Dec242011
12 Days of Christmas: Day 11, Is that all there is?
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PDFChristmas never seems as big and grand as it does when you’re a child. For weeks prior to the big day, their wide eyes see lights go up and they watch a thousand or so TV commercials advertising the latest and greatest “must have” toys. Anticipation grows and grows, and it’s really amazing that their little bodies can contain it all!
Once the 26th arrives and all the presents have been opened and the relatives have gone home, there’s a natural feeling of a let down. “Is that all there is?”
I hate that feeling, but I love having one last holiday surprise for my kids in the form of a fun Christmas outing that takes place a few days after Christmas. One year it was attending The Nutcracker. A year later we drove up north to play in the snow, and last year we drove over to Disneyland for a quick trip to catch their spectacular holiday displays. Whatever it is, it’s fun to give them one last something to look forward to, even a pre-planned family game and pizza night. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just something special enough to look forward to.
Because I want the anticipation to be part of the fun, I don’t keep this a secret. I always let them know ahead of time about our plans. Okay, okay. I admit I’m a doting mom, but even I don’t want to let go of Christmas too soon! How could you extend your Christmas just a wee bit longer?
© 2011, thesurvivalmom. All rights reserved.
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The shop looks great. Going to get the book now. Thanks!!
LizLong
I change from Christmas to winter decorations – snowmen, white garland, ice skaters, etc.
Winnie
That time of year again, my favorite! We leave the Christmas decorations up for most of January which is also birthday month – 3 birthdays. But first we celebrate the last birthday of the year, my son on the last day of the year, as a family. It has always been our tradition for each of us to pick our favorite appetizers to heat up for New Years Eve, and we invite my brother’s family from down the road and my mother-in-law over – 12 of us usually. We stock up on fireworks at the Fourth of July and have champagne and fireworks at midnight. My son has always said that he gets the best birthday parties! New Year’s Day we have a big pot of homemade soup to kick off our annual resolution to be frugal.
I love the idea of having a Christmas trip in January. I’ll be thinking of where we can go this year!
thesurvivalmom
Even something simple, Winnie, for that post-Christmas trip. Some cities have holiday festivities with a big final party on the last night, usually in early January. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just exciting enough for everyone to have something to look forward to.