Christmas countdown, day 10

Let's talk adjectives that succinctly describe our children ... nuts and cheesy. Now, wrap up those adjectives and you've got two-thirds of today's surprises.

First, a can of holiday nuts. In an ironic turn of events, our "nuts" love nuts. The two pounds of assorted, in-shell nuts we recently purchased at Jungle Jim's lasted approximately five days. With their new can of holiday crunchiness, they should be able to quicken the shoveling of nuts into their mouths since these came sans-shells and their mouths won't have to be held up by our "slow" cracking and discarding of shells.

Second, cheesiness is involved by way of an entire can of popcorn. While we must make mention that Alysse guessed the package would contain a super big marshmallow and was subsequently disappointed when that wasn't the case; she quickly warmed up to what WAS inside when she realized the can contained popcorn. Yes, they love popcorn (almost as much as nuts).

These snacks should last about as long as the final treat - Disney's "A Christmas Carol" on DVD. Good munching must always accompany a holiday flick. Can you hear the crunching?

Christmas countdown, day 9

This is always one of MY favorite packages in the advent parade of gifts. The fleece, the holiday patterns, the cuddle factor all combine to make for cozy holiday goodness. There's something extra cute about kids in holiday pjs.

Oddly enough, a couple nights ago the kids were putting on their passed-down holiday pajamas from last year and someone was without a pair. The odd-kid out had to put on *gasp* pjs sporting no Santa hats, reindeer or ice skating kittens.


Problem now remedied.

Christmas countdown, day 8

The kids have already got today's surprise set aside for Friday night ... movie night.

Four, small rectangular pillows with stockings and Christmas trees are perfect for propping up little heads while watching "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" or "Frosty the Snowman."

Some have even been practicing.

Christmas countdown, day 7

"Snuggies" ... this chorus as the wrapping paper made its descent tells the whole story.

Blankets with sleeves, in fact, which resemble Santa's red suit - white trimming, belt and all.

And after all the excitement, you find this ...

this ...

and this ...

lying around the house.

Christmas countdown, day 6

Today's clue suggested decorating with fun things ... even in the bathroom. Of course, this led to the return of the "big rabbit" guess from Alysse. It IS what every bathroom needs. Would someone please get this child a large bunny?

But definitely more fun than a gassy bunny is the Jolly in the John Snowman they found inside. Motion activated, this little guy makes wise cracks like "Are you okay? You look a bit flushed. Get it? Flushed." They bust out laughing every time Mr. Jolly John says that one.

I'm thinking bathroom visits of the future just got a little longer.