The holiday season 2020

It was such a different holiday season than what we are used to. We usually have multiple Christmas activities planned and lots of fun to be had. COVID killed those plans this year. Although it killed our plans, it didn't kill our spirit. We still had a great holiday season. 

We were supposed to go to Gatlinburg again for Thanksgiving, but we decided it was not a good idea. People seem to be flocking to Gatlinburg during COVID unfortunately, and it's crowded! It was disappointing, but we still made the best of it. We were all well and able to spend Thanksgiving together as a family. That was definitely something to be thankful for. 

We started "decking the halls" before Thanksgiving. We needed some Christmas cheer. Since we didn't have any plans the holiday season we (or I) spent money on things like a pink Christmas tree for the playroom. 

After getting multiple (insanely high) estimates on outdoor light installation on our house, we decided that the best route was doing it ourselves. We typically don't put out lights, but we figured everyone needed some extra Christmas cheer this year. I loved to see it out there every night and will probably put them out every year now. 

I love seeing our house at Christmastime. 

Adam suggested we camp in the basement one weekend so that's what we did. We put up the tent in the basement, ordered pizza, and went to the fantasy of lights. 

Paige and I both had a blow up mattress in the tent, and it was actually pretty comfortable. This is my kind of camping. Ella slept in her bed and Adam was on the couch. 

This holiday season did bring about a little excitement. One Thursday I was at a hair appointment and received a call from Ella's school. She was a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID and had to be sent home. Add on the fact that she had to be "quarantined" for the next week and a half which meant virtual school. It was a little daunting at first, but it ended up working out. She was BORED and missed school but survived it. While in quarantine, I ordered her hamster, Judas, a santa hat. We dressed him up and took his picture. Getting a santa hat on a hamster is no easy task!

The month of December is filled with Christmas fun at preschool. I loved the Christmas crafts Paige brought home. 

A socially distanced visit from a masked Santa in a shaved ice truck... totally normal during COVID. 

Instead of a Christmas program this year, preschool had a Christmas party for the kids with activities. They also sang a few songs and recorded them. Parents could not be there, but the kids still had a great time. It's fun to see weekly pictures posted on their facebook page each week. Although we can't be present at parties and such, it is still fun to see what our kiddos are up to. 

We went and picked up a charcuterie board one Saturday and Paige wanted to get a picture in front of this setup. 

      Ella and Paige were so happy to make it to Christmas break. Ella had the "ultimate dress up day" on her last day. She wore Christmas tree onesie pajamas.  

The last few days of pre-k before break were filled with Christmas activities. Paige had so much fun! 

Last but not least, we made Santa cookies the day before Christmas Eve. They didn't turn out that great, but Paige had fun making them. She loves anything that makes a mess. :)