Ever since my kids and I watched Curious George’s Christmas Special, we always talk about our “Christmas preparations.” The Man with the Yellow Hat and Curious George made a list of what they needed to do before Christmas; now, we do the same.
My Christmas preparations almost didn’t happen this year. I have had a cold and, last night, I was waaaaaay sick. Yucky sick. ’Nuff said.
But I have rebounded fairly well, if I do say so myself. And, so far, it’s been a spectacular day.
This morning, we all went out to breakfast at our favorite little spot. The kids had hot chocolate with whipped cream and chocolate chips (you should have seen the look on their faces when the waitress brought them over!), and my daughter had a pancake the size of her head (no syrup, lest you think that I strung my kids out on sugar). Delish.
Then I had some shopping to do. The only things I knew I had to get were dog food and some Christmas presents for them, and a few things at the grocery. There is a thrift store right by our PetSmart, so I stopped in.
Wahoo! What fun I had! I found some children’s albums for 77 cents each. Honestly, I think I may just frame the album covers (the records are pretty scratched) – they are super cool!
My daughter has been asking for a nutcracker for a long time, but (a) they kind of creep me out; and (b) I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on something she’s likely to break. Today, I found one for $1.21! And it’s got a green suit on! Her favorite color (you may remember her green room here)! Wahoo!
I also found a galvanized bucket, which I’d been looking for to collect keys and other junk that collects on our counter; candlesticks to work on a project I saw on Pinterest (here’s the original source); a big wall map of the US for our playroom; and an old phone and adding machine for my daughter (who loves these in her classroom at school).
And I found my daughter a desk. Not just any desk, but the same desk that I found at a garage sale for her brother (see this post to see the painted desk – it came painted; I just sanded it and repainted it). Her desk isn’t painted, but the wood is in need of sanding and some refinishing. It was $29.99, which is $5 less than I paid for her brother’s desk. It’s also about $170 less than I saw the desk go for at a local antique store! Score!
I’m not posting any pictures yet, because each needs some work before it’s “finished.” Also, I’m tired. Pictures will come later, after Christmas and the gift giving has happened!
The other Christmas preparation I finally finished today was our menu for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. Here it is:
Christmas Eve:
Turkey (breast only this year, since it’s only us) & gravy
Sweet potato casserole
Brussel sprouts, pan sautéed with bacon and cranberries
Roasted broccoli
Popovers
Dessert is chocolate fondue with berries, bananas, and pound cake – our Christmas dessert tradition!
Christmas morning:
Egg casserole
Flying Biscuit’s Creamy Dreamy Grits (I make them from their recipe)
Monkey Bread
Lots and lots of coffee
Mimosas
Whew! And now I’m tired. Time for a nap before the next round of Christmas preparations.
I hope you all are doing well. Merry, Merry Christmas to everyone!
Thanks for stopping by.
