Anyone else feel like they are living in war zone after Christmas?
I absolutely love Christmas, it is my all time favorite holidays but the aftermath is exhausting.
Decorating for the holiday weeks before was so exciting and fun, but putting it all away is just a chore that I don't want to do and seems to take forever.
The house is full of new gifts, mostly toys and clothes for the kids, and there seems to be no where to put it all. So that means the purge that should have been done before Christmas needs to happen now... and the mess grows.
Then there is all the food in the house from all the entertaining. Treats and sweets and mounds of leftovers. How do you start a new year diet with so much in the house that just seems to keep calling your name?
The kids are still high from all the excitement of the holidays, toys are being played with and discarded as something else catches their attention. Sweets are their main food source and sleep seems to elude them.
There is still a week left of holidays before the older kids go back to school... how do we survive?
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
All aboard the Santa Express!!
This past weekend we took our annual trip on the Santa Express!
Every year our momstown mamas look forward to this field trip. While it's not a long trip, it's just so much fun!
The South Simcoe Steam Train runs the Santa Express every year on weekends for the month of December. It's a great chance to spend time with family and friends. We take a short trip, spend time with our families and just enjoy the spirit of the holidays and take in the excitement of the kids.
Every year, I prepare for this trip months in advance as our group is usually so big that we have to get tickets on day one of sales or our group can't be together, tickets sell fast here! So on November 1st I start my calling to the ever busy reservation line to book our tickets... this year we had 61 traveller... and that didn't include babies!!!
It's not easy to coordinate a train trip of this size but it's so worth the effort as the kids have so much fun!
The train is run solely by volunteers including the elves and Santa himself!
We all gathered out in the cold, and it was cold, to wait for our turn to board the train. As the train rolls into the station the kids get super excited.
Boarding is not easy with so many people and kids and so much excitement and anticipation, but after some shuffling and organization, we are all set to go!!
As the train departs from the station, Santa comes in and starts his journey down the train car where he takes the time to sit with each and every child to talk to them and hear what they want for Christmas.
The kids and the parents get so excited to have Santa visit them. Some kids are happier than others of course!
Santa is a great listener and has such a great personality that even the most timid and normally scared child will crawl up on his knee for a chat.
While the train ride itself is quite simple, a half hour ride out and half hour ride back, the visit with Santa makes the ride all worth the while.
Every year our momstown mamas look forward to this field trip. While it's not a long trip, it's just so much fun!
The South Simcoe Steam Train runs the Santa Express every year on weekends for the month of December. It's a great chance to spend time with family and friends. We take a short trip, spend time with our families and just enjoy the spirit of the holidays and take in the excitement of the kids.
Every year, I prepare for this trip months in advance as our group is usually so big that we have to get tickets on day one of sales or our group can't be together, tickets sell fast here! So on November 1st I start my calling to the ever busy reservation line to book our tickets... this year we had 61 traveller... and that didn't include babies!!!
It's not easy to coordinate a train trip of this size but it's so worth the effort as the kids have so much fun!
The train is run solely by volunteers including the elves and Santa himself!
We all gathered out in the cold, and it was cold, to wait for our turn to board the train. As the train rolls into the station the kids get super excited.
As the train departs from the station, Santa comes in and starts his journey down the train car where he takes the time to sit with each and every child to talk to them and hear what they want for Christmas.
The kids and the parents get so excited to have Santa visit them. Some kids are happier than others of course!
Santa is a great listener and has such a great personality that even the most timid and normally scared child will crawl up on his knee for a chat.
While the train ride itself is quite simple, a half hour ride out and half hour ride back, the visit with Santa makes the ride all worth the while.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Pictures With Santa
Every year moms and dads stalk the malls looking for Santa. Getting their child's photo taken with Santa is always a great way to kick off the Christmas season.
We have all done it, lined up for what seems like hours with other crazy parents and their crying or overly excited child, waiting to see the big guy.
There he is, sitting on his big chair, all jolly and and full of holiday spirit waiting for the next child to tell him their wishes for Christmas. I always wonder what he is thinking. Is he thinking oh gees not that screaming kid, or great another crying baby for me to scare, or i hope this kid doesn't pee on me again.... He has to sit there for a long time and see a lot of kids... what would you be thinking?
