December felt full and quiet all at once – Lord knows Juliette and I lean in hard on holiday traditions, but we’ve curated our list to activities that can largely be done in our pajamas by the warmth of our fireplace. Occasionally, though, we braved the cold for the sake of sparkly lights or fluffy pines. We took Juliette and two of her buddies down to Alki one evening before a sleepover to sip hot chocolate and listen to the carolers sing on the Christmas Ship. It was the perfect way to get the festive vibes flowing.
(Isaac liked it, too.)
Seattle got a dusting of snow in early December and it was fun to see Isaac’s awe over a world covered in white. He stood by the window, excitedly pointing outside for a good portion of the morning.
It was a frosty walk to school…
The excitement was short-lived, as snow gave way to rain all too soon.
Oh, the PJ time this month! So much PJ time, with lazy Saturdays and Sundays spent watching the World Cup.
Isaac really amped up his soccer spectating game. I can’t tell if he’s overjoyed or in agony over whatever play just happened, but he’s feelin’ it!
We headed east the first weekend in December to visit Mountain Creek tree farm in search of our Tannenbaum. This is one of my most favorite super-special holiday rituals, and Juliette accessorized accordingly.
The snow had stuck in North Bend, making this place more idyllic than ever. We wandered among the trees, going through the motions of our annual Grand Fir / Doug Fir debate while Juliette introduced Isaac to a small snowman someone had left near the path.
Finally, we found it – a seven-footer that looked just right for for our living room. Have at it, Shane!
While Shane worked on tying the tree to the top of the car, the kids and I grabbed hot cider from the gift shop and headed back out for some snow play. Isaac didn’t love the snow, finding it a little slippery on his waddly legs, until Juliette showed him how to “throw†it by knocking it out of her hand, at which point she would yell, “Whoa!!!” and he would laugh hysterically.
This went on for awhile.
Eventually, the tree was secured and our toes were cold and so we hopped the car to get home and on with the business of decorating.
Juliette and I did our usual oohing and ahhing over our treasure trove of ornaments while sipping egg nog and listening to A Charlie Brown Christmas. We discovered early on that any breakable ornaments must be hung on the top half of the tree.
(Brother feels left out when I get too close to Sister – see him trying to get in on the snuggles?!)
We put the rest of the house in holiday order, lining the mantle with my collection of bottle brush trees, finding a home for Stanley and Samuel, our Nutcracker brothers, and setting up Juliette’s own little bedside tree. Isaac was into all of it (literally into, with his little hands all over whatever was in reach), so anything precious was placed high up and we let the rest be fair game.
Juliette and I did our annual sleepover by the tree on the first day of winter break…
With an early-morning visit by our favorite third wheel.
We did a part 2 the following night, because we love a twinkly slumber party that much.
We made evening visits to the menagerie of inflatable figures in our neighbor’s driveway.
And then on an evening when Juliette was with friends and Shane was out of town, Isaac and I drove down to the Menashe house to do some gawking.
Santa was strolling the sidewalks that night and I found him to be ultra-friendly, but Isaac was not so much of a fan…
Mama-Jules hot cocoa Christmas lights drive…
And buddies! I was solo parenting for a weekend and Nance and LaV came over for a cozy breakfast while Isaac ran circles around us.
We gathered at the Rusts for our chosen-family Christmas brunch the following weekend, where Nancy’s homemade almond tart was devoured and gifts were opened and stories were shared.
I always walk away from gatherings with this crew with the fullest of hearts.
We let the kids open a couple of family gifts early, partly so that they’d have some new toys to keep them occupied while we packed for our trip to Portland, but also to stretch out this season of receiving (and also of being grateful!).
Pierced ears was at the tippy-top of Juliette’s wishlist, so I set aside her Christmas money from Grandma and Grandpa and booked her an appointment at a local jewelry shop, coordinating a rendezvous with the mom of two of her best buds, who were also begging to get pierced. The few days leading up to the appointment were a mix of excitement and nerves for Juliette. Each day brought a new split:  “Mama, today I’m 70% excited and 30% nervous!” We landed at 80/20 day-of, which seemed promising, but the minute Juliette sat down on the stool, the tears started flowing. I’m so glad her friends were there to cheer her on.
As each girl took her turn, the other two gave enthusiastic thumbs-ups and said, “You got this!” The sweetest.
And the fanciest. Â
Now let’s get this kid and her sparkly lobes to Portland!
