Christmas Traditions: Gift Wrapped Doorway and Christmas Blocks
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When Santa was here on Christmas Eve, not only did he leave presents for the children, and leave his messy boot prints all over our room…but he also gift wrapped the doorway!
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Now the Christmas tree and the presents were trapped behind a wall of wrapping paper. The only way to get to the gifts…was to bust through the wrapping paper!
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It was actually harder than it looks to bust through that paper! Because of the way our doorway is set up there were actually two layers of wrapping paper to get through.
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Perhaps at your house the bedroom doorway gets wrapped instead of the living room, or perhaps it’s tissue paper or streamers instead of wrapping paper.
The great thing about the gift wrapped doorway tradition is that it can work for so many different families, whether Santa visits your house or not! It’s one that mom’s and dad’s can do themselves without Santa’s help. It’s one that teenagers can enjoy and look forward to as much as little children.
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Another Christmas morning tradition that we have in our family is the ceremonial knocking down of the Christmas blocks. Okay, it’s not ceremonial at all…but it is fun! In the photo below Jonathan was almost 11 months old and he crawled right to the blocks to knock them over.
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It will be interesting to see how long it takes the kids to knock the blocks down this year. Will they be more interested in Santa’s footprints or the presents? Or will they knock the blocks down right away? Will they fight over who gets to knock the blocks down or cry because “So-and-so knocked the blocks down first and I wanted to do it!”
I mean, of course I like to purposely implement traditions that will inevitably create discourse amongst the children…who doesn’t?! 😉
So far knocking down the blocks has been a fun little Christmas morning tradition, we’ll see if it remains fun as the kids get older!
2013 Update: Our wrapped doorway was a little less exciting this year. Check it out here: Merry Christmas 2013! Jon seemed a little overwhelmed on Christmas morning, but when my husband pointed out the blocks to him he was thrilled to knock them down! 🙂
Does Santa gift wrap your door way?
What are some of your fun Christmas morning traditions? Let me know in the comments!
This post is linked to:
Christmas Book Countdown
Here’s a quick and easy activity we do to countdown to Christmas day. Unwrap and read a Christmas book each day until Christmas!
It’s already December 2 and I haven’t wrapped the books yet this year. Oops. I always tell myself that I’m going to get these things done before Thanksgiving and then I always forget, or someone gets sick, or I’m distracted by something shiny. Maybe I should wrap them this year before I pack them away. That sounds smar…Squirrel! Wait, what was I saying?
How does your family countdown to Christmas?
What are your favorite Christmas books?
Let me know in the comments!
Santa Proof: Magical Santa Bootprints
I’m not sure what it is about our house but legendary figures are always leaving messy footprints in our house after a visit. First Leprechauns, then the Easter Bunny, and now…Santa Claus!
For the past two years Santa has magically descended our non-functioning chimney and left his sooty boot prints on our carpet on his way to the Christmas tree.
In 2011 Santa left a trail directly to the tree.
He must’ve ran out of soot on the way back.
But in 2012 Santa wasn’t quite so neat.
He left footprints everywhere…what a mess!
Luckily Santa’s boot prints vacuum up quickly and easily.
…and we noticed something interesting. Santa’s boot prints are truly magical indeed, in fact they change while he’s walking! Every so many steps he would leave a “Ho Ho Ho” or “SC” foot print behind.
In some homes Santa leaves white snowy boot prints with magical North Pole snow that doesn’t melt. For us, it’s soot. I’ve also heard reports from some families that get reindeer hoof prints inside their house! I guess it’s a good thing that we set our oats and carrots for the reindeer out on the back porch.
The product used to create Santa’s plain soot boot prints was Santa Soles. While I’ve seen many other products for creating Santa’s snowy boot prints, this is the only one that I’ve found that imitates soot. Visit SantaSoles.net and like the Santa Soles Facebook Page
Santa Soles allow you to create Santa’s footprints in your very own home, adding to the magic of Christmas morning. Santa Soles are the footprints that dreams are made of! Santa Soles are templates that allow you, along with our non-toxic, non-staining “soot” to create Santa’s footprints right in your home! Our “soot” is safe for use on all types of flooring and vacuums up easily, making clean up a breeze!
Other stencils/templates used: “Ho Ho Ho” and “SC”
Disclosure: I found, purchased, and reviewed the product “Santa Soles” and the additional boot print templates on my own. I was not given the products for free, I was not compensated in any way, and I was not asked to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Does Santa leave boot prints in your house?
Let me know in the comments!
This post is linked to:
50+ Ideas for Thanksgiving Kids’ Table (Links)
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During the holidays we’ve all had to sit at the kids’ table at some point in our lives. Now everyone will want to sit at the kids’ table if you use these creative ideas for making your Thanksgiving kids’ table the coolest on the block!
