Santa Claus is coming to town...

Well, Christmas is just around the corner and we've been quite busy getting ready for visitors, showing our appreciation to those around us, and doing Christmas-y type activities. Because Reed is still a bit young to truly understand what Christmas is about, we don't have to worry about screwing up any type of tradition he is used to or staving off unrealistic expectations of what Santa might bring. However, this holiday has become a WHOLE lot more fun when you have a kid. There is nothing like watching a child's eyes light up when he sees Christmas. Isn't there a saying about seeing the world through the eyes of a child? It really is true and so much fun. It's also so easy to get carried away in order to keep seeing that look on his face. It's sort of an addiction to me actually.

The gifts are purchased (though not too many from me this year! - yay for my restraint), the cards are sent out, the goodies made it to the neighbors doorsteps, the few presents got wrapped, watched Elf! and A White Christmas, put the tree and decorations up, planned the parties, attending parties. So now it's time to sit back and relax. Well, sort of.

On the blog post by my friend Keri, I wanted to check out the 25th Street Ogden Christmas Village. None of us have done this before. Though something not typically up the Fogg family ally to do, we gave it a whirl. I'm still in debate about how I felt about it. My husband, the budding recluse, and icicle (due to a forgotten beanie) did not really enjoy the experience. It was quite fun to watch Reed go from house to house to see what was inside. Most of the time they were creepy, but he really liked the animated things. There were far too many people there for my liking, and the children singing may have been a joy for their parents to hear, were not so much fun for me to hear. But it was fun enough - sorry Keri, not quite as enjoyable for me! Not sure if that will be an annual tradition, but it was worth a try.

Reed and "icicle dad" looking at the many nutcrackers. Also is that creepy elf looking at me?

Lala and Reed checking out another weird and creepy display.

A tradition started last year was to see a special Santa every year. Last year's picture was easy, he was only 7 months old and didn't really mind who was holding him. This year was a bit different. This special Santa is a ski instructor at Snowbasin starting on December 26th. Up until Christmas, he is Santa and a good one at that. He truly looks the part, and is about the sweetest man ever. Upon seeing Santa yesterday, he clung to me like white on rice. Though interested in this strange person, not so psyched about being too close.

Everyone tilt your head now...

Mama likes Santa, but Reed is still being shy.

Reed daringly allowed Santa closer...

Wait a second, Santa has candy in that bag? He was willing to get even closer!

Change of venue and a few minutes to get more used to him.
(btw, I love that Santa was so patient with a scared little boy)

Santa reaching into his bag, Reed has got a priceless look on his face.

A candy cane! This guy is not too bad after all!

Yep, really enjoying it now!

Reed also had is daycare Christmas party this week. Miss Beverly was so great to get all the kids presents that they really liked. Reed got a Black and Decker worker set. Hardhat, safety goggles, toolbelt, safety vest (which he is not sporting in this picture) and lots of tools to go with it. He likes wearing his hat and goggles.

Well, we are currently on the Christmas Eve Eve, and have a few more traditions up our sleeve. Christmas Eve we head up to Snowbasin to do the torchlight parade. I'm going to try to video it cause it's one of the more fun activities for the season. Christmas day skiing then home for a big dinner and presents. This year will be a blast to watch Reed open gifts.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.