Everyone grows up with different things they love. My husband always loved baseball and Star Wars. My brother was a Warcraft nerd. For whatever reason, my dad has a real passion for Moxie the soda drink. My mom always loved knitting and being crafty. But me? Well – I’m a nerd too and, true, I do love Star Wars like Tall Dad – but my one true love is Christmas.
I’ve watched Elf non stop, White Christmas was always in my DVD player year round and the Barbara Streisand Christmas CD I’ve had since the mid nineties has been played so much that I have literally worn it out to a point that a player can no longer read the data on the disc.
And while I don’t know what my kids will love as they grow older (How To Train Your Dragon is certainly part of my son Rhys’ repertoire already though) I can tell you that my love of Christmas has not been lost on them. In fact, Rhys and Felicity seriously LOVE Christmas. Let me explain…
So I will admit that I may or may not have led my kids down the Christmas path. I’ve read Christmas books to them even when it was the middle of the summer. Rhys and I have been practicing 2 part harmonies in Santa Claus is Coming To Town over the past number of months (I wish I were kidding), and I seriously swear that Felicity smiles just a tad bit extra when I put her in her elf outfit every other day.
It’s gotten to the point that when I began Christmas shopping earlier this year, that my son kept yelling, “Merry Christmas!”
To. Everyone.
Again, I wish I were kidding.
It’s more probable than not that I have infected with Buddy The Elf sized Christmas sized Christmas cheer.
So when I held a little Christmas party at my house for some of my mom friends and their kids, I knew that my kids were going to freak out. And I wasn’t wrong.
Santa made a special stop to my house and I have never seen my children happier together. It also helps that my dad is the perfect Santa Claus.
We had a bunch of people over, kids were running around my house all lit up on hot chocolate and candy canes, and we may or may not have had an unbelievable waffle bar. The theme was a pajama party – in honor of the kids in PJ’s in The Polar Express, so breakfast foods were the right fit!
We had a ton of other stuff too all of which I picked up at Sam’s Club. I had been able to get all of my everyday essentials there for cleaning my home for the party, as well as some decorations, so I decided to get some food with my savings. It’s so affordable – and I knew that I would enjoy any and all leftovers – fresh fruit and veggies, juice, and my new staple – mini quiche.
So while the kids watched The Polar Express on constant repeat, the adults had mimosas and found a way to enjoy to the happiest and most magical time of the year.
It was an amazing party.
Everyone left with a little more cheer (even though it may not be Buddy The Elf sized like mine), a little more full bellies, and a little more love from all the people that matter most to each other.
In fact, I didn’t care that my house was a complete disaster after everyone left. (15 toddlers running amok in your house for a few hours will tend to do that.) I broke out my cleaning supplies like my Swiffer Sweeper Wet Mop and my holiday themed Bounty paper towels (I mean, come on, if it’s holiday themed – it’s for me!) and just cleaned the house like it was my job.
Tall Dad washed the dishes and put the leftover food away, after I snagged a few more of those mini quiche, and I vacuumed, washed floors, and wiped down tables. After about an hour of cleaning, we rested our feet, and turned on a Christmas movie.
We had a full (clean) home, and a happy home at that!
It was a great party. I was happy. My guests were happy. And most of all, my kids were ecstatic to see all the happiness of what a Christmas party could be.
Now I just have to get Felicity to work on her part for a three part harmony of Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer….
Sam’s Club really saved the day for me by the way.
All I had to do was just order my items for the party online and they gathered it all up in store for me to pick up at my convenience. Ain’t nobody got time to go shopping when you’ve got two kids, a media company to run, and all of the responsibilities of trying to be the best wife I can.
It was a mini trip, but I felt like a rockstar. Buy buying participating holiday essentials Bounty paper towels or Swiffer refills, members will save about $97. That was money that I was able to spend on other items for our awesome breakfast pajama party.
Load up your car with your goods, and head on home!
Sam’s Club actually has an amazing giveaway going on right now — win one of five Sam’s Club giftcards by entering below!
$100 Sam’s Club Gift Card Giveaway for Everyday Essentials
Best of luck with the giveaway. $100 can go a looooooong way at Sam’s Club!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, friends!
Vendor calculation based on proprietary methodology comparing average non-promoted retail price per unit from a combination of leading U.S. retail outlets vs. average retail price per unit at Sam’s Club® for 2 months ending September 26, 2015. Pricing and item availability may vary in Alaska, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Wisconsin, and on SamsClub.com. #fullhomehappyhome
I love that you had Santa at your house. What a great treat for all of the kids. Your family picture shows just how happy your kids were. I wish we had Sam's Club in Canada. I would definitely take advantage of the pick up option.
A pajama Christmas party is the best idea ever! PJs and Christmas go together like peanut butter and jelly.
Sounds like a holiday party that would love to go to. It be fun to do a pajama party with Santa I think my son would love it.
That sounds like so much fun! Who wouldn't love a party in their jammies?
This sounds like a fun time. I absolutely love Christmas too and although my boyfriend downplays it, I'm determined to have my kids love it just as I do.
How fun! My 4 year old is having a pajama christmas party in his class Friday. I think it sounds like a blast! – Jeanine
Such adorable decorations and delicious food! Any PJ party must be a great party!
This sounds like such a fun time! I love how relaxed everything was – just how the holiday should be!
We used to have Santa at our house every year when the kids were little. It was always fun to watch the kids with him.
It looks like everyone had a great time! It would be great to have Santa come to our house.
What a fun looking party. I should throw a pajama party.
I love the pick up option with Sam's Club it saves so much time. Looks like a great pj party!
This is super cute! Your kids look like they were having an amazing time!
You really managed to put on an amazing spread thanks to Sam's! Also, your kids' delight with Santa is adorable!
Pajama parties are the best aren't they? Sam's is always my place to go to when I need party supplies
I love your family's festive nature!
This post has some wonderful pictures!
We have saved so much by shopping at Sam's Club. I love their prices and huge selection. We buy our produce from them!
No wonder Christmas is your favorite. The party photos and the family portrait with Santa clearly explain why.
I can see why Christmas is your favorite. It surely is mine… 🙂 And throwing a PJ Christmas Party sounds fun to me 🙂
Love that Sam's Club has this service. What a convenient way to save time!
the pick up is super cool!! As a mom of 3 I'm always running around. Grocery shopping in between school drop off, pickup and my toddler's nap time.. it gets crazy. If I could save some money, I would totally pamper myself because that never gets to happen