*Thanksgiving Kid’s Table: @ Fiskars
Silly turkey leg place card, pie treat holder, Mayflower drinking straw, decorative turkey clips, pilgrim hat crayon holder, Native American headband, and grateful tree centerpiece.
*The Kids’ Table: Thanksgiving Placecards, Paper Bag Turkey, Thanksgiving Quiz, Bite Sized Pumpkin Pies, Faux Pumpkin Pie Place Cards, Game Time Thanksgiving Boat Races, Thanksgiving Pumpkin Roll: @ One Charming Party
*Thanksgiving Kids Table: @ 11 Cupcakes
*How to Create an Amazing Thanksgiving Kids’ Table: @ Happy Home Fairy
*Thanksgiving Kid’s Table Ideas: @ Craftberry Bush
Black Bristol board lines the table as a placemat or table cloth on a kiddie table that works just as a chalkboard. Wrap the utensils with a yellow and green napkin to simulate corn.
*Eat, Drink, Be Thankful Kid’s Table: by Mirabelle Creations
@ Amy Atlas: Sweet Designs and Kara’s Party Ideas
*Embrace the idea of a kids’ table: @ Country Living
*Thanksgiving Place Settings: @ Fiskars
*Giving Thanks: A Thanksgiving Kid’s Table: @ Frog Prince Paperie
*Kids’ Thanksgiving Table: We Are So Thankful!: @ Frog Prince Paperie
*Turkey Day Table Centerpiece: @ Parents.com
*Happy Gobble Day: @ Anders Ruff
*A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Kids’ Table: @ Denna’s Ideas
*It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! Halloween/Thanksgiving Kids’ Table: @ Denna’s Ideas
*Fun Thanksgiving Kids’ Table: @ La T Dah
*Mayflower Celebration: Sandra Lee’s Cute and Crafty Kids’ Table for Thanksgiving:
@ IVillage
*Thanksgiving Kids Table: @ Alesya Bags
*Set a Special Place for Kids: Ritzy Bee @ Southern Living
*Set a Great Kids’ Table for Thanksgiving: @ Pottery Barn Kids
*Mini Thanksgiving Feast: @ Small Fry Blog
*Ultimate Thanksgiving Kids’ Table: @ Party Bluprints
*Thanksgiving Kids’ Table: @ Giggles Galore
*Thanksgiving Kids’ Table: @ Saratoga Mama
*The Best Thanksgiving Yet: @ Rococo Report
*Kids’ Thanksgiving Table: by Parties for Pennies
@ Creative Home
*Whoot of Thanks Playdate: @ The Savvy Mom’s Guide
*Thanksgiving Child Setting: @ Momtastic
*Color Full Kids Thanksgiving Table: @ Kara’s Creative Place
*Free Printable Paper Pilgrim Hat and Bonnet: @ MarthaStewart.com
*Free Thanksgiving Kids Table Printables: @ Shindig Parties to Go
*Thanksgiving Kids’ Table and Free Printable: @ Sweet Metel Moments
*Kids’ Table Printables: @ Alpha Mom
Thanksgiving Turkey Centerpiece, Thanksgiving Napkin Rings, Thanksgiving Crayon Holder, Thanksgiving Coloring Page
*Thanksgiving Kid’s Table Setting: @ Lily’s Laundry Blog
*Printable Turkey Trivia Cards: by Skip to my Lou @ Alpha Mom
*Free Printable Thanksgiving Placemat: @ Whatever Dee Dee Wants
*Free Thanksgiving Fall Printable Kit: @ Paper Glitter
*Free Printable Thanksgiving Play Set: @ Chickabug
*Free Printable Kid’s Thanksgiving Placemats: @ Darling Doodles Design
*Thanksgiving Table for Kids: Free Printables: @ Design Dazzle
*Kid Friendly Thanksgiving Tips: @ How Does She
*Mayflower Crayon Holder: @ It’s Overflowing
*Mayflower Treat Holder!: @ My Cotton Creations
*(Pottery Barn Inspired) DIY Thanksgiving Treat Holders: @ Sheek Shindigs
*Kids’ Table Centerpiece: @ MarthaStewart.com
*DIY Paper Mayflower Centerpiece: @ Martha Stewart
*Mayflower Place Setting: @ Whatever Dee Dee Wants
*DIY Mayflower Tutorial (Pottery Barn Inspired): @ The Pink Peony of Le Jardin
*DIY Mayflower: @ Making Life Whimsical
*DIY Thanksgiving Tallship: @ Let’s Go Fly a Kite…
![IMG_0814_thumb[10]](https://coolestfamilyontheblock.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0814_thumb10.jpg?w=300&h=279)
*Turkey Handprint Tablecloth: @ How Does She
*Thanksgiving Party: @ Happy Hawkins
*Pilgrim Straw Toppers: @ Daily Party Dish
*Turkey Pencil Holder (Tutorial): @ Pottery Barn Kids
*Pom Pom Tom Turkey Decoration: @ MarthaStewart.com
*Thanksgiving Entertainment for Kids: @ The Idea Room
*Thanksgiving Kids’ Table Activities: @ The Mother Huddle
*Moccasin and Pilgrim Treat and Placecard Holder: @ Can’t Stop Making Things
*Turkey Table Topper and Turkey Nut Holder: @ Spoonful.com
*Thanksgiving Chalk Cloth Placemats: @ Flamingo Toes
*Toddler to Teen Thanksgiving Table: @ The Celebration Shoppe