But not all the kids are happy to be seeing Santa... like my son. My Son screamed "NO, scary!" before we even got in a line! So being child number 3 I didn't force him. The first two I forced to sit on his knee crying or not. Yep, I was that mom!
I know my son is not alone here. I know there are tons of kids who want nothing to do with the big fat strange man and his big white beard and furry red suit who Ho, Ho Ho's at random. Until of course it's time to get the gifts. But really, what are we telling our kids! At Halloween we send them out to strangers houses to beg for candy and at Christmas we send them to sit on a strange mans lap and disclose their secrets! Strange and all for our pleasure as a parent.
Yet we do it... every darn year. I have pictures from every year since my oldest had her first visit with Santa. (that would be 15 Christmases now!!) Most are full of smiles. The tears and scared faces came from the little ones. Last year I couldn't even get my son to sit on Santa's knee.
This year I was able to get all 3 to sit with Santa. Albeit the only way my son would even go near him was in the arms of Megan, my oldest.... and she was none too thrilled to have to sit on Santa's knee but she did it for me,and for her little brother and sister and was full of smiles. Can you see Santa by the way... he's there, you just have to look!
So many of our momstown mamas were happy to share their pics with me. Almost all of them have happy smiling kids, What makes a mom more happy than to have a smiling picture of their child on Santa's knee to display for the world at Christmas Time.
Thank you to everyone that shared their pictures with me! I loved seeing all the kids reactions to Santa.
We have all done it, lined up for what seems like hours with other crazy parents and their crying or overly excited child, waiting to see the big guy.
There he is, sitting on his big chair, all jolly and and full of holiday spirit waiting for the next child to tell him their wishes for Christmas. I always wonder what he is thinking. Is he thinking oh gees not that screaming kid, or great another crying baby for me to scare, or i hope this kid doesn't pee on me again.... He has to sit there for a long time and see a lot of kids... what would you be thinking?
But not all the kids are happy to be seeing Santa... like my son. My Son screamed "NO, scary!" before we even got in a line! So being child number 3 I didn't force him. The first two I forced to sit on his knee crying or not. Yep, I was that mom!
I know my son is not alone here. I know there are tons of kids who want nothing to do with the big fat strange man and his big white beard and furry red suit who Ho, Ho Ho's at random. Until of course it's time to get the gifts. But really, what are we telling our kids! At Halloween we send them out to strangers houses to beg for candy and at Christmas we send them to sit on a strange mans lap and disclose their secrets! Strange and all for our pleasure as a parent.
This year I was able to get all 3 to sit with Santa. Albeit the only way my son would even go near him was in the arms of Megan, my oldest.... and she was none too thrilled to have to sit on Santa's knee but she did it for me,and for her little brother and sister and was full of smiles. Can you see Santa by the way... he's there, you just have to look!
 |
| These are my kids with Santa... can you find him? |
Thank you to everyone that shared their pictures with me! I loved seeing all the kids reactions to Santa.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Giving Back to our community
At this time of year we all get so busy and sometimes forget the other people around us. It's really easy to do with all the hustle and bustle of the holidays mixed in with everyday life.
We are guilty of at some point being too worried about where we have to go, what we have to buy, who is hosting dinner, etc that we forget there are some people out there that have no family to be with, no food to feast on and no gifts to open Christmas morning.
This year I was feeling very blessed with all the friends and family I have around me and how lucky we are that I felt the need to do something for those less fortunate.
While every year we make a donation of food and toys, I realized this year that sometimes while those things are very much needed, so is my time. It takes many man hours by many volunteers to make sure that those toy and food donations are taken care of handed out in time.
Toys and food are donated year round and at this time of year volunteers come together to sort, package and distribute these items to the families in need.
This week, along with a fellow momstown mom, I headed over the Barrie Christmas Cheer distribution centre to give my time to help out on their busiest day of the year.
Upon our arrival there was a lovely group of high school students that were working hard to help organize the centre and prepare for the pick up of packages by the families. It was very heartwarming to see these young men and women helping out and giving their time to their community.
