Today’s advent activity was one that I wasn’t really sure would be a success. I planned to record Lovey (and Tinker to some extent) singing a couple of her favorite Christmas carols and then email them to some family and friends. Every once in a while I like to record the girls saying their favorite phrases and singing favorite songs. I have loved hearing them sing the same song at different intervals. It is neat to hear their speech and voices change over time.
Before today I had never recorded the girls singing Christmas carols. I knew this would be a fifty-fifty shot, so I tried to casually mention the idea a few times this week. Lovey LOVES to perform but not usually on cue, and Tinker generally doesn’t do anything when a camera is in her face. When we read the advent paper for today I acted like we won a million bucks! Lovey was so excited.
After singing some favorite carols from our Christmas songs and favorite Christmas song books, I asked her if she would put on a show for us and let me record it. She agreed, but first she wanted to get herself and sissy dressed up. I wasn’t quite sure what she had in mind, but I was happy that she chose their Christmas pjs and few of her favorite Christmas accessories.
This is a picture of her being silly before the “show.” She actually went on and on singing songs for quite some time, but I won’t be posting the videos right now…I will save them to show all of her friends when she is a teenager. 😉
Tinker was not as amused to be a participant in the show, but she did make a few brief appearances in some of the videos.
I am so excited to have the songs recorded, and I know we will enjoy watching them together over the years. Tinker has already played them a million times on my phone! I also heard back from some of our extended family about how much they loved getting the videos. I think this will be one activity that becomes an annual tradition.
What ways do you share holiday cheer with family and friends far away?
Less stress, more connecting this holiday season? Yes, PLEASE!
From the arrival of fall to Halloween to Thanksgiving and Christmas, the last four months of the year can be a wonderful opportunity for making family memories and spending time together, but they can also be stressful as we try to collect ideas, recipes, and activities to try together.
Stephanie Morgan, founder of Modern Parents Messy Kids, a site that’s been voted Best Craft Blog in Parents Magazine and one of babble.com’s Top 50 Craft Mom Blogs, recently released a new eBook to help us have a little less stress and more time to connect with family this year, and I’m so glad to be an affiliate for such a great resource.
Stephanie’s goal is to make it easier on all of us to enjoy the holidays with our kids. Hands-On Holidays is 100 pages full of her family’s very favorite ways to connect as a family over the holiday season. I love the convenience of having so many ideas in one place, and most of them are simple enough for even my toddler to participate in.
The book includes picture book suggestions, DIY decor, activities, and treats. Bonus sections also offer even more ideas to enjoy. Click here to view more details.
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Ann @ My Nearest and Dearest
This is such a nice idea and one that you will really treasure.
Every Christmas from the time I was a toddler until I was in my teens, my parents recorded (audio only) me and my two sisters singing Christmas songs and talking about what presents we got, who we visited, etc. As adults we’ve all listened to it a few times (and of course my parents had to share with their sons-in law!) and everytime we all feel so great afterward. It is such a bonding experience!
Shaunna
Wow, Ann! That sounds wonderful. I love the idea of also including the special memories and details.
Dee Dee
This is such a great idea, especially for family that lives far away! I’ve really enjoyed all of the ideas you’ve featured in this advent series. Nice work!
🙂
Shaunna
I am glad you like this idea, and thanks so much for feedback on the series. I wasn’t sure whether people would be interested in the daily updates. Thanks again!