A Christmas Tradition..

Hello, and where did November go? Is anyone else trying to play catch-up on Christmas with such a late Thanksgiving?? I thought I was going to be all prepared, but it has completely blind-sided me. Why, oh why do we have to do everyday things like laundry, dishes, plan class parties, change diapers, make meals, and keep the house in a semi-functional mode during Christmas? Shouldn't we just all be able to bake cookies, sip eggnog and watch It's a Wonderful Life all day while some magic fairies take care of all the rest?? *sigh*

Well, for my first Christmas post, I wanted to focus on something that we started last year that helps us focus on the true meaning of the Christmas season. I cannot remember where I got the idea, but I loved it and knew I wanted to make it a priority for our family traditions.

It's a countdown to Christmas with books. I love Christmas books and love reading them to my kids. I wrap 25 books and number them, and each night we unwrap a book and read itogether. Some are funny, some are silly, some are classics, and some just are so touching they make me cry every time. It doesn't matter if we get back home super late or how crazy the day has been, it's just a great way to quietly finish each of the nights before Christmas. Plus, what a great incentive for getting teeth brushed and jammies on quickly so we can unwrap a book! On Christmas Eve you can unwrap the scriptures to read the accounts of Christ's birth.

I love to buy a new Christmas book each year to add to our collection. A few of my all-time favorites:

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

The Legend of the Candy Cane

Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect

The Polar Express

A Christmas Dress for Ellen

The Jolly Christmas Postman

I have to keep the wrapped ones in my room, since I have a little almost-2 year old that loves to rip them open, but they are so fun to have under the tree if you can. I've got to finish wrapping and numbering the rest, but it really only takes a half hour to do it all. The kids do not care about the wrap job. Maybe during nap time today....

And if you don't have 25 books, just take the ones you have, and you can start any date you want. You can just stash them in your room and just wrap one in a blanket each night as well. Paper grocery bags stapled shut work~kids just love to rip open.
What book should I buy this year? I love new recommendations~what are your favorites?

I have lots of fun Christmas decor and projects this week~see you soon!