I was amazed to see how many people had come out to volunteer and how many members of the Christmas Cheer there were all working in harmony to ensure a smooth operation.
I was very honoured to be a part of such a great cause.
While we were there, Rock 95 from Barrie presented Christmas Cheer with a donation of $15,000. This will be a great start for next year to help over 2000 families in the area.
I am very much looking forward to being a part of this great cause again next year!
We are guilty of at some point being too worried about where we have to go, what we have to buy, who is hosting dinner, etc that we forget there are some people out there that have no family to be with, no food to feast on and no gifts to open Christmas morning.
This year I was feeling very blessed with all the friends and family I have around me and how lucky we are that I felt the need to do something for those less fortunate.
While every year we make a donation of food and toys, I realized this year that sometimes while those things are very much needed, so is my time. It takes many man hours by many volunteers to make sure that those toy and food donations are taken care of handed out in time.
Toys and food are donated year round and at this time of year volunteers come together to sort, package and distribute these items to the families in need.
This week, along with a fellow momstown mom, I headed over the Barrie Christmas Cheer distribution centre to give my time to help out on their busiest day of the year.
Upon our arrival there was a lovely group of high school students that were working hard to help organize the centre and prepare for the pick up of packages by the families. It was very heartwarming to see these young men and women helping out and giving their time to their community.
I was amazed to see how many people had come out to volunteer and how many members of the Christmas Cheer there were all working in harmony to ensure a smooth operation.
I was very honoured to be a part of such a great cause.
While we were there, Rock 95 from Barrie presented Christmas Cheer with a donation of $15,000. This will be a great start for next year to help over 2000 families in the area.
I am very much looking forward to being a part of this great cause again next year!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
A trip to the North Pole with momstown Barrie
Today we embarked on our annual Christmas adventure tradition to the North Pole!
The South Simcoe Steam Train runs this fun train ride every year to raise funds for the historic train station as well as for the local food bank.
The momstown Barrie families headed down to Tottenham to board the Santa Express to the North Pole!
Despite the cold temperatures this morning everyone was smiling and excited for the adventure.
Santas elves join us for the beginning of the ride to sing carols and chat with the kiddies.
Then the big guy himslef arrives! Santa boards the train and makes his way through the train car to visit with all the families!
Santa is so kind to take time to sit down with each family to chat with the kiddies and to get some photos taken.
As always, this was a super fun morning and lots of memories were made. The kids always feel so special to get their time with Santa and mom and dad love the smiles (or tears) as Santa chats to the kids.
Can't wait to do it again next year!
The South Simcoe Steam Train runs this fun train ride every year to raise funds for the historic train station as well as for the local food bank.
The momstown Barrie families headed down to Tottenham to board the Santa Express to the North Pole!
Despite the cold temperatures this morning everyone was smiling and excited for the adventure.
Santas elves join us for the beginning of the ride to sing carols and chat with the kiddies.
Then the big guy himslef arrives! Santa boards the train and makes his way through the train car to visit with all the families!
Santa is so kind to take time to sit down with each family to chat with the kiddies and to get some photos taken.
As always, this was a super fun morning and lots of memories were made. The kids always feel so special to get their time with Santa and mom and dad love the smiles (or tears) as Santa chats to the kids.
Can't wait to do it again next year!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
A house made out of candy!!
For many people, building a gingerbread house is a holiday tradition.
Around my house its just a source of anxiety. Trying to get all the walls together, a roof on top and make it all look straight, yikes! Then to decorate it with the kids and not let my perfectionist, controlling nature take over (gees don't put all the red candies together! Space those gum drops evenly!) is not an easy task!
But today at our Mini Chefs play group one of our mamas suggested we do Gingerbread houses. What a great idea! But wait... build gingerbread houses with a room full of toddlers and preschoolers? Am I nuts? Maybe, but it's not about me right?
So I set out to find a simple gingerbread house for us to decorate. I managed to find pre-assembled houses, how genius! Half the stress removed!! So I bought 2!