*Turkey Chair Covers: @ Wild Olive
*Turkey Chair Covers Tutorial: @ Spoonful
*Thanksgiving Napkin Ring Ideas: @ Spoonful
Turkey Napkin Holders, Pilgrim Napkin Rings, Photo Napkin Rings, Fall Tableware Napkin Rings, Wrapped Rings, Button Indian Corn Napkin Rings, Funny Fall Napkin Rings, Turkey Napkin Rings and Holders, Indian Corn Napkin Rings
*Thanksgiving Table for Kids: @ MarthaStewart.com
Thanksgiving Place Mats, Paper Pilgrims Thanksgiving Table, Gourd Gobblers, Cornhusk Dolls, Mayflower Centerpiece, Headdress Napkin Wrap, Paper Boat Place Cards, Finger Puppet Favors, Turkey Trivia
What’s your favorite memory of sitting at the kids’ table?
Do you have ideas for making the kids’ table more fun?
Please share in the comments!
*This post is linked to: SITS Sharefest
Artist and Masterpiece Sibling Costumes
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I am lazy. I don’t sew and I refuse to spend $30 on a child’s costume that is ugly and will fall apart. My 4 year old daughter kept changing her mind about her costume from ghost to kitty to my personal favorite, “I just want to be a regular little girl”. My daughter loves, loves, LOVES to draw and paint and so I suggested that she be an artist. She loved the idea. She loved the idea even more when I said that her little brother could be her work of art and that she could (pretend to) paint him. So simple and easy!
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The costume was a huge hit! We got a lot of compliments on how cute and creative the concept was. It was mostly laziness rather than creativity, but hey, I’ll take it!
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ARTIST/PAINTER COSTUME
-Art Smock / Art Apron / Old button down shirt
-Beret
-Artist’s Palette
-Paint Brush
-Paint smudges on face and smock
-Pencil mustache (optional)
My daughter already had this art smock from Ikea. I wanted to have paint splatters all over her, but that smock wipes up so nicely that nothing will really dry on it 😦 I found the beret on Amazon and I had a Swagbucks giftcard, so it was free! I got the artist’s palette and paint brushes at Michael’s. We have paintbrushes at home but I wanted something a little bigger. There was a less expensive plain white palette but I let Adaline choose which one to get. She chose the watercolor palette which was fine because she would definitely use the watercolors and now I didn’t have to add paint to the white palette for her costume.
If you don’t have an art smock you can use an old white button down shirt as a smock. Be sure to smear it with lots of paint…artists are never clean! If you don’t have a palette and don’t want to buy one you can always make one by cutting the shape into cardboard or cardstock and coloring in the paint. That was more work than I wanted to do (remember the keyword today is “lazy“), so the $4 I spent on the palette was worth it to me.
I also think it would be cute to draw a curly mustache on your artist, but my daughter was having none of that!
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MASTERPIECE/WORK OF ART COSTUME
-Long-sleeved white shirt (a few sizes bigger)
-Painted Canvas
-Picture Frame (optional)
-Hot Glue Gun (to glue the canvas to the shirt)
My original idea for the masterpiece was to use larger canvases and have my son wear them hanging over his shoulders sandwich board style. He’s 20 months old and falls over for no reason at all sometimes, so when I saw the smaller 9×12 canvas panels I got the idea to hot glue it directly to his shirt instead. I also thought it would be really cute to glue a frame from the dollar store around the canvas, but I didn’t think that sounded too comfortable or safe for my little boy. Instead I just added the little sign that said “Masterpiece” so that I didn’t have to keep explaining the costume to people. It worked brilliantly and we got a lot of compliments 🙂
It’s important to note that I got my son’s shirt a little larger (he wears 18-24m and this shirt is a 3T) because you need the extra room once the canvas is glued to the shirt. If the shirt were any smaller I wouldn’t have been able to fit it over his head.
