On Sunday we took the bull by the horns and finally accepted that Christmas is in a week.
Yes, we finally embraced it.
While the house is finally 100% decorated and 75% of the presents are purchased – we hadn’t done some of the most important family traditions… Santa and cookies… and it really wasn’t feeling like Christmas.
Obviously, Santa was the priority. We learned out lesson last year about getting in line EARLY to avoid the rush (yes, we did wait 2.5 hours to see Santa) and got to Millenia Mall at 9:30 on Sunday morning. There was already a line at least 15-20 people deep.
Thankfully, it was much shorter than previous years (I really don’t think I’ve wait less than 90 minutes) and I was able to grab some Starbucks will waiting ( Gingerbread Lattes are the BEST). They also had some free entertainment this year – a magician – who my kids LOVED.
After about an hour – it was our turn!
I know people think I am crazy for waiting in this line, but I will reiterate my stance: It is WORTH THE WAIT.
They do such a great job of capturing that moment of meeting Santa…
And yes, he really does look like the real thing!
(Plus, the CD of high-res pictures (this year we got 40 in total) – at a reasonable price – that I can use as I want helps.)
After Santa, I did a little shopping (not enough – I need to go back!) and the kids got their well-deserved hot chocolate. It’s hard enough for me stand in line for an hour – I give my kids credit! In the end we were in and out of the mall in 2 hours. Not bad.
Later that day B me asked if we could make cookies and I obliged by finding this recipe on Pinterest.
Source: chef-in-training.com via Michelle on Pinterest
Super duper easy!
The kids helped me pour everything into the mixer and then spooned the dough onto the cookie sheet.
After showers and jammies they got to try out their treat. A perfect way to end the day.
I think we are going to make a batch of my favorite cookies later this week — White Chocolate Cranberry!
What are your favorite holiday traditions? These are definitely some of mine!
I didn’t know they had a photographer there. I thought you were the one that took pics. I was thinking, DAMN, those are some nice pics she took. LOL Those pics are definitely worth the wait. Plus, it’s the last Christmas with just two of them!
Ha ha — if I were the ones taking those pictures the kids would be climbing all over Santa and making funny faces! It’s funny how they can act so different for someone else.
Wow! Santa pictures have changed since I was little haha. Those are really nice shots! So cute 🙂
Yes! I think my Santa pictures were of me screaming on Santa’s lap and my mom got one Polaroid. Now it’s all fancy and the kids actually cooperate!
Holy cow that is the most awesome last year looking Santa EVER! And seriously those pictures are fabulous – your kids could be poster children for perfect Santa pictures!
I only have one Christmas tradition so far…eating anise cookies that my mom makes. I’ve been tapped as the one to keep the anise cookie tradition alive and next year my mom will the teaching me how to make them! (She’s set to retire in early Dec of 2013 and will be living down here by then!)
Oh man, now you’re making me want to go out there. We’ve done pictures with that Santa three times but this year, since we’ve already seen him three or four times already at other places, I was thinking of skipping it. But, oh man, do I love that Santa!!! He’s the best!
And I’m so glad you linked to those two cookie recipes. E. and I are baking cookies all day Friday and I’ve got to find some recipes ASAP!
P.S. I LOOOOOOVE that magician. He performs at Boardwalk at Disney all the time and if he’s out when we’re walking to our car, we always stop to watch him.
DOOOO IT! Hee. If do go – go early!
So funny about that magician. He is SO great with the kids.
Have fun baking cookies!! You MUST make the White Chocolate Cranberry ones.
omg the pics of your kids and santa are AWESOME!! You have such adorable children! And, I love that they still hug each other:)
I love the pictures M!! They are getting so big. I hope they will remember who I am when I come to visit very soon. Can you save me a cookie or ten? 🙂
Oh my heck, he is THE PERFECT Santa!! Sometimes you see not-so-good Santa’s at the mall, but he is perfect! Your kids are lucky!
Sadly, no traditions at our house. 🙁 Boo. Those cookies look DELICIOUS though. I might have to make those this weekend.
The pictures are precious! Sounds like such a festive day!
So glad that you didn’t have that much of wait… the pictures are so cute and clear..Love those little elfves of yours!! Those cookies sound yummy! Glad your day was Christmasy!! Merry Christmas..
I made the other batch of cookies tonight (with the kids) — they are waiting for you guys 🙂
What awesome pictures. I love them.
Thank you 🙂
Oh my goodness – these are the CUTEST pictures of your kids with Santa! So precious! I hope you guys have a very Merry Christmas!
P.S. I can’t believe you’re waiting until May to find out the sex of baby #3! The suspense is killing me and I’m not even the one with child! LOL