The kids had a great time decorating the houses. We put them into 2 groups, boys and girls. They were so intense decorating their houses while sneaking nibbles of the candies.
The moms helped put the icing on and the kids were amazing to watch as they set out to create houses of candy!
While some candy trees were eaten and didn't make it on the houses, and gum drops devoured, candy balls rolling away, the kids managed to create bright and cheery Gingerbread houses to be proud of!
We raffled off the houses to see what lucky families would get to take them home.
This was a super fun event and super easy with the pre-assembled houses! One we will do next year again for sure!
Around my house its just a source of anxiety. Trying to get all the walls together, a roof on top and make it all look straight, yikes! Then to decorate it with the kids and not let my perfectionist, controlling nature take over (gees don't put all the red candies together! Space those gum drops evenly!) is not an easy task!
But today at our Mini Chefs play group one of our mamas suggested we do Gingerbread houses. What a great idea! But wait... build gingerbread houses with a room full of toddlers and preschoolers? Am I nuts? Maybe, but it's not about me right?
So I set out to find a simple gingerbread house for us to decorate. I managed to find pre-assembled houses, how genius! Half the stress removed!! So I bought 2!
The kids had a great time decorating the houses. We put them into 2 groups, boys and girls. They were so intense decorating their houses while sneaking nibbles of the candies.
The moms helped put the icing on and the kids were amazing to watch as they set out to create houses of candy!
While some candy trees were eaten and didn't make it on the houses, and gum drops devoured, candy balls rolling away, the kids managed to create bright and cheery Gingerbread houses to be proud of!
We raffled off the houses to see what lucky families would get to take them home.
This was a super fun event and super easy with the pre-assembled houses! One we will do next year again for sure!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Santa Came to momstown!
HO HO HO! What a jolly day it was!
We had our 4th Annual Christmas Party today and it was a blast!
It's always so nice to see everyone together, having fun, mingling and just smiling.
We had so many newer members out this year and it was really great to see them fitting right in and having fun.
It was also great to see some of our original members still coming out, now with more kids than they started with, and having fun too! I always love these big events and having everyone together!
The kids had a ball doing crafts, playiing games and running around!
As usual we had a great pot luck feast that filled the kids up and calmed them down (just a bit) for a visit with a very special guy.
Santa made his arrival after lunch and the kids were so excited (except for my son who screamed in sheer terror!).
The kids all lined up patiently with their moms and dads, who were just as excited by the way, and they waited their turn to see Santa.
Some of the kids were so happy to be sitting on Santa's knee, some were not as thrilled. A candy cane and a gift late they were all happy!
Thank you so much to everyone that came out to make the day special! A special thanks to Santa for making a trip just to visit the moms and tots of momstown Barrie!
We had our 4th Annual Christmas Party today and it was a blast!
It's always so nice to see everyone together, having fun, mingling and just smiling.
We had so many newer members out this year and it was really great to see them fitting right in and having fun.
It was also great to see some of our original members still coming out, now with more kids than they started with, and having fun too! I always love these big events and having everyone together!
The kids had a ball doing crafts, playiing games and running around!
As usual we had a great pot luck feast that filled the kids up and calmed them down (just a bit) for a visit with a very special guy.
Santa made his arrival after lunch and the kids were so excited (except for my son who screamed in sheer terror!).
The kids all lined up patiently with their moms and dads, who were just as excited by the way, and they waited their turn to see Santa.
Some of the kids were so happy to be sitting on Santa's knee, some were not as thrilled. A candy cane and a gift late they were all happy!
Thank you so much to everyone that came out to make the day special! A special thanks to Santa for making a trip just to visit the moms and tots of momstown Barrie!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Counting down to Christmas!
Time goes by so fast for us adults, but kids seem to have no idea of the passing of time.
When December hits, we, as parents, feel like time speeds up as the Christmas crunch heads into the home stretch.
Between shopping and cleaning and sorting out family and travel plans, we have to find the time to fit everything in to ever shrinking days.
For kids, December hits and time slows down. The days until Christmas are within reach, but still so far away. So the official count down begins on December first, how many sleeps until the Jolly Man in Red arrives with their new treasures?
