Our tradition of giving "experiences" instead of "things" for Christmas and birthdays continues. Santa does bring some practical & educational gifts. And all the siblings make homemade presents for each other.
Our little elves were very busy the week before Christmas. Miss L painted wooden beads that she found in our craft cupboard and made bracelets for everyone in our family.
Not to be outdone Baby A made a big craft area glitter mess... This is him mirroring my uh-oh face, I think.
Brother S made a wonderful little blue truck for Baby A, which he loves to play with. He also made various other wooden games for everyone.
I made the kids each a handmade Christmas Eve pillowcase. Usually I make jammies, but they each just got new jammies for our camping trip. For Christmas day they received some slippers & mittens made from and upcycled sweater, a knitted beret, and a reading pillow. .
We had our traditional Christmas Eve dinner -- junk food and shrimp while watching a movie. Daddy got a Harry and David goodie box from work that was part of the feasting. Big Sister A made chocolate dipped pretzels with peppermint candy cane sprinkles. We tested out a new caramel popcorn recipe. It was easy and delicious.
Reading a books and making a mess instead of watching "Encanto" with everyone else.
Christmas morning!
Miss L received a sweet gift from her cousin N. And the boys each got a bakugan toy from their cousins as well.
Big sister A used her story writing talents to make each family member a present -- a funny personalized story. We ready them aloud and it was one of my favorite parts of Christmas day. Baby A had his first experience with unwrapping things and did not really get into it. He did enjoy his presents, once Daddy put them together.