Christmas countdown, day 15

It was just today during lunch conversation that the kids and I decided what, in our opinion, makes the "best" Christmas gifts.

First, Alysse declared "books." This coming from a house with three bookshelves full of kids' books. The operative word being FULL. Where we'll put another (bookshelf, that is), I don't know.

Alivia then chimed in with "games" ... to which we all agreed. Our memory games are popular, as is the Hisss game that, by Alivia's tally, we've played 299 times. I would certify her estimate as quite accurate.

Finally, we rounded out our list with movies. The kid-friendly kind that everyone hunkers down to watch on Friday night (with a bowl of popcorn and M&Ms). "The Search for Santa Paws" is the latest favorite among the gang.

So, having compiled our list, the books wrapped up as today's countdown gift were most definitely well received. I don't know that books have ever NOT been welcomed around these parts.

Needless to say, we quickly got to reading.

Christmas countdown, day 14

Here are two little faces with Christmas all over them. The peace, the beauty, the excitement, the smiles.

This view of Christmas is brought to you by the small, equine ornaments they unwrapped today. Appropriately suited to each kid, each has its own personality and theme.

The ornaments are adorning the tree, as the smiles adorn these faces.

Christmas countdown, day 13

Our kids know the famous Clement Clarke Moore work "Twas the Night Before Christmas" well. So well, in fact, that the older girls could probably recite most if by heart. It's been a part of our Christmas reading for years.

Imagine their surprise when the quaint, holiday house they received today tells the story to them with the push of a button.

With glowing lights and a snowy rooftop, the house recounts the Christmas favorite aloud to the little listening ears gathered around. With 12 days left, even the smallest listeners will be retelling the tale by Christmas day.

Christmas countdown, day 12

Ignoring Sunday morning's unbrushed hair and lazy day clothes, the unwrapping continues. The kids are still going strong in their training for the big day of paper tearing.

Found beneath the gift wrap today were holiday window covers. Once attached, the light from within the house illuminates the Santa or snowman illustrations for passers by.

Christmas countdown, day 11

Number eleven might take the cake for most unique surprise of advent. Now chilling (literally) in the yard, I'm going to bet we're the only house in the neighborhood (township?) that's got one of these babies.

The kids actually got a little put off that Ben was staked outside. They were hoping he'd stay inside, I think.

And, yes, his name is Ben ... at Trace's insistence. There was a naming discussion among the giftees after opening the package, but Trace (after hugging the lighted Steeler) was most adamant the player be named Ben.