Holiday Traditions

It's almost here!  We are so ready and can't wait for the next two days.  Brooklyn just asked, "why can't today just be over so it can be Christmas Eve already?"  I told her to make sure to enjoy today because it all will be over in no time and we've got lots of Christmas movies to finish watching! 

 The girls were off from school all week so we took advantage of the extra time to make sure we fit in some fun and simple Christmas traditions we have been doing for years.  One of them is to visit the Mission Inn for their Festival of Lights.   The historic hotel is decorated beautifully and it's always fun to walk around and do a little shopping in the adorable 'lil shops that are decorated from floor to ceiling with Christmas decor.

Brooklyn was happy to try on some berets. She asked for one for Christmas and fingers crossed she gets one cause look how cute she looks?

Kayla was happy to find the book section in the antique store 

We lucked out and it was not crowded at all

I think next year we need to book a little overnight Christmas getaway before the big day because this hotel is just pure magic!

After we walked around a bit we headed to eat at our usual spot.  Love all of the lights they put everywhere!

Our next fun tradition is to surprise the girls with Polar Express tickets on their pillows which means instead of climbing into bed we will be driving around town in pajamas to look at the Christmas lights.

This year Kayla somehow didn't see her ticket and just climbed into bed.  Brooklyn and I were just standing next to her bed staring at her smiling and she was looking at as and asking why are you guys in here just staring at me.   They laughed hysterically for awhile once we finally found Kayla's ticket to show her. 

Daddy has to punch their tickets before they can get in the car.

Of course there are always treats 

and Santa hats to wear.

We drove around for an hour or so, listening to Christmas carols and finding our favorite houses decked out for the big day.   This is such a fun tradition and one that costs next to nothing.  I believe last night was our 8th year we've enjoyed doing this.