Advent calendars have been popular with kids in keeping track of the days left until Santa's arrival, for many, many years.
A popular choice for many parents is the good old chocolate count down calendar. We grew up with these and have passed this down to our own children, I am quite sure I am not the only one. This year, was the first year that we didn't do the good old chocolate calendars.
There are so many options out there to get creative and do something fun with the kids.
At the end of November, our mamas and tots got together to make a count down to Christmas chain. Each day they would tear off a link of the chain, and when there are no more left, that meant that Santa would be on his way!
All around momstown mamas have been getting creative with new ways to count down to Christmas.
Our momstown arts and crafts blog has a variety of advent ideas to creatively do your count down.
While December is already on well on its' way, it's not too late to start counting down!
Baby socks holding treats,unwrap a book a day, alphabetical advent calendars and more!
Be sure to check them all out and share with us your ideas for counting down to Christmas!
When December hits, we, as parents, feel like time speeds up as the Christmas crunch heads into the home stretch.
Between shopping and cleaning and sorting out family and travel plans, we have to find the time to fit everything in to ever shrinking days.
For kids, December hits and time slows down. The days until Christmas are within reach, but still so far away. So the official count down begins on December first, how many sleeps until the Jolly Man in Red arrives with their new treasures?
Advent calendars have been popular with kids in keeping track of the days left until Santa's arrival, for many, many years.
A popular choice for many parents is the good old chocolate count down calendar. We grew up with these and have passed this down to our own children, I am quite sure I am not the only one. This year, was the first year that we didn't do the good old chocolate calendars.
There are so many options out there to get creative and do something fun with the kids.
At the end of November, our mamas and tots got together to make a count down to Christmas chain. Each day they would tear off a link of the chain, and when there are no more left, that meant that Santa would be on his way!
All around momstown mamas have been getting creative with new ways to count down to Christmas.
Our momstown arts and crafts blog has a variety of advent ideas to creatively do your count down.
While December is already on well on its' way, it's not too late to start counting down!
Baby socks holding treats,unwrap a book a day, alphabetical advent calendars and more!
Be sure to check them all out and share with us your ideas for counting down to Christmas!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
mmmmm cookies!
I love Christmas time. I love everything about it. I especially love that this is a huge excuse to bake and indulge seriously yummy and decadent treats.
Every year I look forward to the momstown Annual Cookie Exchange. Who doesn't love cookies? A cookie exchange is a great way to collect and sample new cookies recipes, have some fun, be festive and play silly games all while drinking wine or peppermint schnapps hot chocolate.
Every year the momstown mamas take part in a cookie exchange. We bake our cookies and come together to share treats, laughs and more.
Each year we always partake in silly Christmas games. They are always good for a laugh... don't say the word cookie, or you lose your snowman clothes pin!
The cookies are always the highlight of the party. Getting to taste test everyones cookies is always fun. We had sugar cookies and cream filled sandwich cookies and the most decadent peanut butter cup treats... it is definitely a night to define as a calorie free night! LOL!
I am already looking forward to the next cookie exchange. Any excuse to have cookies is good with me! For some great cookie recipes and tips on hosting a cookie exchnage, pop on over to the momstown meals blog!
So, how many times did I say the word cookie? :)
Every year I look forward to the momstown Annual Cookie Exchange. Who doesn't love cookies? A cookie exchange is a great way to collect and sample new cookies recipes, have some fun, be festive and play silly games all while drinking wine or peppermint schnapps hot chocolate.
Every year the momstown mamas take part in a cookie exchange. We bake our cookies and come together to share treats, laughs and more.
Each year we always partake in silly Christmas games. They are always good for a laugh... don't say the word cookie, or you lose your snowman clothes pin!
The cookies are always the highlight of the party. Getting to taste test everyones cookies is always fun. We had sugar cookies and cream filled sandwich cookies and the most decadent peanut butter cup treats... it is definitely a night to define as a calorie free night! LOL!
I am already looking forward to the next cookie exchange. Any excuse to have cookies is good with me! For some great cookie recipes and tips on hosting a cookie exchnage, pop on over to the momstown meals blog!
