It’s Christmas Day, and seeing the smiles, hearing the laughter and feeling the love of family means so much to me.
All the best,
Tanya
It’s Christmas Day: 2025
Tag Archives: Tanya H. Franklin
Twelve Days to Christmas: A Sweet Christmas Eve at Hersheypark
A wonderful way to celebrate the Eve of Christmas with family is at one of the sweetest places on earth: Hersheypark. With sunny skies, temperatures in the mid forties and a relatively crowd free park, we couldn’t ask for a better day!
We enjoyed our experience from start to finish, and I took on my usual duty as designated bag holder while my daughter Quinn, cousin Ellie and husband got on roller coaster rides. It’s already a merry Christmas with family.
All the best,
Tanya
The Tenth Day of Christmas: The Gift of Presence and Gym Time
One of the best gifts I could ever ask for is my mini me joining me at the gym, not because I’m making her but because she wants to be there.
We’ve had some wonderful conversations, and I’ve learned even more about her just by being present. The gift of time together is truly priceless.
All the best,
Tanya
The Eighth Day of Christmas: A Christmas Story the Musical
Since Quinn was four years old, one of our holiday traditions is going to Walnut Street Theatre to see a play for the holiday season. This year, it was A Christmas Story the Musical. Though my husband and I took my nephew to see it years ago when he was a little boy, it was like seeing it for the first time with my 12 year old daughter. We both loved how they brought the classic movie to the big stage with fun musical numbers.
As a special treat after the show, I treated Quinn to dinner at Barra Rosa, a lovely Italian restaurant, and we had such a lovely time together talking and enjoying our food. ☺️ I’m so grateful for this tradition and the strengthening our our mother and daughter bond.
All the best,
Tanya
The Seventh Day of Christmas: Sweet Decorations Together
I love that Quinn is crafty like me. She eagerly helped me make some new outdoor candy decorations to enhance our winter candy land.
While seeing the “candies” of our labor is rewarding, sharing this moment with Quinn is priceless.
All the best,
Tanya
The Sixth Day of Christmas: The Philadelphia Zoo’s Luminature
Each year, we look forward to the Philadelphia Zoo’s Luminature event. What made this time even more special was their “Pherris Wheel” addition making it a memorable moment.
All the best,
Tanya
The Fifth Day of Christmas: Elf on the Shelf Spreading Cheer
Lola, our Elf on the Shelf, is still visiting our home 12 years later, and Quinn still takes pleasure in finding her.
Though this tradition is slowly fading as Quinn approaches her teenage years, it’s nice to have Lola around to spread Christmas cheer!
All the best,
Tanya
The Fourth Day of Christmas: All About Feeling Pampered
Like most tweens, Quinn loves all things involving pampering, so this year I got her an Ulta twelve days of Christmas gift set which she loves.
There’s lip gloss, lotion, face mask, scrubs, you name it! Where were these gifts when I was her age?
All the best,
Tanya
The Third Day of Christmas: Oh Christmas Tree!
12 Days of Christmas: Day 3: There’s something sweet and magical about decorating a Christmas tree with my mini me.
We have a lot of fun, give each other suggestions on where ornaments should go and love standing back and admiring our work! 😋🍩🍪🧁🎄
All the best,
Tanya
The Second Day of Christmas 2025: Cookie Time
For four years before my daughter’s birth, I’ve been hosting a holiday party for my family and friends. Each year, the guest list increases a little, there’s a few more treats, and my twelve year old contributes a bit more.
While we’ve made cookies together in the past, Quinn baked the chocolate chip and Christmas M & M cookies from start to finish, and they were deliciously made with love and a festive spirit.
All the best,
Tanya
Mommy's Baby Steps 