Christmas Traditions - Old & New

There are so many things that I love about being a mother and a parent but one thing I've noticed that brings me much joy is continuing old family traditions and starting new ones. Holidays are now not just one special day but a handful of fun traditions and I think that is why for me, holidays are SO much more fun having a little one.

A big thank you to my mom for showing up just a few days before the first of December with the advent calendar from my childhood! I was so excited to receive this gift - I've had my eye's peeled for an advent calendar for Ruby for weeks now and I just couldn't decide on one. How fun to not only share the tradition of an advent calendar with Ruby but the very same calendar that I LOVED as a child. Seeing all of those little ornaments brings back so many memories! I remember each of them and laugh now at a few that I remember as my favorites. Thank you for saving this all these years mom!

Ruby has enjoyed "decorating" her advent tree each morning. Yes, it requires a bit of mommy's help but she is having fun and although I thought I'd have to remind her to do this daily it's become part of her morning routine. She grabs the remote for "Elmo" while mommy prepares breakfast and then she goes and stands under the calendar and points and "oh-ooooo's" until I bring the tree down and we decorate. I love it and I think she does too!

Another tradition and keepsake passed down - a place mat for Santa. I remember leaving cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for his reindeer on this every Christmas Eve. We will do the same with Ruby this year...

And here is our new tradition - The Elf on the Shelf. It's a darling book that comes with a little elf. We've been reading the book nightly since November 30th and although Ruby doesn't grasp the whole concept (the Elf reports to Santa nightly on how Ruby behaves and then returns each morning to watch her!) she still loves to hear the story and look for the Elf around the house each morning.

Ruby is too young to properly name the elf this year but she DOES refer to him as both "Owl" (she's trying to say elf) and "Baby" (ANYONE small is a baby). We'll wait till next year to name him....

Kisses for the Elf

LOVE the Elf!

A few of the places he's been "hanging out" (He hides in a new location each morning)