Monthly Archives: December 2021

A Merry Christmas with the “Presence” of Family

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When I asked my daughter what she enjoyed most about Christmas yesterday, she said that she loved getting presents, but it made her feel good to give presents too because she loves seeing how happy people are as they open gifts. But she also said getting to spend time with family was something she really enjoyed.

Last year, we were stayed at home for Christmas as Covid restrictions were in full swing, there was limited vaccines and it was highly recommended that people limit their interactions to just their immediate family. With the Omicron variant on the rise, we may find ourselves back under restrictions as it continues to make its way to more people.

It’s times like this that I’m glad we have a relatively small family and that we’re all taking precautions to remain safe. While no one knows for sure what will happen in the days or months to come, just like Quinn, I’m so glad I got to enjoy the presence of my family for Christmas.

All the best,

Tanya

It’s a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday!

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It seems like more people than usual are struggling to feel festive or have holiday spirit. It’s times like this that I’m grateful for my eight year old daughter and our year and a half old toy poodle who constantly lift my spirits during this time of the year.

They definitely keep me merry, especially Quinn as she opened her gifts this morning displaying appreciation for each one.

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

All the best,

Tanya

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… The Joy of Relaxing in Our Matching Pajamas

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On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… The Joy of Relaxing in Our Matching Pajamas.

Very seldom do I give myself a pajama day, but when I do, it’s usually around Christmas time with my daughter.

I’m looking forward to us just watching Christmas movies, baking cookies for Santa and relaxing on Christmas Eve.

All the best,

Tanya

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… Excitement Counting Down the Days Til Christmas

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On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… Excitement Counting Down the Days Til Christmas! I remember being so excited for Christmas to come and marking down the days on my little calendar that seemed to go by so slowly, especially leading up to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Christmas 2017

When Quinn was a toddler, I got her a Christmas Countdown tree, and still loves using it today. Just two more days until Christmas Eve, she told me!

That phrase took me right back to when I was eight years old anticipating the magic of Christmas Day.

All the best,

Tanya

On the Tenth Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… A Reminder That It’s Fun to Be Festive

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On the Tenth Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… A Reminder That It’s Fun to Be Festive. Something Quinn and I both love are decorations. We especially love decorating ourselves for the holidays.

When she put on Christmas tree glasses, headband boppers snd held up the “I’ve been nice” sign, I couldn’t resist taking her picture. That look with her standing in front of our photo collage of past Christmas memories just puts a huge smile on my face and reminds me to let loose and have a little fun!

All the best,

Tanya

On the Ninth Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… A Smile and Laughter As We Watched The Little Mermaid the Musical

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On the Ninth Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… A Smile and Laughter As We Watched The Little Mermaid the Musical. Quinn had her first theater experience at three years old to see Annie at the Walnut Street Theatre, and she loved it!

With the exception of last year, due to restrictions, we’ve seen a play together every December for the holiday season. One year, it was Christmas Story the Musical, another, Mathilde and even Shrek the Musical.

According to Quinn, “The Little Mermaid” was one of her favorites. The actress did such a lovely job and had a beautiful singing voice. All of the actors actually did a fantastic job.

I hope this is a tradition we will keep for years to come.

All the best,

Tanya

On the Eighth Day of Christmas, My “Family” Gave to me… A Wonderful Time at Our Holiday Party

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On the Eighth Day of Christmas, My “Family” Gave to me… A Wonderful Time at Our Holiday Party! I love my family, and I’m grateful for the time we get to spend together.

For over a decade, I’ve been hosting a holiday party, but last year it didn’t happen because of the restrictions. Though I love my extended and immediate family, this year, I made it much smaller with just my immediate family members.

Quinn, my daughter, was so excited, and I was too!

It was a fun time for all with good, sweets, games, talking and laughter. Yesterday put us all in a festive mood.

All the best,

Tanya

On the Sixth Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… A Fun and Memorable Picture with Santa

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On the Sixth Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… A Fun and Memorable Picture with Santa. Last year, was the first time in six years that Quinn did not get a picture with Santa. It wasn’t because she didn’t want to, but the Covid restrictions prevented it.

So this year, she was very excited to see Santa in person and to bring along her little brother and furry best friend, Zack. We both were surprised at how well he did. I was probably just as excited as Quinn to see Santa and take a picture once more.

There’s something magical and memorable about interacting with him and hearing his jolly voice in person. I’m so glad we were able to continue one of our Christmas traditions this year.

All the best,

Tanya

On the Fifth Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… Joy Reminiscing About Christmas Memories

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On the Fifth Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… Joy Reminiscing About Christmas Memories. Christmas, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” is what the song says, and I totally agree and always felt this way since I was a little girl. Not just because of receiving gifts, but family togetherness and doing activities together during our winter break.

I love to decorate the house and display Christmas pictures from the past, and Quinn loves looking at them and talking about those moments. Rarely is it about the toy or doll she received. It’s more about the time we spent together having fun.

It’s hard to believe that my baby will be nine in about five months, so I’m so grateful for the moments we have together and the ability to reminisce about them through pictures or even entries from my blog.

All the best,

Tanya