Every year we love to bake Christmas cookies and this year was no exception. I decided I wanted to give some away to friends and neighbors so I went a little crazy and made 8 different kinds! Luckily I had a few helpers who didn't mind baking day after day after day.
The kids have been asking to make jam thumbprint cookies for a long time. It was much easier than I thought and they did such a great job.
Simon usually just laid around while we were in the kitchen....
Another favorite tradition is building/decorating a gingerbread house. I just love the pre-built Costco ones so all we have to do is put on the icing and candy.
Lucy didn't look too sure about Carter's placement of candy! Ha!
Each year just gets better and better. A few years ago the candy would just be thrown on there, half eaten and super messy. Now, there really isn't any "theme" but the kids think long and hard about where and how they want to decorate each side.
Best one yet!
While Carter was at school one morning I had Lucy help me with another batch of cookies.
And then we did another new event this year. Each year Santa seems to be a struggle. The kids look forward to visiting him but then get pretty nervous when it's actually time to talk to him and take a picture. The new McMenamins in town offered a breakfast with Santa where we could go, enjoy a breakfast buffet and then see Santa when we were done. It was the perfect fit for our kids! It reminded them a lot of the character dinner we did at Disney World last year when they got to eat and take pictures with Mickey and Minnie. I think having the time to see Santa and prepare for their turn made them less anxious since they decided when they wanted to have their turn. They all did amazing! Carter and Lucy told him what they wanted, Lucy just jumped right up on his lap and Simon just stared in amazement. Such a great morning and good food too!
We always love to drive around to look at Christmas lights each year but haven't found a great neighborhood nearby that has lots of lights. Luckily a local church puts on a great show. This year we got out of the car to watch the lights from the viewing area, which included hot cocoa, candy canes, a train and Santa. Kids loved it and I think it'll be yet another new tradition!
And finally, our last cookie baking session. Our favorite sugar cookies we make every Christmas Eve. Matt makes such good cookies and he's mastered the perfect roll out. The kids love helping him, especially the decorating part!
I made up a bunch of platters and on Christmas Eve morning our 2 little elves walked around the neighborhood delivering them to our favorite friends. It was such a fun little walk to wish those around us a very Merry Christmas!
Next up....Christmas!
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