Because sometimes our kids make us better

Okay so I'll be the first to admit that sometimes the holiday crowds and rushing to get all the presents and not enough time make me crabby. Even those annoying bell ringers at every door entrance to the mall. Ding. Ding. Just there to remind us we aren't doing enough to help others. Ding. Ding. Smile. Ding. Ding.

Today walking into the mall Addie locked on to the bell ringer, in that way only pre-schoolers can.
Addie - why's that boy ringing a bell?
Me - he's collecting money for Christmas
Addie - why?
Me - because some families don't have enough money for Christmas and the bell ringers get money to help them (although in fairness I should admit I really don't know exactly what they do with the money.)
Addie - oh, but those families still have presents, right?
Me - well if the bell ringers get enough money they will.
Addie - are we going to give the bell ringer boy some money?
Almost to the door now
Me - we will on our way out. Do you want to put money in the bucket?
Addie - yes
So off we went for a quick shopping trip filled with wanting to go back and watch Santa again and thinking about the bell ringer.

Almost out the door and Addie asked (reminded me in very loud manner) if I had the money to give to the bell ringer. So I found the only bill in my wallet and we put it in the bucket. The nice bell ringer gave us both lollipops.

So instead of hurrying past the annoying bell ringers Addie helped us to think about the importance of what they do and reminded me to help. There you go - a little Christmas magic.

Santa visit

Mama! Mama! I've been a very good girl this year. Cause Santa brings presents to good girls. Not bad girls. I'm not a bad girl and that's why Santa will bring me presents this year. Tomorrow, right Mama? Presents tomorrow?

A MitMit note: girls were in their matching tie-dyed shirts and skinny jeans until someone had a blowout...right before Santa pictures. Shirts are a unique MitMit handy craft from this past weekend...definitely turned out better than how I remembered our childhood tie-dyed shirts from summer camp!