Bren had a wiggly front tooth.  It seemed like the timing would be perfect.  The wiggly tooth just fell out two weeks ago and the second front tooth is still wiggly.  Clearly there was a need for a  back up plan.

While talking about Christmas things we did last year, going to A Christmas Story the musical came up.  Perfect!  Our boys are the same age as the Ralphie and Randy!  Ideas began flying and the next thing you know pieces of a leg lamp and a pink bunny costume were being delivered to our house!

We put together this video of the making of our Christmas card since it became such a fun project.  We hope you enjoy it!!

PS We now have a new Christmas decoration- a leg lamp!