Gooood morning! It’s finally December and I am here for ALLLL the Christmas magic this year! The twinkly Christmas lights adorning nearly every nook and cranny of the house – is there such thing as too many?? Christmas music playing softly in the background, the fire glowing from across the room, our pup Walter snuggled up on HIS couch, a cup of hot chocolate (or coffee) in hand, more snuggles and sweet Christmas stories with a babe in my lap, I can’t get enough. Maybe it’s because #2020, but maybe it’s because this year I’ve been reminded over and over again of how thankful I am for this little house and the people in it. This stage of being a mama to now TWO toddlers (Hollis just started walking last week!) and the effects of the pandemic have us staying at home much more. I know the season will come of early mornings getting ready for school, sports practices and games and all of the fun that brings, but until then, I am truly treasuring these extra moments at home with no real agenda or outside obligations. 

Throughout the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing more of how we bring the spirit and magic of Christmas into our home and I will also be here to remind you that this season is about you, your family, and making memories. It’s not about gifts, any certain decor, the number of planned activities or curated experiences. This season puts a lot of pressure on mamas to do-it-all. But I encourage you not to look outside of your home for validation that you are enough, doing enough, being enough. Are your kiddos happy? Healthy? Loved? Safe? This can look different for us all, even in the mess and the chaos and the mac-n-cheese with dinner again. Give yourself some grace, heat up that coffee again and know that you are most definitely loved and you are enough.

I’m so glad you’re here.

Now, on to that sensory bin! 

I made this colored rice last year and it is as good as new! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls
• 1 1/2 cups of white rice per color (you can use more, just adjust the vinegar accordingly)
• Food coloring
• 1/2 tsp white vinegar

Instructions:

1. Mix rice, food coloring to your liking and vinegar until all rice is colored evenly.
2. Spread rice on a sheet pan to dry completely.
3. Store in an airtight container.

That’s it!

We are using the Flisat table from Ikea with the little stools and large bins.

Here are some ideas to add to the bin based on your child’s age and interest:

• Red and green poms
• Mini ball ornaments
• Star ornaments
• Wooden scoopers
• Glass jars or containers
• Funnel
• Spoons
• Bells
• Cinnamon sticks
• Cotton balls
• Tiny plates or bowls

Happy December friends!

Love, 

Mama M

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