Holiday Bucket List

There are just way too many options of things to do in the Puget Sound when Christmas rolls around.  I've been trying to strike a balance so it doesn't feel more exhausting than fun.  We've tried some new things like Snowflake Lane while keeping with a few traditions.  Sometimes I wish there was another weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas to have more time for everything.

Linus is starting to question the existence of Santa Claus.  He has not given up on the big guy just yet, but can readily identify impostors.  I knew getting him to go along with Santa pictures was going to be a problem.  I sat him down the night before, fully prepared that I may have to divulge the truth.  We talked about keeping the magic of Christmas alive for those younger than us.  In exchange for having Kraft mac n cheese for dinner, Linus agreed to be enthusiastic and cooperative for Santa pictures.  He did great and I credit him for helping Robin to stop crying while on Santa's lap.

 

Last weekend we headed out to Whidbey Island for the Holiday Fair at Whidbey Island Waldforf school.  I loved the Waldorf take on the season.  It felt festive without being commercial.  The kids got treasures from the Pocket Wizard, shopped for homemade treasures, and crafted.  We didn't have time for all the crafts and settled on three--peg gnomes and angels, fairy house, and felted soap.  It was the type of stuff you see on pinterest, but don't feel like you have the ability to quite do without guidance. I love the fairy house we created and the fact that Linus contributed the toadstool he purchased.

The felted soap works great and makes bathtime smell wonderful.  The kids love using soap they created themselves.

Last year we went to PNB Nutcracker.  It was really expensive and the kids got bored.  This year I decided to try the Nutcracker Sweets at ARC Ballet.  The kids and I got holiday cupcakes at Cupcake Royale beforehand.  In order to be diplomatic,  I will say this.  I liked that this production for relatively inexpensive, much shorter, and we got to sit close.  My inner critic gets less nice after that.  Ask me in person if you want a stronger opinion.  Anyways, I promised Linus I would never make him attend the ballet twice in one day again (Eileen had a short performance earlier in the day) and next year I would only take Eileen.  Eileen and I will definitely be going to PNB next year.  I heard the new show is great. My experiences the last two years have made me miss the Tacoma City Ballet production of the Nutcracker. Sigh. The evening was redeemed when we took advantage of our Ballard location and drove through Olympic Manor and looked at Christmas lights.

Up bright and early, the kids and I were ready for more adventure.  My friend, Beth, was not deterred by her experience last year, and wanted to join us on our yearly downtown trek.  We parked at the Seattle Center (free street parking whoop whoop!) and took the monorail into downtown.

I think the gingerbread houses at the Sheraton this year were the best I've seen there.  I'm pretty sure the designers are all secretly Star Wars nerds because the attention to detail was ridiculous.  Thanks to Linus, I know way too much about Star Wars.

Forest moon of Endor

Linus was excited to rescue Hans Solo from carbonite.

We were sure to visit the Teddy Bear Suite.  Eileen really wants a giant teddy bear for Christmas.  It's what she told Santa she wanted.  I'm hoping her desire was satiated by sitting with this one.

 **Note**   anyone caught giving anyone in my family a giant stuffed animal will be hereby banned from all gift giving occasions.

Is it wrong that I kind of want this in my room, minus the teddy bears?

Linus is starting to rediscover the fun of photo-taking.

From the Teddy Bear Suite, we headed to the Carousel. The look on Eileen's face says it all.

We made time to peruse Top Ten Toys before lunch and taking the Monorail back to the Seattle Center.  From there,  everyone passed out asleep.  I admit that I drove around for an extra 30 minutes just so the big kids could nap.

We did manage to add another new thing this year.  I've always wanted to do Christmas lights for the house--not the level of Clark Griswold, but lightly festive.  Luckily, my brother-in-law, Carl, does Christmas light installation as a part of his business and gave us the family discount.  Linus was so excited to help, he even put on jeans!

The kids would like to see us step it up a little.  Add some colored lights, maybe an inflatable snowman or light up nativity scene.  Hopefully, we will be able to strike a compromise.

So much to do.  So little time.  Someday I would like to do the Christmas ships.  Linus nixed a trip to Swanson's nursery so I think Robin and I will enjoy it this week while the kids are at school.