Preparing for Christmas

Gearing up for Christmas is definitely an ordeal. I pack my calendar with so many to-do's, traditions, and family outings that it can be overwhelming. That being said, I do it every year and can't imagine stopping any of these fun activities.

One tradition that I have incorporated from my childhood is picking out a Christmas ornament each year for the kids. Ethan's ornament was a little difficult to find as there weren't many boyish baby options. I ended up settling on this adorable giraffe for his "baby's first Christmas" ornament. For Claire, I hit the gold mine. I happened to find the cutest polar bear ornament with a little child. I've said before that her favorite animal is the polar bear so it was perfect.

I don't recall making gingerbread houses every year when I was a child, but this is a fun activity that I have started for our family. Claire enjoyed placing all of the candy on her gingerbread house and of course, eating a few (or a lot) in the mean time. I'm excited for next year when Ethan can join her in the fun.

Claire also made snowflake art with the end of a celery stalk, helped me make scones (a Johansen family tradition), and enjoyed a little bonding time with Ethan and Erik. There are so many fun things to do during the holidays!

To sum up our Christmas preparations, I've included a short video of Claire reciting a song she performed at her preschool program. It's so adorable! Enjoy!