New Year's Tradition

Here's an idea for a tradition for next year.  I didn't think about posting about this until this week, so I am sorry, it's too late for this year, but any who....you can prep your kids for next year, now. hahaha

The stockings on Christmas are usually kind-of overlooked, don't you think?  With all the gifts and excitement, any little treasures small enough to fit in a sock just don't compare to the rest of the hustle and bustle.  A dear friend shared her family's tradition with us several years ago and we have been doing it ever since.  Thank you Debi Wilde and the Wilde bunch.

For Christmas, the stockings still hang on the mantle and wait for the happy new year.  During the week between holiday's, we have the kids sit down and write a thank you note to Santa.  They tuck it into their stocking and await the new year.  When the new year rolls in, baby new year, or an elf, or whoever you decide, comes to get the thank you note to deliver to Santa. To reward them for their thankfulness, they leave goodies!  So, New Years Day is another fun, magical event for the little ones.  This way, the stocking is the main event, and everything inside becomes more precious.  The best part, besides the lesson learned in gratitude, is all the cool stuff you can get on December 26 to fill the stockings for 50-75% off!  Yahoo!

Looking forward to 2012.  This is going to be good.