BOB THE ELF

I normally just write a list of the things I would like to do in December with the kids, but this year, Bob the elf is making an appearance. He comes each night and leaves an envelope under one of the kid's doors with an activity or small gift, to count down to Christmas. I got this idea from Tara Whitney...go here to see.

So...we are starting 6 days into the month. Bob is known to be a bit tardy, but he explained to the kids that he had a sore tummy and bad gas from all the egg nog lattes he has consumed.

Activity for today: decorate the windows with holiday stencils. Bob even left a gift, with all the supplies they will need as well as instructions to clean up the mess afterwards!

This is the end result:

With 18 more nights to go until Christmas, here are some other activities Bob might tell the kids to do:

Go cut down your Christmas tree

Make breakfast for dinner and eat in your jammies

Make Christmas cookies and share them with a neighbour

Take some peppermint hot chocolate to the Festival of Lights in Dundarave

Go for a ride on the Stanley Park Christmas train

Family game night by the fire

Go visit Santa and get your picture taken

Make some Christmas ornaments

Go caroling and sing as loud as you want

Cuddle under a blanket and watch a Christmas movie

String a popcorn garland

Go ice skating on an outdoor rink

Buy a new Christmas book

Go see the Christmas lights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge

Snowshoe to Hollyburn Lodge for some hot chocolate

Have a fondu by the fire

Bundle up and watch the carol ships go by

Play in the snow!

We also celebrated St. Nicholas Day thanks to Seema. We left our boots outside and in the morning they were filled with treats a few little toys (and indication that we have been good). Daddy got twigs in his boot (an indication that he was naughty) which upset Sam so much that I had to tell him that it was me who put twigs in his boot and not Nicholas. I think this made Sam even more upset. He continues to ask me why I would do such a mean prank. **Must remember to give Jake extra treats next year.