ONE WEEK BEFORE THE BIG DAY - Let the Magic Begin!

LESS THAN ONE WEEK TO GO!  Here are some ideas to really put the Christmas magic over the top at your house!

#1- Santa gifts must be wrapped in paper NEVER before seen by children. 
Go to any store and purchase a paper with Santa on it or something that looks like it could be straight from him.  (That way it's exciting and more believeable that it came from the North Pole, Someday I hope to market special North Pole wrapping paper but haven't got to that this year)
Also get some really fancy bows and tags that look like something special.  Here is an example of some I got from Oriental Trading and love them because they look pretty authentic.  I have my neighbor write names on them so no handwriting tracing can go on. 

When the presents look very beautiful and extra special it helps with the "magic." Many people don't wrap Santa gifts and that is just fine.  The excitement is still there but if you want to really turn up the excitement level and anticipation wrap those gifts and look forward to a most magical morning.


#2- REINDEER FOOD
Not only does Santa need a treat but his reindeer do too.  This is such a fun idea for kids to do on Christmas Eve.  Here's the recipe and I tell my kids that it came straight from Santa himself. 
                                                        
                                       RECIPE:
                                             Combine:
                                                     1/3 C rolled oats
                                                     1 TBL glitter
                                                     1/4 C carrots
                                                                          Mix well
After you have made the recipe together, send the kids outside to sprinkle the mixture all over the grass, snow or outside of your home.  The glitter works on snow and grass (it's guides the reindeer to the food).


#3- SPECIAL SANTA KEY FOR FRONT DOOR
We have never lived in a house with a chimney so I  had to come up with this idea long ago when my children were worried that we had no way for Santa to come in the house.  I went to the nearest hardware store and had a front door key made in gold.  I added a ribbon to it and presented it to the kids.  They of course wanted to try it out so that is why it has to be a real key that will open your door.  Then before they go to bed we hang the key on the doorknob and it's ready for Santa. 


#4-  SANTA IN THE MALL OR PARTIES
Always tell your children that the Santa's they see in stores or parties are sent by Santa and are his special helpers.  Children will be very curious and questioning about fake beards and boots.  Explain that Santa has a special school that he himself trains all his helpers who get to dress like him and help him out during the Christmas season.  This will help them be reassured that because they see fake beards and boots the real Santa is still in the North Pole.


FUN IDEA to display all your Christmas cards: I learned this idea from my grandma and have been doing it since I got married.  We put all the Christmas cards we receive on our front door so that we can enjoy them but also anyone who comes to our home gets to enjoy them as well.  It keeps those we love in our thoughts each day of the season.