Creating A Magical Christmas for your Kids

Christmas is the most exciting time of the year for our little ones. I still look back fondly on many of the Christmases I experienced during my childhood, hoping that one day my daughter will do the same. Come December, I’m going all out to make sure that this year is the most magical Christmas yet. Here’s how I’ll be doing it…

Create your own grotto 

Half of the magic of visiting Santa Claus is experiencing his glittering, Christmas grotto. This year, I’m going all out with decorations that are sure to make Santa jealous!

Every year I face the same struggle with my Christmas lights as I remember they aren’t quite as long as I’d like them to be. This year, I’ll be using one of those no fuss pre-lit Christmas trees to keep stress to a minimum. I really want my tree to be amazing this year, so I’ll probably buy some new tree ornaments to complement it. I’ll have the stuff my daughter has made at school on display too, to avoid making my living room too much like a show house.

Leave traces of Santa 

Obviously… I will be leaving the standard bitten cookie and half glass of milk on Christmas Eve as proof of Santa’s arrival, but I’m thinking of going a little further this year.

One thing I’ll definitely be doing is leaving Santa’s footprints on the porch. Using a pair of boots and icing sugar, the discovery of snowy footprints are sure to heighten my daughter’s excitement. If we’re lucky enough to have a white Christmas, I’ll leave sleigh prints in the drive too.

I also read online about one mom who leaves a swatch of red felt for their children to find, as if Santa has had to leave in a hurry, which I may also try.

Christmas stories 

Like most parents, I often read my daughter a bedtime story on an evening. It’s a great way to spend some quality time and soothe her off to sleep.

The 1st of December will see me swapping her everyday storybooks for Christmas themed ones. My local library is sure to have a range of books that will see us right through to Christmas Day, and I might even pick some up from Amazon. It’s a sure fire way to get her pumped for the big day.

Tweet

A White Christmas

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas as I had! It was our first Christmas here in Stuttgart even though we came here April 2009. Why? Because last year, we spent it with my Uncle's family in England. And because it is our first Christmas here, Mommy and Daddy made sure that it will be a memorable one for us.

Christmas Eve came with a very wonderful surprise. It began to snow softly and by evening, everything was covered in white. We went to our friend's place to gather with their family and it was a very fun evening for me. I even received another gift! I had such a blast there, and got to play with my auntie-lola's guests and grwon-up children. Then we went back home at past ten because we want to spend Christmas Day at home. I was also very excited to open the gifts that Mommy placed under our tree.

Before the clock struck 12, we gathered by our tree to take some family photos. I was just so happy to be in our warm home, with my family, and just spending Christmas with them. Then at twelve, I started opening my gifts. My Daddy fell asleep on the couch because he was already too tired and sleepy. He still hasn't fully recovered from his flu, that's why. 

Look what I got for Christmas from my Mom and Dad? I got a toy xylophone, memory game set for small kids and an animal puzzle set. Thanks Mom and Dad!

And of course, we went out on December 25th and 26th to hear mass and take a walk. We also visited friends.

Tweet

Thanks for the Gifts!

Last Friday, I attended a Christmas Party. I knew it was gonna be a great one because it is, after all, a Christmas party dedicated to us little children. I really had a great time dancing with my friends, playing with them, watching some great dance performance and of course, I was so delighted upon seeing Santa Claus and receiving lots of gifts from him.

Mommy and I arrived together with my friend and her Mom and brother. We were hitching a ride in their car because my Daddy cannot come with us. He was sick that time and he wasn't feeling well enough to drive. Besides it was snowing that time so we decided that he stay home and rest and then just come to the party when he is feeling a little better.

The function hall was all set for the party. The Christmas decors were up and I really had fun with my friends, even goofing around when there wasn't so much people yet. We also danced and when it was time to meet Santa, all the children were gathered around to meet him.

When it was finally time for Santa to distribute the gifts, everyone was so attentive. I too was very alert, waiting for the moment when Santa will call my name. True enough, when he called "Samantha", I immediately stood up and went to him to get my gift. My parents and our other adult friends were so amused with me, and they kept saying how much I have grown since last Christmas.

Thanks to everyone who gave me gifts! I really loved all of them!

Tweet

What Shall I Give You This Christmas?

Christmas is just around the corner. I know my Mommy already has her Christmas list. I wonder what she will give me? But I too would like to give her something this Christmas. I don't know yet what to give her but I want to give her something that she will appreciate and use.

I am thinking of giving her Murano glass jewelry. Although she is not so keen on wearing jewelry, she certainly could use one for those LBD (little black dress) days. I remember that she used to wear a gold necklace with a very tiny heart pendant. But she lost it somehow and now, she no longer has a necklace. I want to give her something that she could wear on her neck again. I know it's not much but I think she will love Murano pendants. She likes handmade products you see because no two products are the same.  Or I could give her household items made of the same material such as these tumblers.They look so colorful and will add life to any dining table!

