Jingle Bells COVID Smells

That was the theme of our Xmas card this year and very apropos. The vaccine is here and slowly being distributed to the first tier. Many physicians we know have already gotten their first dose. 

And, while Xmas won't be what it has been in years past with lots of holiday gatherings and family time, we're passing the time checking out the local holiday light displays (one house timed their lights to two holiday songs to make a whole spectacular light show where you tuned into a radio station to follow along) and watching lots of holiday movies.

Last night, we did a walking tour of a holiday light display at a nearby park district. It wasn't too cold out so it was nice to get outside and enjoy a brisk after dinner walk. 

This past weekend, we had the most fun though. I'm not big on building gingerbread houses. I've taken my kids before to a cute nearby ice cream shop to do a small version of them with friends, and Tom has bought the store made kit to do with the girls before but this year I just really wanted to plan an activity we could all do together but make it fun for all. We did just that. I bought 3 really nice and big gingerbread houses from LaBriola Bakery. We worked in teams (except for Austen) and spent about three hours together creating our masterpieces. When we were done I posted them on Facebook for everyone to vote. That was the best part! The kids had so much fun watching the votes and reading the comments. The winner was Tom's and Hailey's house (It's All in the Details). Tom just kept adding more! Peyton and I worked hard on our Cozy Winter Cabin made out of lots of frosting and Tootsie Rolls (thanks Papa for all those Knights of Columbus donations) and it was neck and neck with Austen's The Three Little Pigs' House with a roof made out of Life Cereal. We all are already thinking how we can beat Tom and Hailey next year so it may just become a holiday tradition in our house. 

We've really tried to make the holidays special for the kids despite the pandemic and us being in a Tier 3 situation with not much to do with others. So far I think the kids have enjoyed their time with us but I know they're ready to resume their normal lives with their friends too. Soon. We hope.