Christmas Cheer

What are some traditions that you guys look forward to around this time of the year? I am trying to establish a few traditions with my girls. I want some of these traditions to be meaningful as well as fun. My hope is that Emma and Lily can pass them down to their children. I want these activities to help my girls become aware that they are very blessed for the things and people in their lives and to feel fortunate for what they have. As a result I want them to always be giving and thoughtful of others around them.

One fun activity that we have been doing since Emma was 6 (she's now 7)  is donating toys to our local fire station's fundraiser Spark of Love. This year, we're also going to thank the firefighters by baking cookies and taking Starbucks to them. If we get lucky and the firefighters aren't on a call we get a personal tour of the fire house. The girls enjoy learning about the different parts of the trucks as well as the station itself.  Although it is something simple, the girls enjoy it and feel part of something special.

Being part of the community is also important and something that I hope the girls appreciate. This year Emma participated in the Whittier Christmas Parade with her gymnastics group!!!! We are very excited since its our first year being part of something in our city. We have attended the parade before and enjoyed it as spectators and have had so much fun looking at the floats and marching bands. If you know my Emma, you know that she doesn't do well with big loud crowds. However, I was totally proud of her determination to want to be part of it and not quit. Her anxiety was real but despite of it, she finished the whole route. She's already talking about participating next year and being more prepared and less anxious since she now knows what to expect. Enjoy these few photos of my girls making memories.

David Ono (Celebrity GM)

Lily hanging out while waiting for Sister

Finally, we also do all the typical Christmas baking, gingerbread house building, and decorating and we definitely enjoy all the Christmas Shopping!
We wish you guys a wonderful holiday season and the best in the new year 2017. I am so beyond excited to see what the new year has in store for me and my little family. Please leave a comment and/or comment to share your traditions.