SEEING IS BELIEVING!

The following ideas take a little, well maybe a lot of effort but are so worth the excitement that will follow...

#1- SLEIGH TRACKS
If you live where there is snow and have a pair of ski's put them on and with your legs as far apart as they will go (we need width here) slide across the yard or through a small section.   That way you will make tracks that look like a sled was there.  With the ski's still on attempt the reindeer tracks. If you have no ski's use a 2 x 4 and lay it on the snow until you have two parallel lines.   If there is no snow, you can use  ride a bicycle over your grass and make two parallel lines (the tires will at least smash the grass down a bit to provide a "sled" mark).


#2- REINDEER TRACKS
One year my dad had shot an elk and I asked him to keep one leg for me.  I kept it in a bag until Christmas and then on Christmas Eve about 2 AM I went outside and stomped that elk hoof all around the front yard near the sled tracks.  If you don't have access to an elk hoof (who in the world does?  It sounds funny to even say that because I am saying it like it's something you can just go pick up at Walmart!- Someday I hope to manufacture one that you can attach to your broom handle.)  then I have used many times since a potato.  Just cut a potato lengthwise and trace this pattern on to it then carve it out with a sharp knife.  It works pretty good but does take longer. 

WHEN IT'S ALL FINISHED PRAY THAT NO MORE SNOW FALLS AND COVERS ALL YOUR HARD WORK!

One year all my neighbors came out to see the glorious sight and proof that Santa had been there.  The children were jumping up and down and bursting with squeals of excitement and although completely exhausted and unable to walk from spreading the ski's a little too wide, I felt it was definitely worth it.  Magic takes effort!

#3-  SANTA'S FOOT PRINTS
After the children have all gone to bed on Christmas Eve, find the biggest boots you can.  Pour washable brown paint in a cookie sheet.  Add some water, just enough to water the paint down a bit.  Mix it together with a pastry brush.  Take it outside to the porch.  Set it on the ground.  Slip on the large boots.  Step into the paint mixture then very carefully step off the pan and walk to the front door.  It's going to bring the house down!

This idea is great for anywhere you live even if there is no snow.  The paint will wash off very easily but leave it long enough for all the neighbor children to come have a look.  They may however wonder why Santa didn't leave any on their steps.  Refer their parents to my blog!