Monthly Archives: December 2023

On the Actual Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to Me…Nostalgia and Happiness

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On the Actual Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to Me…Nostalgia and Happiness

A Christmas gift I look forward each and every year is seeing my daughter’s smile, hearing her along with oohs and aahs and feeling her appreciation as she opens her Christmas gifts.

But something that made this year different was that she used her hard earned money to get me a thoughtful and heartfelt gift: a sterling silver mom necklace that projects, “I love you” in 100 languages. It came in a lovely box with little roses and a teddy bear that lights up. Though I encouraged her to hold onto her money, it makes me feel so good that was willing to spend her entire savings on me.

Another bonus was that many of the gifts she wanted this year were quite nostalgic as they brought back wonderful memories of my childhood playing games, doing crafts and making treats.

All the best,

Tanya

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas 2023: The Magic of Twinning

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Both my daughter and I love surprises. I was pleasantly surprised that she agreed to “twin” today in our Charlie Brown Christmas sweatshirts. While she was surprised to an evening of magic and illusions with Christmas twists, lights and music.

I’m so grateful for family time and outings, especially around this time of year. I can’t help but smile while in the festive environment, with delectable treats and extra time together.

All the best,

Tanya

On the Tenth Day of Christmas 2023: The Perfect Balance of Nice & Naughty

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Though my ten year old is technically the only child, it’s so nice knowing that she and her “little brother” our toy poodle have each other, especially around this time of the year.

Just like “human” siblings, they’re sometimes naughty together, getting into mischief or even fussing with each other about who gets to sit next to me on the sofa. But more times than not, they’re so sweet and have a nice time enjoying each other’s company.

I’m so grateful for them both as their presence alone are both special gifts in my life.

All the best,

Tanya

On the Ninth Day of Christmas 2023: No Sleeping on Pajama Day at School

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This week, leading up to winter break, my fifth grader has had the opportunity to wear something festive or fun for school.

Unfortunately, this is the age and grade where some kids get clowned for participating, so while Quinn was initially excited for this week, she opted not to participate in crazy hair day or ugly sweater day to avoid being teased and taunted. Though I encouraged her to do her own thing, I didn’t push the issue because I recall all too well how it feels to be taunted by classmates.

But with just two days left, she was eager to wear her festive, plaid pajamas for pajama day knowing that this is the one most kids will be excited to do. Here’s to hoping she was in good company today with her classmates and friends.

All the best,

Tanya

On the Eighth Day of Christmas 2023 Still Checking in with the North Pole

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The Eighth Day of Christmas:

Eight years ago I posted about my fascination with Santa Claus and the North Pole and how my then two and a half was still learning about Christmas, Santa, where he lives and how he knows if she’s been naughty or nice.


Even though Quinn’s now ten, I’m so happy that she still looks forward to listening to Clementine, one of the head elves, Mrs. Claus, a few other characters and even Santa himself sharing little facts about what goes on in the North Pole from December 1st through December 25th.

A message from Clementine at the Northpole

All the best,

Tanya

On the Seventh Day of Christmas: There’s No Shelving the Elf

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The Elf on the Shelf’s been a part of my daughter’s life since she was two and a half. I remember how she initially thought the elf was Santa or Mrs. Claus and how I had to explain who she is and why she visits.

Quinn eventually named her Lola, and while I thought Quinn had outgrown her visits at ten and a half years old, she still seeks her out each morning and loves that her wardrobe continues to expand with each year.

This year, she was joined by a new friend, Snoop on the Stoop, which we both got a kick out of!

All the best,

Tanya

On the Sixth Day of Christmas 2023 Feeling Festive at Feeney’s

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The Sixth Day of Christmas: There’s a store my family loves to go to during this time of the year just for the environment: Feeney’s! It’s just so festive and whimsical, putting us in a happy mood and even giving us some inspiration for our own Christmas decorations. Sometimes, it’s not about spending money but just spending time together getting in the Christmas spirit.

All the best,

Tanya

On the Fifth Day of Christmas 2023 Merry for Family

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The Fifth Day of Christmas: Since before my daughter was born, we’ve been having holiday parties to bring our extended family together for some food, fun and fantastic memories. As the hosts, my husband, daughter and I will wear “festive” clothes for the occasion , which we all enjoy. But this year, it took Quinn and me some time to figure out what we wanted to wear. So we used my husband’s T-shirt as an inspiration.

Last year, I got a Cricut for Christmas, so I couldn’t resist designing ones for Quinn and me. My husband suggested “busy bod” for her to match his “Santa Bod” shirt, but she felt it was negative making it seem that she gets into trouble, so she went with “cute bod” and was too adorable. As the fitness enthusiast of the household, I went with “fit bod.” Quinn thought it was perfect. I think we all looked great in our shirt and think we may have a new tradition on our hands. 🤗🎄

All the best,

Tanya

On the Fourth Day of Christmas 2023 The Magic of Santa Claus

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The Fourth Day of Christmas: For the first time, when I asked my daughter if she wanted to take a picture with Santa at the mall where we usually go, she said no thanks. Maybe it’s because she’s in double digits, is maturing or didn’t want to seem like a “baby.” But low and behold, when we went to the Luminature event at the Philadelphia Zoo and had an opportunity to see and chat with Santa.

To my surprise, Quinn eagerly walked towards Santa and happily chatted with him and took a picture. Of course, I’m always eager and happy to see Santa, so I took a picture with him too. 🤗🥰

All the best,

Tanya