Every year Christmas seems to sneak up on us. Wasn't it just Halloween? Never fear - Flaunt is here with a bunch of Christmas tidbits that are sure to bring merriment to your festive month.
FUN:
My days of threatening to call Santa are over! I got mysELF an ELF!
If you have wee spawn, and haven't brought the holiday tradition of the "Elf on The Shelf" into your home, I highly recommend it! The elf watches the kidlets throughout the day and reports back to Santa when they are abed each night. Being naughty just got more interesting in our house - poor Brianna! The only tough thing is remembering to hide the elf in a different spot each night so that the kids have to find it in the morning (part of the magic). There are entire sites dedicated to elf ideas. Here are a couple gooders:
In Canada, get yours at Chapters, in the US at
DECOR:
For a bunch of great DIY Christmas decor ideas that aren't super tacky like reindeer made out of candy canes and pipe cleaners, check out Babble.
Counting down to christmas was always a huge part of the holiday magic when I was growing up. I just bought his advent calendar off of Etsy. Absolutely darling. Round tin containers held to a pizza pan with magnets. Only downfall is that I have to find things that are small enough to fit in the tiny containers.
Even though this picture (below) has been flying around facebook and pinterest, I would be doing an injustice to my fellow parents to not showcase this insanely brilliant idea. Why oh why does everything have to be for the kids?
TREATS:
Nothing says holidays like a tasty treat! Weather you're exchanging, or hosting a holiday party, cookies are a must. My personal favorite cookie of all time: Chocolate Sparkle Cookies, The creation of Vancouver chocolatier, Thomas Haas. Click here for the recipe. And Yes, I have made them a few times! AMAZING - well worth the time and $$$!
If you feel lazy you can zip down to Thomas Haas and buy some already made!
Jacqueline Long, mama-preneur makes gorgeous Christmas cookies! She used to make cakes for my kids birthday parties when she lived in Vancouver. Now Toronto-based, her beautiful and yummy cookies can be shipped! I wonder if I can claim these as my own creations at family gatherings:)
Order up and check out Jackie's amazing, detail oriented designs at: www.ibakery.ca
Christmas candy makes a perfect homemade gift. These chocolate cherry cups look heavenly and seem to be fairly easy to make (famous last words). The recipe is here at: Canadian Living.
In light of all this cookie chatter, here is an awesome book for your little ones. It is full of little life lessons that capture the spirit of the holiday season. Available at Kidsbooks.
CARDS:
The first Christmas cards were illustrated by John Callcott Horsley in London on the 1st of May 1843. His card (below) totally cracks me up - the entire family is drinking even the small children! This must have ignited some controversy at the time. Gotta love stationery that pushes the envelope... Hic-cup!
So, it is really needless to say, that an e-card or mass email at Christmas time just doesn't cut it. Get off yer arse and hand write a wee note (especially to your Grandma) - it's what all the cool people are doing! If you are stuck for a greeting, use one of these "professionally" selected ones:
- Peace, good will and happiness for you at Christmas and always.
- Joy to you and yours this holiday season.
- Card messages aren't my thing - Merry Christmas.
- The sweetest joys are those found at Christmas.
- Hugs and kisses & warm holiday wishes.
- Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful holiday and happy new year.
- May the sparkle of the stars and all the peace on earth be yours this Christmas.
I Hope yule each have a wonderful holiday!
Cheers to your health and happiness!
- Shannon
FLAUNT SHOUT OUT to my friend Judie who made these after reading my last blog. Well done - that's some serious dedication to cupcake making! You really are a SUPER-MOM.
