Can you believe it's the Friday before Christmas? I'm pretty sure someone moved the date, because I truly think I have another week to prepare. Alas, it's three days away and I still have a little more to do than I anticipated I would. But I'm not going to stress. Or at least try to not stress. I want to live in the moment and just go with it. Better written than done, right?
We got a lot accomplished on our Holiday Bucket List this past week. Still some things to do, but we also need snow for some, and I'm okay if those never get checked off the list! I personally can't stand snow. Give me sun and sand any day. Anyway, here's what we did this week.
Last Friday night, Joel and I took a winter walk through Powell Gardens and took in their Festival of Lights display. This was the first year for the event and we really enjoyed it and our time together. We sipped hot cocoa spiked with peppermint schnapps while walking arm in arm along the brightly lit path. (Who can hold hands with uber thick gloves!) The display is open through January 7th, so try to head out one night if possible!
On Saturday, we spent the day giving back. I purchased 20 stocking caps and gloves for men, women, and children for the winter, but missed out on the coat drive that was taking place at a local unity church. Joel reached out to the City Mission and spoke to a really helpful gentleman who said he would make sure the donations would be sent to their community center when their food truck came by later in the day. We dropped those off in his care and we hope several individuals have a little extra warmth this winter.
In addition to a donation, we donated to two different Salvation Army buckets. Our first was at Union Station when taking the Holiday Express tour. There was a sweet group of volunteer hand bell ringers playing carols and McKinley wanted to donate to them. And, they took his request of Frosty the Snowman. Then, as we were preparing to leave Crown Center for the evening, McKinley overheard another group singing carols and he wanted to donate to their bucket as well. Anything small is big to someone else. If you can find even a dollar, which is what McKinley had leftover, will help.
I blogged about our time on the Holiday Express and what a magical evening it really was. I believe this will be our new holiday tradition! It was so much fun. And, while waiting in line (which was up to two hours in length), there was gentleman in front of us with this two kids. They were hungry for a snack, but he didn't want to get out and lose his place. He instructed them to stay right there while he ran to get snacks, but Joel stopped him. He told that we would hold his place in line and to take his children with him. He would feel better about it. The man asked if he was sure and Joel insisted. It may not appear like a huge gesture, but I truly believe this is a random act of kindness. Not everyone would be so generous!
Sunday night McKinley finally wrote his letter to Santa. It took a few days of requesting it, but he did it and it was perfect! Hope you get everything you want, sweet boy!
Yesterday was our first official first day of Winter Break and we took full advantage. I made cinnamon rolls for breakfast and stayed in our pajamas all day. Okay, McKinley did, but I eventually had to put on sweats to leave the house. But not before we made cookies, our annual tradition, and heading to Meme and Granddaddy's to decorate them. This was my first real attempt at using royal icing and I think they turned our fairly well. I still need a lot of practice! We attempted to watch Elf, but half way through, McKinley asked if he had to continue watching it. We moved on to Disney...
Last night, I took advantage of some alone time and wrapped a few gifts. Thankful for pretty bags and pre-made boxes. But, I did use some wrapping paper as well and always with pretty ribbon!
Later tonight we are knocking out seeing Christmas Lights. I can't wait!
XO,
Andrea
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