Christmas Traditions

The season has arrived, the countdown has begun, and traditions are being made and repeated! I can't believe it's already December 1st, boy how time flies. Our Christmas shopping is mostly done for K, he just needs a few more little things to add as stocking stuffers. He's going to be spoiled, I think! We made a big purchase and jumped on the band wagon with the purchase of a hot item this year, the Leapfrog LeapPad. I'm super excited to see Kainen open it on Christmas morning and have him go to town on his own techy toy :) I saw this toy months ago in stores and knew immediately I wanted to purchase it for him this Christmas. Little did I know that it would turn into a hot toy, and never be on the shelfs come November. The mommy in me should've bought it when I first saw it, but then there's the patience of keeping it from him...especially when he's always asking to hold mine or his daddy's phone and play games. I was very lucky to find the Leap Pad Black Friday, quite early I might add at 5am, on Amazon for the low price of $99!! The days before it was jacked up high in price...for well over the retail of said low price, most of them $150 or more. I went back a few hours later and it was right back up to almost $200! I feel super relieved that his big item is now marked off our list. Now, to hold off getting it out of the box now that it has arrived.
Speaking of arrived, the Elf on the Shelf has made it's first appearance in our household. Ella the Elf, as Kainen has renamed her. Poor elf was just a number before, being only one of the 500,000 Santa's helpers, she now has a name that suits her. Not only is she here at our home, she also has a friend who is peeking around his classroom....he also made his first appearance today! Lots of little eyes on Kainen this year, better keep him off that naughty list.

Lots of traditions are beginning and new ones are being started. I'm hoping to have 25 items, traditions, this season. Here are just some ideas, and if you have any to share..please do. I could definitely use some help! Hope you all have a happy December and a very blessed holiday season!

1. Elf on the Shelf makes an appearance
2. Family ornaments are purchased
3. Christmas tree is put up and decorated
4. Buy Christmas Pj's
5. Get Family Pictures done!
   
6. Ride thru the Holiday in Lights
7. Set up a Nativity, tell Kainen the true meaning of Christmas
8. Bake Cookies to decorate
9. Visit Santa at our Local Mall
10. Enjoy Christmas treats and hot chocolate while watching Christmas Classics
11. Read Christmas stories
12. Send out Christmas Cards
13. Donate Canned Goods and/or Toys to less fortunate
14. Wear Christmas Pjs Christmas Eve/Christmas morning
15. Track Santa's sleigh
16. Catch a Christmas Program, Kainen has a Musical Performance December 15 :)
17. Walk around Downtown Cinci and check out all the festive decor and shops!
18. Try Ice Skating as a family at a local Town Center, try again on a date with the hubs
19. Attend our Church's Christmas Service
20. Make Snow angels and snowmen after the First Snowfall, if possible

Those are all of my ideas for now...we'll see how it goes!

Here's Day 1 of Ella the Elf, spotted near our computer this evening...