Holiday Fun

At the moment my to-do list is growing faster than I can turn it out and I am low on handmade goodies to share with you. But not to worry, I have plans to get things checked off the list today. So today I thought I would share with you some of the holiday fun that has been in full swing here at the Toll House. First, our home is decorated to the fullest degree. This little sign I actually made last year using MDS (makes a great little gift too) to greet our guests as they arrive at our home.

This is so fun and our newest Tradition. Have you seen these? I guess they are the hot new item this year. I found these a while back and it had our families name written all over it (well, actually it didn't. But it did once I personalized it for us, but you know what I mean) Oh my! Every night it is war in our household. Even the dog gets involved. This is just about a the most fun we have had, seriously. Its a great way to work out our frustrations with each other in the name of an "In-door Snowball Fight."

And of course, Simon is back! Simon is our Elf on the shelf. Just in case you don't know what that is here is the idea: At Christmas time Santa sends him to your home to watch over the kiddos. Each night he flies home to the North Pole to report to Santa how your kids were that day. He returns in the morning and finds a new spot to hide. The kids love finding him in the morning and it works great to ensure good behavior from now till Xmas. It's a simple concept with one HUGE challenge on the part of Mom and Dad............remembering to move Simon every night.

So, imagine my surprise when it was all of Dec 2, and I already forgot!!!! You have some serious explaining to do when that happens. So just in case you need a back story here is the one I used.

I started by turning on the news, and luckily the day before there was a ton of wind and the news was reporting on that (helped sell the story a bit more) then I pulled up a fake "email from Santa", written in red, jolly front (of course.) It read, " Dear Toll Family, You may have noticed that Simon did not return home to the North Pole last night. Due to a "high Wind advisory" at the North Pole last night, I advised all elves to stay put, cozy in there loving homes until further notice. We love our elves and don't want them getting hurt or stuck in a tree on a windy night. Thank you so much for keeping him safe. I am look forward to hearing the 2-day report from Simon first thing tonight. Have a great day and see you soon............ Love, Santa"

Brandon's thought was, " way to get elaborate. I just told them he could hear good from that spot." Anyhoo, I think my story was better and it worked! Also the excitement of an email from Santa prompted them to write back as well with their wish lists. Heehee. So fun.

Okay, off to work on those Christmas cards. See you tomorrow!