How to Get The Mom/Dad of the Year Award in December
Nope, it’s by standing in line in the wee hours of the morning for a Furby, or an XBox, or an iPad.
It goes something like this…
Trick your kids into thinking it’s bedtime early. Get them in their Christmas pajamas, teeth brushed, and other bedtime shenanigans.
And then pray something like this…
“Dear Jesus, Thank you for the day you’ve given to us today. Thank you for surprises. Thank you that we don’t have to go to bed right now, and that there is something even better in store…”
Then open your eyes and watch for reactions, and reveal the details…
Our surprise was going downtown to watch The Polar Express on IMAX 3D. {pssst…it’s only $6.98 on Amazon right now…and the other DVDs for under $5 are still available! Insane…}
Perhaps yours is going out for hot chocolate and cookies, or a drive around to look at Christmas lights, or any sort of festive activity. {Anything trumps bedtime!}
It was like we had just given each of them a thousand dollars to spend on toys. They pranced around the house. They squealed. They cheered. They jumped. They thanked us a million times. They hugged.
It was absolutely priceless.
And you know what, it takes away the pressure to get them the ultimate gift or overspend. These are the memories the Christmas season is made of…
Fun idea!
What a fun idea! I think my son would be super excited to go and do something special in his pajamas especially!
Must admit I wore my PJs too! 😉
That’s a great idea! I’m going to need some tricks up my sleeve this holiday season while hubby is temporarily working two jobs and will be gone a few evenings each week. We just might have to try this…
Glad you like the idea! Hope this month goes smoothly for you, and you make some great memories through it…I know time on my own makes me exhausted, but also empowered as a mama!
Aw!! Awesome!! How FUN!! i bet they were sooo excited, I would have love to see their expressions!! =) you are awesome parents =)
You are too sweet! Still loving our train towels..think of you every time! How’s your sis? Hope she’s healing well, and back to new soon! <3
I love this idea – I read your blog often (thru google reader) but don’t always click over to comment – thank you thank you for all your wonderful ideas!!
PS – I won the Contigo cup a few months back and it is AMAZING – my 3 year old can use it perfectly, no spills (even when drinking once she figured it out) and it’s cool enough my new 7 year old wants to steal it 🙂
So awesome to hear! Thanks for clicking over and commenting, Rachel!