Carpe Christmas!

When I said "Seize the Season!", Cade took it literally. Here he is, attempting to scale the tree and "redecorate."

It's official. The [equal parts] excitement and anxiety of the holidays have officially set in for yours truly. I love this time of year but it goes by WAY too fast! Fortunately, I got my cards out nice and early and our beauti-FULL tree has been top-half-decorated (we have a busy toddler in the house, after all) for a couple of weeks, but there is still so much to do and Christmas Eve is 7 days away. We are not finished shopping for everyone on our list and not a single present has been wrapped. How did this happen? I have said it before, but this year, and December in particular, have most definitely been on fast forward. Long gone are the days when it would take FOR-EV-ER for Christmas morning to arrive *sigh*.

So, I've decided that one of my New Year's resolutions will be to seize the season and start Christmas shopping in November. Like, early November. And, to actually buy things for people, as I stumble upon them, throughout the year (tune in to a future episode of Hoarders: Holiday Edition, to see how that turns out). As much as it pains me to step on Thanksgiving's toes, there's no way around it. Taking little ones' (at the very least) wish list requests pre-Turkey Day should alleviate some of the pressure that distracts from the enjoyment, and true meaning, of the season.

I want to be spending more time with friends and family. I want to be [somewhat] relaxed and enjoy wintertime activities with my son, maybe even get some crafts going (for fun and gift-giving purposes). But it's hard enough to get the have-tos done, let alone get started on the want-tos (although my sis and I do always make time for cookie baking, natch). I truly feel like this must change. What do you think? Too ambitious?

I know that everyone feels this way at some point. So, how do you stay sane during this time of year? PLEASE share your tricks 'n tips in the comment section.

Christmas Confession

Our beautiful, half-decorated, toddler-friendly-ish, Christmas tree!

O Tannenbaum!

Forgive me, Father Christmas, for I have nearly sinned. I had impure thoughts that led me to consider buying an artificial Christmas tree. One look at that perfect synthetic one and I could not get it out of my head. It was just the right shape (tall and trim) for the limited space in the living room where we usually display our trees (this year's does not fit -- too full), it stood at a reasonably majestic 7.5 feet and featured a plethora of perfectly dispersed white lights. No water (translation: upkeep) necessary. And wouldn't it be so "green" (pun intended) of us to not buy a real tree every year?!

This is the first time in my 31 years that a faux tree has tempted me. David and I have lived together for almost a decade's worth of Christmases and never, in all those years, have I thought twice about heading to a tree lot to pick out our annual greenery. It's a family tradition that I have ALWAYS cherished and I believe that you don't mess with tradition. And that is especially true this year, when we have a little one who is becoming more and more aware of the world around him (and LOVING the lights, the wreath on the door, all of the decorations, the music), so you would think it's a no-brainer to get the real deal.

[For a good 2 hours] I hemmed and hawed and guiltily lusted after the simplicity of a tree that required such little effort. But as soon as we stepped foot on the tree lot, Cade's little paw tucked tightly in mine as he led me to a new adventure (I doubt he remembers picking out his first tree last year) . . . poof! Just like that, I snapped back to reality and the joys of hunting for a Christmas tree to call ours for the season. After chasing the little guy up and down the rows of green, we settled on a larger-than-planned but oh-so beautiful noble fir. Cade gave his seal of approval by attempting to hug it (and, if you can believe it, the attempts continue to this day).

The lovely, piney, smell of the "real thing" makes it all worth it. Well, that and the fact that, every morning, when I turn the tree lights on, my son gasps like it's the most amazing thing he's ever seen. The coolest part? It probably is . . . for now . . .

And, we get to do it all again next year!

Too Cute Tuesday

Fire truck. Footie pajamas. Face.

Shortly after this picture was taken, Cade needed a diaper change. After chasing him around for a sufficient (translation: asinine) amount of time, unsuccessfully, I decided to vocalize his options to him.

"Son, we need to go to your room and get you changed. I can carry you or we can hold hands and walk there together." In true toddler fashion, Cade proceeded to scurry toward me, smirk guiltily, turn around, and bolt in the opposite direction.

So, I gave up for a moment and resumed the conversation that David had I were having. When I looked back at where Cade was last spotted, he was gone (duh). That's when I felt a gentle tap on my leg and looked down to see him standing right next to me, looking up, one arm outstretched, holding his little hand out for me to take. And, just when I thought the mini guy couldn't make my heart melt any more (I'm convinced it has a super special way of replenishing itself), he succeeded. *Swoon 'n Sigh*

This moment was TOO cute for two reasons.

1. It was simply the sweetest gesture. When did my son become a little person?! Without saying a word, he was telling me, "C'mon, Mama, let's get this diaper changing show on the road."

2. He LISTENED to me. He heard me tell him his options, he considered them for a bit, and then he took action. I repeat, when did my son become a little person?!

This whole parenting gig continues to baffle and amaze me. There are so many moments that literally take my breath away. Do you have a too cute moment to share? Please do so below.

Merry Merry Movie Guide

'Tis the season for viewing all of your favorite holiday movies! Toss in a couple of those [mostly ridiculous] made-for-TV gems, for good measure, and you have yourself one heck of a holly jolly film fest.

Here are the ones I try not to miss:

1.   It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

2.   Elf (2003)

3.   Miracle on 34th Street (1947) - And while I don't LOVE the 1994 remake, I will watch it when it's on.

4.   A Christmas Story (1983)

5.   How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

6.   Home for the Holidays (1995)

7.   Home Alone (1990)

8.   How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (TV 1966) - The original cartoon.

9.   National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

10. A Charlie Brown Christmas (TV 1965)

Ho-Ho-Honorable Mention: Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (TV 1964), Frosty the Snowman (TV 1969), Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983), The Kid Who Loved Christmas (TV 1990), Love Actually (2003), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), While You Were Sleeping (1995), Holiday Affair (TV 1996).

Which movies are must-see in your house this time of year? Please share in the comment section below.

Silly Sunday Snapshots

Cade was on a mission this particular evening. A mission to complete his first ever kitchen art installation. The captions tell the story . . .

Cade's thought bubble: "Hmmm, this looks good but it's missing something."

"The blanket and the bag were good additions, and the laptop definitely needs to be included. But . . . what else?"

"The fire truck is definitely the missing piece! Now if I can just get it over this gate . . . "  

"Man, this thing's heavy!"

Cade takes a quick break.

And with a final, heave-ho . . .

The pièce de résistance! The fire truck is on the "right" side of the gate and Cade's kitchen art installation is complete.

Possible names that I've come up with for this project: "The Kitchen of Misfit Toys" or "Kitchen Avalanche". If you have any ideas you'd like to share, please do in the comment section below! 

Quintessential Holiday Quote

Smiling's Buddy's favorite!

"The Code of Elves:

1. Treat every day like Christmas.
2. There's room for everyone on the nice list.
3. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."

-Elf (2003)