It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas 2018 Edition

We left on December 16th to head back to the States for the holidays, so that meant packing a lot of Christmas cheer into a short period! We wasted no time, getting our tree at Tuincentrum het Oosten on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, well before it is socially acceptable to do so in the Netherlands (after Sinterklaas on December 5th). I remembered how endless the holiday decor was when we first visited two years ago, but this time the kids were older and could appreciate it all. Though some displays were a bit creepy! 

 

 

We got the tree up and lit while the kids napped. Then a festive afternoon decorating! 

 

Turns out I am not strong enough to lift him up to the top of the tree! 

This year's Christmas ornaments: Sevilla, hot air ballon ride, kids school photos, hedgehog, dragonfly, Sinterklaas, Santorini, Sicily, Montessori anniversary party, Kastel de Haar Christmas Market

Christmas elves

Jude sharing his list for Santa. Items include a time machine, disappearing bag, life size transforming outfit. Poor kid is going to be disappointed Christmas morning! 

Cookie making and decorating. Maeve has such a sweet tooth that these seamingly fun activites with her always end in tears and tantrums over not being able to eat it all. I'm hoping this gets better in time! She was excluded from the gingerbread house making and frosting as a result.

We had Winter parties back to back at school for the kids. First up, Jude, who insisted on dressing up.

The morning of the party was the St. Lucia celebration at school. I get teary eyed at all of these great celebrations at ISA, feeling so fortunate to be in this international environment.

Maeve's party the following day. She was also excited to dress up, though was really shy at first until she had savored all of the treats and the crowds started to disperse. Then she got down with her bad self with the mic and DJ stand.

 

Loved turning the music on and off! 

A little after school Christmas shopping at the mall, where the Winter Village was in full swing and we couldn't escape without oliebolien and a spin on the carosel.

Festive drinks out with friends with some time to see the lights in city beforehand.

The day before we left, we got all dolled up and went to see Santa at the Gelderlandplein mall. Jude brought him his Christmas list and picture he had drawn for him. He went straight for him, cutting off a few expectant children. Maeve was more hesitant, which we expected, but then she surprised us all by walking over a giving him a hug and letting him hold her.

 

Jude the gentleman, "Maevey, you look so cute and nice"

 

 

We were joined by the Welters and Nazlawys and braved a pizza dinner with all of the kids! A great sendoff for our long trip away.

Our flight left the next morning and the pre-trip anxiety (did we forget anything??) was coupled with the excitement of the forecasted overnight snow. Not the restful night you hope for before a 10 hour flight and 6 hour time change with kids! But boy was it delightful waking up to a light dusting and letting Jude play while we waited for our uber.