The canvas panels I used were a set of 5 from Michael’s. You can get single canvases as well, but they didn’t have any at Michael’s and I knew that my daughter would use all of them.
Instead of using a canvas you could use card stock, card board, poster board, a pillowcase, just about anything that you can paint/draw on and then attach to or hang from a shirt. You can even just draw/paint directly onto the shirt itself. It doesn’t get any easier than that!
Adaline actually painted the canvas herself. After it dried I hot glued the canvas onto a long sleeved tee.
Here’s the list of actual items that I used:
(None of these are affiliate links)
SMOCK: Ikea MÅLA Long sleeve apron, green $3.99
PALETTE: Michael’s Creatology Watercolor Palette $3.99
PAINT BRUSH: Michael’s Creatology Brushes (Set of 3) $1.99
BERET: Classic Black Wool Beret Cap $5.91 Sold by Accessory World on Amazon.com
TEE: Garanimals Long Sleeve Basic Tee $3.88
CANVAS: Michael’s Artist’s Loft 9×12 Canvas Panel Value Pack (5 pack) $7.99
Did your kids dress up for Halloween this year?
What is your favorite “lazy” Halloween costume?
Let me know in the comments!
This post is linked to: Skip To My Lou: Made by You Monday / Clumsy Crafter: Costume Link Up / Kids Activities Blog: It’s Playtime / SITS Saturday Sharefest / The Mom Creative: Halloween Costumes Link Up
*If you’d like a laugh (or nightmares) read about 1984 Creepy Costumes on my other blog.
Read my personal blog www.imakemyselfthequeen.com.
Product Review: Blackout EZ Window Cover
We’ve been very blessed that we have little difficulty getting the children to sleep at night. We usually begin our bedtime routine (potty, pajamas, brush teeth, books, songs, sleep) around 6:30-6:45PM and both kids are asleep by 7:30PM most nights (often sooner!).
Then there’s summer with all of the sun and all of the brightness going on until nearly 9PM. So last year I began my search for the best window covers to block out the most light so that we could continue with our glorious early bedtime routine. Well, I found them…
Blackout EZ Window Cover!
Seriously, if you need to block the light coming from a window these are the window covers that you need!
In the following video I sing the praises of the Blackout EZ Window Cover and I demonstrate just how dark the room is with them installed. (Watch on YouTube)
We love these window covers so much that we have them in ALL of the bedrooms…including ours! My husband works shifts, so when he works midnight and sleeps the next day, the Blackout EZ Window Cover keeps the room really dark so that he can get the best quality sleep.
Not only does the Blackout EZ Window Cover block out all of the light, but it has many other great features that make it the best window cover on the market.
*It’s super easy to install!
All you need is a tape measure and scissors! (And you don’t really NEED the tape measure either)
No drill, screwdrivers, or other tools needed!
*It installs with your current window treatments already in place!
You don’t need to remove your curtains or blinds to install!
*It’s well made!
Don’t ask me how, the fabric is practically indestructible but cuts easily with scissors.
*They look great!
No ugly blanket or funky shades, from the outside all you see is white, which is in compliance with most Home Owner’s Associations. (Scroll down for photo)
*Easy to clean.
In over a year I haven’t needed to clean them, but if I do you just wipe them down…unlike blinds and shades which are horrible to clean.
*Total privacy
The cover blocks out everything, unlike blinds, no one can see anything inside.
If you can’t watch the video right now here a few photos showing the level of light in the room before and after the covers were installed. To see what the room looks like with the lights off you’re going to have to watch the video because, well, the photos would just be black, so…
WINDOW 1
WINDOW 2
WINDOW 3
View of WINDOW 1 from the outside
Disclaimer: I found, purchased, and reviewed this product on my own. I did NOT receive anything for free, I was NOT compensated in anyway for this review, and I was NOT asked to do this review. All opinions expressed are my own. I just really think this is a great product!
If you have the time, watch this great demonstration video from the inventor of Blackout EZ Window Covers himself. He shows you how to install the covers on 3 different windows.
(Watch on YouTube)
Blackout EZ Window Covers are available for purchase on their website: www.blackoutez.com.
You can follow Blackout EZ Window Covers on Twitter (@BlackoutEZ), Pinterest, and like them on Facebook as well.
If you found this review helpful please leave a comment here or on YouTube, “thumbs up” the video on YouTube, and feel free to like, pin, tweet, and otherwise share this review! Thanks!
Do your kids have trouble sleeping while it’s still bright out?
How do you keep your rooms dark for sleep? Let me know in the comments!
Fun in a dark room!
Shadow Puppets (Links)
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Fun and Dysfunction 