It seems a short break from blogging was just what I needed in order to get myself feeling more organised, balanced and in control at what can be a chaotic time of year. The lead-up to Christmas in our household this week has been very chilled indeed. With all my gift shopping out of the way earlier in December, I've really enjoyed the past few weeks of Christmas excitement with the girls.
Our Advent calendar activities have been a hit and are a tradition I plan on continuing in future years. Each morning when she wakes, Grace is eager to see what the day's activity will be and excitedly counts the remaining days left until the 25th.
We've been busy baking and decorating gingerbread men, cooking (and eating) chocolate fudge, doing LOTS of Christmas crafts, making cards for family members, wrapping gifts with handmade wrapping paper (you can see Grace's potato print tree-stamped brown paper in the top photo), been to visit Father Christmas, taken a drive to see the Christmas lights, sung Christmas carols and soaked up all the magic that is in the air at this time of year. Knowing what a busy day next Tuesday will be, we've chosen to avoid the crazy crowds and stayed fairly close to home this week. In between our Advent fun, we've been tidying and pottering and getting our house all set to host Christmas night for 30 guests.
And so for now, I'll sign off for the Christmas break. Thank you all for stopping by this space of mine throughout the year, for leaving much appreciated comments and for making my blogging experience all the more richer. I wish each and every one of you a safe and happy Christmas with your loved ones...
It's nice to just be able to focus on Christmas and get things done so it makes for a more enjoyable time, it sounds like you were able to get lots done and you sound calm and relaxed for having your break. Grace's handmade wrapping paper and cards are beautiful, I think she's a very clever crafter too:) Have a beautiful Christmas my lovely friend may it bring much joy and happiness to you and your beautiful family. xx
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have all been having a lovely time. That picture of Santa that Grace is creating looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Christmas Amanda xx
Some great projects there! Have a great Christmas Amanda x
ReplyDeleteHow cute is the tree stamped wrapping paper - very sweet! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Amanda. Xx
ReplyDeleteLovely! I love the little Santa with the doily, might steal that one for next year. And I love the look of concentration on Grace's face, so cute. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas time.
ReplyDeleteYou've been busy with some wonderful activities there! Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a joy filled and prosperous new year!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Christmas Amanda. Look forward to following your journey in 2013! Mel x
ReplyDeleteLooks like your girls have had a lot of fun with the advent activities. We've had a few crafty moments in our advent calender, but they do get a little harder to please when they reach pre-teens! This afternoon we had a christmas movie to watch for the days activity. Have yourself a lovely christmas break Amanda xo
ReplyDeleteSuch sweet handmade cards and wrapping paper! I hope you and your family have a beautiful Christmas and a happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteClaudia
First time visiting your blog!
ReplyDeleteI love the advent calendar. We've had a cloth one since our kids were babies. We still bring it out every year and pull the cloth toys out of each day. Such wonderfully festive projects you are doing with your girls. Enjoy your holiday and wishing you the best in the new year!
leslie
Have a fantastic Christmas Amanda - I'm also taking a blogging break over the next few days. It's definitely the time! So much fun to be had. Hope you have a wonderful time and look forward to hearing all about it in 2013 x
ReplyDeleteYou and the girls have perfectly captured and cherished this time of year - with baking and crafts and slow,homey days as well as adventures out & about. I LOVE IT ALL!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have loved sharing the online world with you and being a part of your bloggy & motherhood journey. Your blog is such a lovely place to come and I really appreciate the great friendship you and I have developed.
Enjoy this next week with your gorgeous family Amanda.
Chat soon xxx
Such a wonderful idea to take some time out to focus on time with the family...
ReplyDeleteYour advent calendar looks lovely and that's so encouraging that your girls have been enjoying the activities. I've never done one myself but might look into it in future years.
Also, thanks for all the lovely comments you've recently left on my blog, it's so nice to 'meet' you. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas with your family.
Ronnie xo
Sounds like the break was just what you needed Amanda. It's lovely to be able to concentrate our efforts on enjoying crafts and such with our little people.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones.
Xx
Merry Christmas to you and your gorgeous family Amanda.
ReplyDeleteI'm very happy to have discovered your blog and to have found a friend along the way :)
It sounds like your week at home was a good one... creating happy memories for your girls. I like the idea of advent calender activities. Skye thinks that if she opens all the advent calender windows, Santa will come faster! It's hard to convince her to open just one a day. The anticipation and excitment is testing her patience ;)
xxx
Merry Christmas Amanda and all the best for a wonderful 2013. Emma xx
ReplyDeleteThe little craft Grace is working on is so adorable, and so is her sweet dress! I hope you have a very blessed & merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHave a happy christmas Amanda! Your christmas activites sound very similar to mine! All crafty and yummy and fun! Great memories for our babies! Enjoy your Christmas Day and I hope you keep your calm that you have now! Cassie
ReplyDeletewishing you a very merry christmas.
ReplyDeletelove that doily santa, adorable!
see you next year, xx ashley
oh i want to come to your house and be involved in the daily christmas advent activity! what a great idea! you can so tell that you are a teacher :)
ReplyDeletei love love love the wrapping paper that grace made...what a wonderful, simple thing to create for the festive season. i bet she was proud of the end result!
i hope you and your family have a delightful christmas. i am so happy that i found your blog...i've so enjoyed getting to know you and your family and reading about all your adventures. here's to a healthy and happy 2013! x
Merry Christmas Amanda. Grace is at such a lovely age for Santa. I can't believe how much she has grown up. Have a great Chhristmas and relaxing break, see you in 2013. Debxx
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