It’s a merry Christmas for my family and me. Quinn is very happy with her gifts and gave out big hugs and was equally excited to give gifts that she purchased with her own money. 🥰
As 2022 draws to a close, I am truly grateful for the gift of life and the presence of loved ones.
What makes for a merry Christmas Eve when it’s 7 degrees and just 16 as the high for the day? 🥶🎄 Having a pajama day, binge watching our favorite Christmas movies and having a few treats. Simply being present with me family is a wonderful gift I’ll never take for granted. 🥰🎁
Giving my daughter an advent or 12 days of Christmas calendar has been a tradition for quite a few years now. Usually, there’s a candy theme, but this year, my nine year old was excited to get a 12 days of pampering calendar with lotion, foot scrub, facial cleanser, you name it! This is just a reminder that my little girl is growing up, but we still have Christmas memories together which I love.
Boy is it cold outside! But even still, going to Hersheypark with my daughter, sister and niece has become a tradition we all love, not to mention the delicious meals at the Chocolatier and sweet treats at Chocolate World. 😋
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!
Today, my daughter along with 57 third graders did presentations on the United States of America. About a month ago, each student selected a state to investigate and find out facts to share for this special day. Quinn excitedly told me, “I picked Michigan because Daddy went to University of Michigan!”
Though she worked on the project independently in school, my husband and I occasionally asked her random questions about Michigan to make sure she was prepared. We discussed ideas for her outfit, she helped locate images for me to iron on her shirt. Her dad let her borrow his University of Michigan hat and “Michiganopoly” game.
We both proudly came wearing our navy blue and gold to support Quinn, and she did not disappoint. I noticed that quite a few parents stopped by to hear her presentation as I circulated around the room to hear about other states from different children. I’m so proud of Quinn and so glad my husband and I were able to be there for her.
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 Seventh Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… A Big Smile Having a Mini Me. I’m so Grateful my eight year old still loves dressing alike, especially around the holidays.