Tie up your boots

We kicked off our holiday season last night with a classic Italian holiday chocolate (cremino) and a walk to Hoffmann. We may or may not have purchased Ada's first ever Christmas gift. I am so excited.

The woman at the store wrapped it up for us and told Ada that she's so tall and beautiful she should be a model when she grows up.

After we got home, put Ada to bed and worked on a bit of this and that, I saw the gift all wrapped in Hoffmann signature wrapping paper and topped with the biggest curly pink bow the package could handle. I told Mike I was sad it was already wrapped. I wanted to open the box and peak at it first!

Waiting for Christmas just got even harder.

How do parents do this?

I've never been a particularly good gift giver. Well, I think I'm a mediocre gift-selector, but the whole waiting part has never been my strong suit. I've already enumerated several times to Mike what I plan on stuffing in his stocking. I tried to get him to pick out a sweater online for me to buy him. No soap.

After buying Mike his birthday gift a few years ago, I came home and said, "I bought your present today. You can open it on your birthday, but you won't be able to use it until a little later."

"What did you get me?"

"Not telling."

"Give me a hint."

"Okay. It starts with 'M'."

"Mason Jennings tickets?"

"NOOOO!!" My response was so loud and forceful (I couldn't believe he guessed it first try!) it was obvious that his gift was, in fact, tickets to a Mason Jennings concert.

We have started an inadvertent tradition where we give each other our birthday gifts before our birthdays, usually right before bed on Birthday's Eve, because we can't wait any longer. It's silly really.

Babbo Natale (BAH-bow nah-TAHL-eh). Isn't that the best name for Santa you've ever heard of?!

Advent Calender Day 2 - Read a new Christmas book with Ada - "Natale"

Christmas Song: Come On! Let's Boogey to the Elf Dance! by Sufjan Stevens