A Fourth First Christmas

This is my fourth time celebrating a first Christmas and the novelty has worn off a little.  I was so excited when we approached December 2011, Dylan had all the beautiful dress up onesies, I took him to playgroup parties and to see Santa and I lovingly wrapped a few gifts to put in his stocking.  Since then I have realised that Christmas just gets better the older they are, so instead of planning ways on remembering Cora's milestone, I am focusing on her big brothers, and making Christmas special for them.

Dylan and Archie are a wonderful age for it, they understand  more, they remember the excitement, they are learning the songs, watching the Christmas films and Dylan has been learning about the Christmas story at school.  They write lists to Santa, they discuss where they will hang their stockings and they want to send Christmas cards to everyone we know.

Cora meanwhile is pretty oblivious.  I am still her world, she wants milk and cuddles and she doesn't care much for toys or books just yet.  She will wake up on Christmas morning to gifts under the tree but I will be unwrapping the same presents I wrapped the night before, getting excited on her behalf and with three big brothers and all their toys, she will mostly be receiving clothes ready for her in the next size up.

Cora's first Christmas is still special though, it is still a first, it is still full of magic and joy and so I decided to dress her up and take some photos, because this is probably the only year she will sit still and I was a little excited about buying her a tutu (I bought it a size big so that she can actually wear it next year).  These photos are a 'just because' and I love them.

I bought her skirt from Florrie and Max, her vest from Le Petit Chiffon and her headband from Harper Jade

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Baby's First Christmas Gift Guide

A first Christmas is a magical time, a time of wonder, of lights, of gifts and of love.  The baby may not have a clue what is going on, but everyone around them enjoys it that little bit more with a tiny one around.  Archie will be 10 months on his first Christmas, old enough to join in with Christmas dinner, have a go at ripping some paper and playing with the boxes, but not old enough to care what exactly is in the boxes.

That doesn't mean to say that he won't get utterly spoilt by family, friends and of course the big guy in red.  Whilst we are putting a limit on how much we spend on him this year, I am still looking forward to buying him a few treats.

So, I have put together this gift guide for baby's first Christmas, with toys, clothes, keepsakes and cuddles.

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December 1st Advent Box

This year for us is about starting our own traditions.  Dylan will understand so much more than last year, and I can't wait to show him how magical and fun the festive time can be.  From putting up the tree and covering the house in festive red and gold to watching those classics like Miracle on 34th street and Elf.  This year we will be visiting Santa, seeing the reindeer at the zoo and making gifts for family and friends.  It will be Archie's first Christmas too and I want to make it perfect for him.

For me, December 1st marks the beginning of Christmas, and from that day on, anything is acceptable. Christmas music, films and socks, decorations and glitter.  This year on December 1st, there will be an advent Christmas Box waiting for us when we wake up.  A box to symbolise that our festive fun is just beginning.

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The contents will be what we need to put us in the mood for everything December has in stock.  We will each have a pair (or three) of festive socks and the littlest member of the house has a lovely penguin bib that I bought from Funky Giraffe when I was pregnant.

I have included a picture bauble to make with Dylan, and a First Christmas decoration for Archie that I picked up at the Baby Show.  We have some crafty bits; stickers, festive sprinkles and paper chains to keep us busy for a few days as we decorate the house.

There is a seasonal film to get us in the mood, perfect for those cold and cosy evenings and I want to add in a new story book too, but I haven't found the perfect one yet.

Alongside this box, will be the homemade advent calendar that I have been busy creating and a Playmobil advent calendar that we were sent as part of our role as Playologists.

Last but certainly not least, I want to fill the box with ideas of things to do together in the month of December.  From creating Christmas cards, finding the best Christmas lights, decorating gingerbread men to making snow angels.  I want the box to be the beginning of a month of celebration in every sense.

It is only something little, but I hope that it will be something big to my boys, the promise of magic to come, the start of an exciting month and a little cheer on what will undoubtedly be a chilly day.

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Christmas is Coming

There is no denying it, Christmas is on the way!  The shops are full of tinsel and mince pies, the festive light switch ons are happening up and down the country and my credit card is cringing at what is about to come.  

I love the festive period and I know that every year is going to get more magical as my children get older and more aware.  I know that this year Dylan will understand a little more, he already recognises Father Christmas, and we are going to attempt some Christmas films with him to really get in the spirit.  November for me is about preparing for December, and I have started a little shopping and planning, and have been busy making an advent calender (details on the blog tomorrow). 

Over the next few weeks I have a few festive features, from showing you our ideas and traditions to gift guides and reviews of perfect stocking fillers.  

Christmas this year will be a much more budget affair to what we are used to though, and I am hoping that it will remind us of what is really important; spending time with family.  There will be plenty of homemade, even if it means paint everywhere, and I am hoping our house will be full of colour, the smell of gingerbread and those magical twinkly lights.  I want Dylan to look forward to Christmas because of the magic rather than the gifts and I am hoping to start traditions to ensure this.

This year will also be Archie's first Christmas, and whilst I know that he will not understand or remember anything, I want it to be special.  I am lucky that I am not back at work yet, so will be able to spend the month of December introducing Archie to the lights and the colours of Christmas.  I can't wait to take the boys out to see the displays now that the evenings are darker, and I have no doubt that both boys will absolutely devour their Christmas roasts come the big day!

So, before I delve head first into Christmas preperations, (baring in mind the paint, washi tape and glitter are already out), do you have any suggestions for me?  Any great budget Christmas ideas, perfect crafts for a toddler or have you seen the perfect present anywhere?  

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