I know that she will love it because she didn't get to buy that many murano glass souvenirs when we went there for a vacation two summers ago. But whatever it is that I give my Mommy this Christmas, even if it is just a simple kiss and "I love you", I know that it will make her happy.

Tweet

Christmas Gift Ideas

The holiday season is fast approaching. It seems that when the first -BER month came, the air seems cooler and in many countries where Christmas is celebrated, the mood seems more cheerful and hopeful.

People begin to plan for the holidays and they also start to make their lists. Choosing a gift however can be a difficult task especially if you don't know where to start. If you are having a difficult time choosing just the perfect gift for your loved ones, here are some ideas:

Custom Tshirts: I guess this is one of the things that never go out of style. And with a custom tshirt, you can create your own design so that it is one of a kind, a unique piece.

Posters: You could always make a little reasearch and find out what your loved one is most interested in. Then you can get him/her a poster that shows that particular interest. Or you could simply send out a short message in the form of motivational quotes or something cute like animals. I am sure they will appreciate it and will remember you when they see it.

Ornament Gifts: If the person you are planning to send the gift to hasn't started decorating yet, you could give him/her personalized Christmas ornaments. That will save them the time and the worry on what to hang in their christmas trees. They would also think it was such a sweet thought.

You can be as creative as you want. You could think up of countless other things. Just remember, it doesn't matter if your gift is inexpensive or small. What matters most is that it came from the heart. It is always the thought and the sincerity in giving the gift that counts.

Tweet

Me and My Kuya Luis

I finally got the chance to meet my cousin Kuya Luis who lives in England. He is now a British citizen and he is so slang when he says to my Mommy, "Tita Kaye, wanna eat lumpia!"

Hugs make the world a better place.

As you all know, we spent the Holidays in England and spent most of our time at my Tito's. The photos below are some of my bonding moments with my Kuya. Too bad the CD where Daddy burned most our photos at their house is not working and these are the only ones we could find. My Tito also said he has already deleted the photos thinking that we got everything. Too bad indeed.

Our matching water bottles, a souvenir Mom bought from London.

Playing around while waiting for out order at the Japanese Noodle Shop.

Nevertheless, I really enjoyed my time with my Kuya. We had lots of fun playing together. And during our Holidays, I always wake up to find myself having a playmate! I hope that soon, I will also wake up to find myself a playmate in the house too. Think I should bug Mommy and Daddy about it?

Tweet

Happy New Year All!

Whew! It has been a while since my last post. I know it is already mid-January but allow me to greet you all a very Happy New Year nonetheless.

I had a very nice Christmas and New Year celebration because I got to spend it with my cousin in England. And there were also the travels and sightseeings in between too which made our holidays a more enjoyable one. I had lots of fun playing with my little kuya. We had our kulitan moments and because he loves to tease me, we always end up fighting over the same toy. But I love him. I was even lonely the first few days after we arrived here in Germany. I no longer have a playmate. I miss the moments when he would hand me a toy and then after a few minutes take it back from me while saying "Give me that!"

To my Kuya Luis, thank you for all the fun and for teaching me some new english words. If we had stayed a little bit longer, I would have learned how to talk in English already. I miss you kuya! I hope to see you again real soon! Take care and be a good boy always!

Tweet

The Christmas Market and Me

It is getting colder each day here and Mommy has been teaching me to say "Kalt! Kalt!" each time we go out our balcony.

And before it gets too cold, we went out one fine Sunday to see the Weihnachtsmarkt or Christmas Market in Stuttgart. I enjoyed watching the different booths with Christmas decorations and the bright lights everywhere.

I was especially attracted to the mini village with small steam trains running around it.

Perhaps before we fly to London, we will visit the Christmas Market and ride the trains in the miniature village too! I wish!

Tweet

A Wish for Santa

My Daddy has been complaining a lot about his eyes lately. He says that they hurt especially his left eye because he works in front of the computer a lot. I wish I could give him something for Christmas like those New Arrivals eyeglasses so that his eyes won't hurt anymore. I like the Pure Titanium Full Rim Frame with Spring Hinge. It is made of pure Titanium but is very light weight, my Daddy won't even notice he is wearing one.

Or I could find him a very affordable $8 Prescription Zenni Glasses since he won't be using it much anyway. I could also go for a more funky and Christmas feel by giving him one of those Holiday Fun Eyeglasses but I think those are not his type. They are more to my taste but since I won't be needing them yet, the Titanium one will do.

I do hope Santa is reading this. I wish for my Daddy to not complain about his eyes anymore and instead of giving me a gift, I hope Santa will give me those eyeglasses for my Daddy.

Tweet

Christmas and Me

December is fast approaching and one can feel the cool breeze of the winter air slowly making its way. And with December comes the Christmas season, that special time of the year when everything is cheery, merry and bright. In my part of the world, it is also going to be a white Christmas, with the snow and all. And so it is time again to save up as early as now so that it will be a happy holiday.

