It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..

Okay, so maybe not quite yet, but I am beginning to THINK a lot about Christmas. Like I mentioned in a previous post, the holidays really snuck up on me last year & I feel like I was completely taken by surprise. It was Thanksgiving & then before I knew it, it was only a couple of days before Christmas. I vowed that this year was going to be different!!

So in the spirit of the season, here is my Christmas bucket list:

1.) Start at least 2 of our own NEW family traditions. I already have in mind what these will be & have started preparing accordingly. For the curious folks, I am going to start buying C a new pair of Christmas pjs every year (and for any future LOs) that he will get the day after Thanksgiving. We are also going to wrap up one new Christmas or holiday themed book (I have two so far, $3 & $1.50 at Burlington) & open a new one every day. We'll then sit down with a cozy throw (I already bought this) & read the book as a family before bedtime.
2.) Get at least 75% of my Christmas shopping done before Dec. 01
3.) Decorate the first weekend in December (we have a fake tree so this will be totally fine =))
4.) Do at least one activity or project a day (that I am off of work) for the month of December as a family or with C. For example:
                        -Make a fingerprint salt dough ornament ala Pinterest
                        -Pick out & buy our yearly family ornaments (we do this every year)
                        -Felt Christmas Tree
                        -Zoo Lights
                        -Portland Speedway
                        -Make Christmas cookies or other goodies
                        -Watch Christmas movies
5.) Get family photos taken

This is obviously just for a start, but I don't want to stress out or get overwhelmed because that's not what the holidays are about.  At least that's not what I want them to be about this year, especially since most of the items I listed above are for fun & not work. =) Regardless, I'm just excited that C is old enough to actually be a little bit more aware of Christmas this year. Last year he was only 4.5  months old & was more overwhelmed by the whole experience then enchanted. At 16.5 months things should be a lot more fun for the little guy. I just hope I can keep him from destroying the tree...

Maybe we'll have to gate the thing...? Anyone else have any tips for keeping LO away from the tree/ornaments?