Christmas is coming...

Sprout & his best friend with Santa

In the last couple of weeks, I've really started to think about Christmas a lot. Maybe editing the Event List for Vancouver Mom & writing articles for the Holiday Guide did it? One of the articles is titled, 'De-stressing Christmas", so I'm trying to take my own advice. Before I get too stressed out over all the work that the holiday entails, I remind myself that Sprout is still far too young to understand the whole thing. He likely doesn't remember last Christmas, either. This means we get a free pass again this year: he's not going to be concerned with how many gifts he gets, he won't remember which traditions we followed or when we decorated the house.
I'd like Christmas to be focussed on getting together with family & friends, good food (without too much sugary junk, though there will be more than usual) & giving. I don't want it to be about spending too much money, crowded malls, huge lists gifts to buy & lots of disposable junk. This year I plan to make more gift bags for all the gifts I give. I'm trying to make as many of the gifts as I can. So far, the only thing I've started is a new wardrobe for my nieces' dollies.

Best stocking stuffer EVER!

We've already bought Sprout a few things: a wooden rocking moose, a Wheely Bee & a deluxe Mr. Potato Head set. I know that Nana has bought him something, Oma & Opa will probably send a cheque, Auntie Wem has something brilliant in mind if she hasn't got/made it already, Auntie Sarah will have found something on her travels & Sprouty's best friend's mama Kirsten has threatened to buy him a puppy! (I think she was joking, but she was browsing the SPCA website at the time... ulp!)

I may get him a few more little things to stuff in his stocking, maybe a little candy & some small toys or books.  Things he needs might go in there too, like a new toothbrush, possibly some slippers or other clothing. It's a pretty big stocking, as you can see!