It is still October and yet our heating system is already working, that's how cold it is here. And it is going to be another additional expense. That's why we see to it that we use it only when we can't bear the cold anymore. We would wear our jackets inside the house to save on heating costs. We know this isn't the COLD that people are talking about. Brrrr.... will we be able to endure the winter season? I hope so.

My mom is already making up her shopping list and trying to budget everything so that we will have a happy Christmas. She worries that we won't have enough money for Christmas and so she is being frugal about a lot of things lately and is also considering getting a payday loan should we go over budget.

I always hear her saying how important it is that we have available funds during the winter holidays so that we will enjoy it. I think she meant about the shopping and the Christmas and New Year's feast that is a Filipino tradition. It would be no fun to go to the Christmas market and just look, right? And Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve would not be complete without a banquet. Also, we are planning to spend it at my Dad's brother in London and that would mean we also need to save for our travel expenses. She says I have to be a good girl too so that Santa Claus will give me presents this year. But I am a good girl. I wish this year will be as happy as last year. It need not be a grand celebration though. Being with my family and spending the holidays with them is more than enough.

Tweet

What Did I Receive for Christmas?

Christmas was a very exciting one for me. It being my FIRST ever! On Christmas Eve, we went to a yakiniku restaurant for dinner. Mommy and Daddy were busy grilling their food for dinner! I didn't get to eat though because I still cannot have grilled meat. Not yet good for my little tummy! But I did have fun watching the smoke...

Looks yummy and smells good! I hope they'll give me some!

Oh yes, my Daddy can cook too!

I got hungry watching Mommy and Daddy eat!
So here I am, drinking my bottle of milk! I fell asleep in the process. :D

After dinner, it was time to go home. And it was my turn to have fun opening my gifts! It was really exciting!

I looked a little bewildered here. I was supposed to be excited! Hehe!
Perhaps, the gifts overwhelmed me.

Lots of gifts from Mom, Dad and Ninang Jo and Ninang Jess!

My new phone from Mommy and Daddy. They finally got me one
because I keep using theirs!

Look, red shoes! Thanks Ninang Jo for this nice pair of Osh Kosh!

Happy with my new phone and fluffy scarf.

What was my favorite gift, you might ask? It's my Mommy and Daddy! Their LOVE and CARE are more than enough for me!

So, what did you receive for Christmas?

Tweet

Happy Birthday Pretty Mommy Umma!

Today, our dearest Mommy Umma is celebrating her Birthday! All of us have planned to surprise her with this online gift. I hope that she will love this!

1. What's your first impression on umma?
Mommy Umma is very pretty. She has a nice smile!

2. After you've known her, did that impression change?
Nope! Mommy Umma still is pretty. Her smile is true!

3. What song will you sing to her aside from "Happy Birthday" and why?
"What are little girls made of?" I wonder how Mommy Umma looked when she was still a baby like me...

4. If Umma is a flower, what will she be? why?
A Red Rose. Beautiful and blooming!

5. When you meet Umma in person, what's the first word that you would say?
Mamam!

6. When you look at her picture, what can you say about her personality?
She is friendly and has a sunny personality.

7. How do you describe Umma as a friend online?
Mommy Umma is very thoughtful. And she sees to it that she knows how I am. Oh yes, she loves my photos too and encourages me to post some more...

8. What do you think of her as a mother?
I think Mommy Umma is a great mother. You can see it by how Yeung Lei is growing.

9 . What do you think of her posts and why?
I think her posts are sometimes funny and are realistic because they are based on life experiences. Sometimes, I can relate to her posts in a baby's point of view. :D

10. What is your birthday wish for umma?
May God's blessings of good health, peace, joy and love be with you always Mommy Umma. Enjoy your birthday!

A Very Happy Christmas Birthday to you Mommy Umma!

Big Hugs,

Tweet

My Wish for ALL of YOU

Hello everyone! Only two days more till Christmas! Me, Daddy and Mommy would like to wish everyone a joyous and wonderful Christmas! Let us not forget to pray and thank Him for all the wonderful blessings that we received this year! God bless you all!

Tweet

My FIRST Christmas

I am little Santa's elf!

Christmas is just days away! And I am just excited to spend it with my mommy and daddy since it will only be just the three of us on that day! Because my great grandmother just died, Mommy only had a few Christmas decors in the house. She wanted to make things simple while still keeping with the holiday spirit.

So what's for Christmas? Well, we will attend mass on Christmas Day to say our prayers and thank Papa Jesus for all the wonderful blessings we received this year. We might go to Disney Sea too if the weather is fine on the 25th. And of course, there is the exchanging of gifts! Mommy insisted on it even if there is just the three of us here! And I am excited to go Christmas shopping tomorrow. There really is just no rush here since people don't actually celebrate it the way we Christians do. I wonder what mom and dad will give me for Christmas. I guess I'll just have to wait and see!

Tweet