Out with the Minis. In with the Tree.

Thanksgiving. This happened:

And this:

See those mini pumpkin votives? Amazing.

The day was great and nothing was burned, no one puked, and no one fought. An overall success with great company, a warm home and enough food for ten thanksgivings. I was pretty tired when all was said and done and was looking forward to a relaxing evening. This happened instead: 

Nick's feelings toward Christmas match mine for mini pumpkins. That is to say, within ten minutes of the departure of our Thanksgiving guests Nick had hauled up the Christmas tree box. Assembly began and the tree was up and lit shortly thereafter. I was slightly annoyed by this whole situation, but my attitude soon changed when I saw the kids running around with excitement at the sight of our Christmas tree. They eagerly looked through all of the ornaments and we decorated the tree to a little Mannheim Steamroller on the record player. Our home quickly transformed and it is full blown Christmas up in here. The kids are completely caught up in the magic and it is awesome to see. Isabelle is obsessed with the nativity set and refers to the baby Jesus as "the little lord Jesus." She takes him everywhere. He is currently in the car waiting for her to finish preschool. 

The kids are also enjoying Christmas movies, Santa hats, advent tree countdown and the return of Laru, our invisible, not on the shelf, elf. Isabelle and Henry each left him/her a note to take to Santa:

Dear Santa,

Do you like my behavior? Do you think I can get presents because of my behavior or not?

Your friend,

Henry Bruecken 

Ho-Ho-Ho Santa,

My name is Isabelle. Hee-haw! You're very nice for bringing presents. I've been good and bad and funny and can count to three. Mom got out the Christmas decorations like the snow globe and stuff. I love chocolate milk. I love baby things like my ornament. I love cooking ginger breads when I grow up like a mom. I want some pink strawberry flavored milk. I love Christmas books. I love you, Santa. 

-Isabelle 

This is a wonderful time of year. Nick told me this after we put up our tree: "Not everyone believes. I still believe. There's comfort in thinking someone is out there making all of this happen." Young and old, this household believes in the magic of the season and we are continuing to give thanks for all that we have to enjoy. 

Hee-Haw,

maggie

P.S.

If you enjoy holiday coffee drinks, but not the $4.00 price tag, try purchasing a dark roast and add a little cream and sugar. Next, apply peppermint Chapstick. Boom. Holiday drink. You're welcome.