Christmas Prep

I have a feeling like I am at the climax of my Christmas-with-children life.  My eldest is 11 and my youngest is almost 3.  This is the year that we can have all kinds of fun and do a theme!  This year, our theme is American Girl.  It sounds super yuppy but, I am addicted to American Girl.  Namely, the old school American Girl.  I LOVE the craft books, cook books, and stories that depict some time period in American history.  Our girls are all getting things relating to American Girl.

Ready for my brilliant idea?!? Each girl is getting a bag of accessories for their doll, but who wants another dumb gift bag.  They are a ton of money and they are not worth it.  So, I went to Old Navy and got these great reusable shopping bags on clearance for $.50.  They are super cute and perfect for holding their stuff.  LOVE IT!
Next idea that I love is the craft kits.  I found (used, of course) all of the old craft books and am putting together kits so they can actually do the crafts from the books.  Instead of just getting a cool craft book, they will be able to do the crafts because they will have all the supplies.
This is also a great time of year because I spend hours and hours and hours and hours sewing.  I actually heard Emma Lynn talking to one of her sisters, "What do you think Mom is going to sew us this year?" I know that I do not have long before Emma Lynn becomes one of those teenagers that will complain about not getting a cell phone or a car.  I am relishing the fact that she is still excited about a homemade present. Like I said, I have a feeling like this is the climax year.  I LOVE IT!  It is way better to be an adult during Christmas and create the magic for your children than to be a child.  I am so grateful for my life!!