So, how many times did I say the word cookie? :)
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Is your Christmas Tree up yet?
We did it! Our Christmas tree is finally up!
Some people might think we are nuts to have our tree up a full month before Christmas, but I couldn't wait! Every year it seems to get earlier and earlier. This is my all time favorite holiday and anything I can do to extend the life of it is ok by me!
I happen to know quite a few people that had their trees up and decorated long before I did. Many use the local Santa Claus parade as the marker for when they decorate for the season. I just pick a date that the family is all together with nothing to do but be together and decorate the house and put the tree up.
As soon as we open the boxes of treasures the house starts to feel different. It's like a festive peace falls on the house and everyone just is much happier and calmer (ok it doesn't last long, but still).
The excitement surround the tree decorating grows as we uncovering the special ornaments from years past, and following tradition I give my kids their new ornaments for this year. They all pick a special place on the tree for their ornaments to go and watching their little faces light up as the tree transforms bring me such joy.
So now I feel like the festive season has officially begun!
Coming up over the next few weeks momstown has a load of great events to celebrate the season! The Annual Cookie Exchange, tons of holiday crafts, or Annual Christmas Party and trip to the Santa Express, and so much more!
Happy Holidays!!!!
Some people might think we are nuts to have our tree up a full month before Christmas, but I couldn't wait! Every year it seems to get earlier and earlier. This is my all time favorite holiday and anything I can do to extend the life of it is ok by me!
I happen to know quite a few people that had their trees up and decorated long before I did. Many use the local Santa Claus parade as the marker for when they decorate for the season. I just pick a date that the family is all together with nothing to do but be together and decorate the house and put the tree up.
As soon as we open the boxes of treasures the house starts to feel different. It's like a festive peace falls on the house and everyone just is much happier and calmer (ok it doesn't last long, but still).
The excitement surround the tree decorating grows as we uncovering the special ornaments from years past, and following tradition I give my kids their new ornaments for this year. They all pick a special place on the tree for their ornaments to go and watching their little faces light up as the tree transforms bring me such joy.
So now I feel like the festive season has officially begun!
Coming up over the next few weeks momstown has a load of great events to celebrate the season! The Annual Cookie Exchange, tons of holiday crafts, or Annual Christmas Party and trip to the Santa Express, and so much more!
Happy Holidays!!!!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
It's Parade Season!!
It's that wonderful time of year already! The stores are starting to fill up with Christmas items, the malls are bringing out the Christmas trees and the Santa villages, houses are starting to light up with Christmas lights and every town is getting ready for their Santa Claus parades.
Santa Claus Parades are the pivotal point in this season when kids actually get excited. They see the big man in the red suit with and the excitement kicks in.
The bands, the clowns, the bright floats with their Christmas music and cheerful float riders are always so thrilling. No matter how many parades you go to, you still get excited, even as an adult!
My kids don't get to watch very many parades as they are in so many because of their baton club. But I tell ya, they still get so excited to be a part of the fun!
This weekend is the first of 4 parades that my girls will be in. Barrie will be celebrating their Santa Claus Parade this weekend as well, Saturday November 19th, at 5pm.
Some parades taking place this month....
Newmarket,Bradford and Barrie - Saturday Nov. 19
Orilia and Toronto Sunday Nov. 20
Innisfil - Sunday Nov. 27
HO HO HO!!!!
Santa Claus Parades are the pivotal point in this season when kids actually get excited. They see the big man in the red suit with and the excitement kicks in.
The bands, the clowns, the bright floats with their Christmas music and cheerful float riders are always so thrilling. No matter how many parades you go to, you still get excited, even as an adult!
My kids don't get to watch very many parades as they are in so many because of their baton club. But I tell ya, they still get so excited to be a part of the fun!
This weekend is the first of 4 parades that my girls will be in. Barrie will be celebrating their Santa Claus Parade this weekend as well, Saturday November 19th, at 5pm.
Some parades taking place this month....
Newmarket,Bradford and Barrie - Saturday Nov. 19
Orilia and Toronto Sunday Nov. 20
Innisfil - Sunday Nov. 27
HO HO HO!!!!
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