Going to see Santa is one of our favorite Christmas activities. This year, we excitedly came donning our Santa hats along with our toy poodle Zack. Santa was so impressed with how well-behaved and patient Zack was. These are memoriesI will always cherish.
After attending the Philadelphia Zoo’s Luninature and seeing their gorgeous tree displays, my daughter and I (along with our toy poodle) were eager to get started on our tree.
Big T Money is all decked out with delectable sweet treats like cupcakes, cookies, lollipops, cotton candy, ice cream, etc. If only it was all edible 😋. Perhaps it’s good that it’s not because our treats just might be gone by Christmas.
Something my family looks forward to is getting a Christmas tree, but what made this year a little different was the hike in price! It went from $80 to $120! 😳 My daughter and I have the tradition of naming our tree and settled on Big T Money this year because of the price!
Yesterday, my daughter, mother, sister in-law, nieces and I arrived at the Philadelphia Zoo in the evening ready for some amazing sights. While the animals slumbered, the beautiful lights and decorations lit the night’s sky at their annual Luminature event. There was a huge light-up penguin show, a big flamingo tree, shimmer just about everywhere we turned, a sea display and gorgeous Christmas trees, and we were enamored by it all!
What made this evening extra special was watching my daughter and niece’s faces light up as they walked and even raced to the next light display letting out joyous giggles. I’m so grateful for these moments and am glad Quinn expressed interest in going for a third time.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.