This post is sponsored by Carter’s; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Confession: Recently I was thinking of ways to document Annabelle’s little hand print for her first Christmas and I realized I forgot to do the same for Sadie. Somehow it just slipped my mind. And the mom-guilt quickly crept in. And so did the tears. How could I forget something so simple?
This year I wanted to start a new tradition, so I came up with the idea to make a cookies for Santa plate with all three kids handprints on it every year….but spent several hours throwing a pity party for myself over the fact that I should have started this tradition when Hudson was born. If I would have done that, I would already have 5 plates by now. I don’t know why I got so upset over it, but I did.
But you know what? No one has time for worrying about missed opportunities. Especially during the holidays. Just because I don’t have 5 handprint plates from the past years does not mean I can’t start the tradition right now! So if you are reading this, and start to feel bad that you haven’t been as good at keeping up with your holiday traditions as you always thought you would be, STOP! Give yourself some grace. And start those Christmas traditions now!
The holidays are filled with opportunities to make long lasting memories. The traditions you start today can be simple, fun, and bring your family together. Here are a few traditions I’m planning to do (or start) with my kids:
– Decorate the Christmas tree (the day after Thanksgiving) together as a family and listen to Christmas music
– Paint a handprint “cookies for Santa” plate each year
– Pick out Angel Tree gifts for kids in need
– Get hot chocolate and drive around and look at Christmas lights
– Build a gingerbread house together
– Read a different Christmas book every night
– Pray for each family when we receive their Christmas card in the mail
– Get a new ornament for each kid each year
– Bake Christmas cookies
– Watch a Christmas movie and wear coordinating Christmas pajamas (my favorite!)
If you’ve been a reader for awhile, you know how much I LOVE Christmas pajamas! My joy has spread to my kids and they get SO excited when it’s time to reveal their new pajamas for the holidays! It’s especially fun now that Annabelle is in the mix!
I really should add “take pj photos” to my list of traditions every year! Carter’s makes the most adorable holiday clothes and pajamas for kids and always has a great variety of styles for every holiday moment. I especially love that Carter’s makes pajamas in boy, girl, toddler, and baby sizes…that way all three of my kids can match. Hudson always gets excited to match Sadie (it really is the cutest thing) so his eyes got so big when I told him Annabelle gets to match them too!
You can view more of Carter’s pajamas here. They are seriously all so cute!
My heart could burst, I love them so.
Carter’s clothes and pajamas are not only cute, they are comfy too! Plus they are at a great price point. And what’s even more amazing is that they have some really great Black Friday deals starting now! Plus I have a great coupon for you. Take 20% off your purchase of $40 or more in store or online now through 12/31. (some exclusions apply, learn more here).
In store code: 070716
Online: CART4198
Carter’s and OshKosh B’gosh are giving away over $700,000 in Dash Cash to the first 100 people to visit their local Carter’s or OshKosh B’gosh store for the Dash In to Win Sweepstakes. How fun does that sound? The sweepstakes will be held on Black Friday (11/23 or 11/24 – depending on when the store opens after Thanksgiving). Check out this store locator to confirm what date the sweepstakes will be held at your nearest location. Plus, you will receive a gift from Shutterfly on your $40+ purchase that day. You can find the official rules here.
And quite possibly my favorite thing that Carter’s is doing this season is the Pajama Program! Giving back is truly what the holiday season is all about. Carter’s believes that every child deserves a good night so they are partnering with Pajama Program, an organization that provides children new pajamas from November 1st – December 31st. You can help by donating a pair of new pajamas in store or make a monetary donation at check out (in store or online). Carter’s will match up to 100,000 pairs of pajamas. Your local community benefits directly from your support!
They always look so cute in their matching Christmas pajamas….Sadie's red boots are a stylish touch!!