It's beginning to look a lot like...
I'm starting to revel in the festive spark early this year. Maybe it was because it snowed on Thanksgiving day, and I held Aravine up to the window so she could see what was happening. Maybe it's because we've decided to do our Christmas/Yule shopping online this year, so we don't have to battle crowds and the blatent materialism that has always dampened my holiday spirit. Maybe it's because I know that Aravine is much more aware of what's happening around her, and able to share in our traditions. Either way, I'm feeling it.
I'm looking forward to making cookies and candy with my daughter this year. I'm going to start her with pretzel cookies, which kids of any age can make. (Place round pretzels on a non-stick cookie sheet. Put an unwrapped Hershey's kiss on the middle. Bake at a low temperature just until the kiss melts. Top with sugar crystals, M&M, or other small yummies. Or place Rolo's in the center of the pretzels, and top with a pecan or walnut half. These taste like Turtles. Yummmm!) I'm already thinking forward to getting the tree decorated. (Will the child pull over the tree? Or more specifically, when will the child pull over the tree? Is there any way to circumvent this?) We've started singing carols and planning our gifts. (For Aravine, a tie-dyed dress, a pair of toddler-sized maracas, a xylophone, and a wooden puzzle are among some of the choices.)
People are already starting to decorate their houses. In a few weeks we'll all pile into the car and go check out our local "Candy Cane Lane" and finish off the trip with raspberry hot chocolate. We'll hit the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Jingle Bus and see downtown lit up, and the Zoo to see their nighttime displays. I love holiday lights. I think Aravine will enjoy them too.
I hope this anticipation lasts throughout the season. It's a welcome change from the jadedness of years past.
I'm looking forward to making cookies and candy with my daughter this year. I'm going to start her with pretzel cookies, which kids of any age can make. (Place round pretzels on a non-stick cookie sheet. Put an unwrapped Hershey's kiss on the middle. Bake at a low temperature just until the kiss melts. Top with sugar crystals, M&M, or other small yummies. Or place Rolo's in the center of the pretzels, and top with a pecan or walnut half. These taste like Turtles. Yummmm!) I'm already thinking forward to getting the tree decorated. (Will the child pull over the tree? Or more specifically, when will the child pull over the tree? Is there any way to circumvent this?) We've started singing carols and planning our gifts. (For Aravine, a tie-dyed dress, a pair of toddler-sized maracas, a xylophone, and a wooden puzzle are among some of the choices.)
People are already starting to decorate their houses. In a few weeks we'll all pile into the car and go check out our local "Candy Cane Lane" and finish off the trip with raspberry hot chocolate. We'll hit the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Jingle Bus and see downtown lit up, and the Zoo to see their nighttime displays. I love holiday lights. I think Aravine will enjoy them too.
I hope this anticipation lasts throughout the season. It's a welcome change from the jadedness of years past.