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
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
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
The Third Day of Christmas: Quinn and I love decorating our Christmas tree. The sweet treats theme reminds me of all of the sweet memories we’ve had and will have together. 🥰🎄🍩🍭🍬🍡
All the best,
Tanya
We’ve been purchasing real Christmas trees since my daughter was a baby, and though the price has just about tripled, it’s a pricey tradition we’re willing to keep.
We failed to name our tree this year as we’ve done in the past, but he’s welcome in our home as a member of the family through the new year.
All the best,
Tanya
Though my ten year old is not into toys like she used to be, she does love many of our Christmas traditions. One of them is receiving a 12 days of Christmas treat.
Since Quinn is now into smell goods and spa stuff, I had to get her a 12 days of wellness calendar. Though the first day is something she wants to give to me, collagen peptides, 😅, I hope she’ll enjoy the rest.
All the best,
Tanya
For years, my daughter and I have been going to the Philadelphia Zoo’s Luminature event for the holiday season. We both love the lights and everything about the atmosphere. But there’s something that has made this activity even more special for us: going with extended family.
My mom (Quinn’s nana), my sister-in-law and nieces, my cousin, her daughter and mom (my aunt), have been joining us too. Since Quinn is an only child, I’m so grateful that she has such a close bond with her cousins and that they got to see each other and enjoy the lights together. This most certainly lights up my life.
All the best,
Tanya
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.
All the best,
Tanya
All the best,
Tanya
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. 🥰🎁
All the best,
Tanya
All the best,
Tanya
No toys, no dolls, no games. My nine year old just wants clothes, lotions, skincare items and gift cards for Christmas. 😩 In the very near future, I see the list dwindling down to maybe one big ticket item and gift cards. Though some parents may get excited about this knowing that the long nights of building toys and unscrewing lids to insert batteries is just about over, I will miss these moments.
The childlike festivities of Christmas that I’ve looked forward to so much with Quinn are diminishing. 🥹 While I’m content with the pace in which she’s maturing, I’m already missing my little girl and the toys and gifts under the tree. But even still, I look forward to simply spending time with her and my family for years to come.
All the best,
Tanya
All the best,
Tanya
Mommy's Baby Steps 