2020 Thomas Family Christmas

Christmas Home Tour

After the year that was 2020, you can imagine my absolute delight at this Christmas being one that would go down in the books  according to my ten year old, as “the best Christmas EVER”. I will admit that she pretty much says that every year, but it still warmed my heart.  Last year’s Christmas was not up to our usual standards because we moved that July, and as you can imagine Moves and getting a whole family settled in a new home ain’t cheap.  And, I must admit that heading into December, I had all kinds of doubts that I would be able to pull off the feels of a traditional Christmas during a Pandemic.  But, it turned out that I was very wrong.  Working from home, and not having to commute or be the “Mommy Taxi” this year, left me with much more time on my hands than I would usually have and that ended up being a great thing.  And, as quiet as it’s kept Mr. Stage, who would give the appearance of being the Scrooge of our bunch, always jumps head first into the Christmas Spirit.

This year I started Christmas shopping in July, and began stashing things all around the house.  Every year that is our intention, and every year it simply doesn’t happen.  But, as I said in a pandemic with no where to go, we made it happen.  I also starting creating my Christmas 2020 Decor Board in Early September.  I knew that I wanted to use a lot of my existing Christmas decorations, but up my game a bit, when it came to what we like to call “Our Decorator Tree” or Tree #2.  And, all that means is it’s the one that Mommy gets to create the vision for and decorate.  The kids have their own tree with all our traditional and handmade ornaments from years past. I knew, I wanted to go with Buffalo Check again this year, but I also wanted to add some Black and White Plaid, and that is exactly what we did.

As usual, every year I try to sprinkle a little bit of Christmas every where  I can.  And, this year is no difference.  Take a look at how we transformed our home for the Holiday.

Front Foyer Christmas Decor

Foyer And Decorator Tree

View Of All The Christmas Trees

Stockings Hung By The Chimney With Care

Mantel Countdown to Christmas

Christmas Buffalo Plaid Table Setting

Full View of Christmas Tablescape

Christmas Side Buffet Decor

It is my firm belief that there are only so many years when you get to make Christmas magical for your family.  My oldest child is out of the house, and has a child of his own now, and my oldest daughter is already 16.  I know that the years are fleeting, and soon there will be other’s to consider and they will want to make traditions of their own.  But, while I can, and while they are still willing, I will always do my best to create memories and traditions that we can hold on to.    Thanks for stopping by and visiting our Christmas Home 2020 Edition.

Want to see Christmas Past with Our Family Click Here.

Our Top 5 Children’s Holiday Books

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You may very well get tired of hearing me say that Christmas is my “favorite time of year”.  But, I am pretty sure that I am not alone.  Some of my favorite Christmas memories are centered around the books my parents would read with my sister and I around Christmas time.  It is a tradition that I have tried to pass on to my own Children.  Every year on Christmas Eve they both get a Christmas related book and we read them together.  Needless to say over the years we have grown quite the collection.  I personally believe that a love for reading and a quest for knowledge are one of the most important things that we as parents, can pass on to our little ones.  It is always hard for me to narrow down only a few choices for Christmas Reading, because there is so much to choose from.  But, check out my Top 5 Favorites for this year!!  I have included some classics, as well as a Bonus Book for all those Moms who want to teach their kids the real meaning of Christmas.  All of the links to the books are Clickable.

Olivia Helps with Christmas

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The Sweet Smell of Christmas A Scratch and Sniff Story

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Grace At Christmas

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THE CLASSICS

The Night Before Christmas

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The Polar Express

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BONUS — the real meaning of christmas

God Gave Us Christmas

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Out of all the books listed, my very favorite is God Gave Us Christmas.  We just discovered this one last year, and it is a gem.  Everything about it gave me the warm and fuzzies and the kids enjoyed it to.  So it’s officially Mommy and Kid Approved.

What are your favorite books to read with your little ones?  What are your favorite Christmas Traditions?  I’d love to read all about it in the comment section below.

This thing called… an Advent Calendar

This thing called .... a Advent Calendar

Hubby and I have been contemplating purchasing an Advent Calendar for the past couple of years, but neither of us were sure exactly what purpose it served.  And, the last thing we wanted to do was to add anything to Christmas that would require us to exert any more effort than we already do during the Holiday Season.  So year after year, we have passed.

This year (2014) however, they seemed to be all over the DIY circuit, which of course sparked my interest again.  And, some of the ones that I was coming across seemed like they would be something that I could tackle and actually be pleased with the outcome.

So I was off to do my research, little did I know that this would be much more involved than I thought. Literally, every one seemed to have their own way of doing it.  Some folks gave a gift for each day, similar to Hanukkah   Some folks did it for the entire month of December. Some people did it for the 12 days of Christmas.  Others made sure that it corresponded with the Advent Season.

After learning about how other’s did it.  I decided, which I am sure is of no surprise to you, to do it MY WAY!!  I decided that we would do it for 12 days and I really didn’t think it was important when we started it, as long as we got in 12 days prior to Christmas Eve.(we started today)  I decided that for the first 9 days, we would discuss the Fruits of the Spirit, in a way that a 10 year old and a 4 year old could both comprehend.  And, then for the remaining days, we would discuss 3 character traits, that we thought were vital to being good people.  We choose Empathy, Forgiveness, and Honor.

After being woo’d by all the great DIY Advent Calendars, I took the easy way out and created a printable version.  Maybe, I will do something more complex next year.

Do you think this is something you would like to do with your little ones? Join us on our journey, here’s a free printable for you. Right Click – Save – Print and Enjoy!! (Just right click and save and you are good to go!!)

 

Fruit of the Spirit Advent Calendar

Enjoy the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year”

It’s beginning to “Teal”, a lot like Christmas!!

I have absolutely fallen in love with teal this year.  Check out some great inspiration pieces, I found on Pinterest..

In fact, I got my color scheme for one of my Christmas trees (still a work in progress), from these pics.

Here are the ornaments that I purchased for the tree, and my Table Centerpiece for Formal Dining Room.

Is Christmas Magic as Important to you as it is to your Kids?

I have always felt strongly about preserving the innocence of children, for as long as possible. Through their eyes, I have remembered what it is like to be a kid and have even been able to relive some of my own childhood memories.  So, I try to pack as much magic into my children’s lives as I can.  They have so many years ahead of them to deal with the harsh realities of life. I try to hold on to that little bit of Magic, for as long as I can.   If you agree with me, this post is for you, follow the links below and start creating amazing Christmas Memories!!

Christmas Magic

Do You Want your Child to Receive A Letter from Santa – Click Here!!

Photo Source: USPS

Photo Source: USPS

Countdown the Day’s Until Santa’s Arrival with this Free Printable

Link and Photo Source courtesy of invitingprintables.blogspot.com

Head Over to Our Stage Present’s Etsy Shop for a Personal Lesson from Santa.

Personalized Letters from Santa found in Etsy Shop stagedpresents

Personalized Letters from Santa found in Etsy Shop stagedpresents

Free Downloadable Christmas Gift Tags at Design Editor

Getting ready for Elf Return Week.   Our Family Christmas Elf, made his debut on Saturday Morning.

dobby2016

Looking for ideas for #ScoutElfReturnWeek — Check these out on the Elf on the Shelf Website.

Stay tuned for.. for more MAGIC!!

This post has been updated. 11/28