(4 minute read)

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things
-from The Sound of Music by Rodgers and Hammerstein

Tis the season to be merry and deck the halls with boughs of holly! If you are a Mama Bear that means you are in the throws of producing the magical Christmas your family has come to expect. Things may have changed over the years since our children were small and visions of sugarplums and Santa Claus danced through their heads. But if your family is like mine they hold on tightly to traditions which require time and planning. Do not misunderstand me, I am not here to complain. I love the Christmas season. Admittedly, I can get a little stressed about certain things like crowded long lines, spending over budget, and making sure things are even amongst my four kids. That last one is crazy (and a little embarrassing to admit that I have actually counted out the number of wrapped gifts for each child hidden up in the attic). We are so lucky, and revealing my flaw of metered out indulgence makes me uncomfortable. And yet, as a mother of four I cannot help it. The truth of the matter is that as they grow older, it is actually the gift exchange between my family members (not from Santa) that hold the most meaning. I love seeing their thoughtfulness in choosing gifts for one another. My new robe and slippers are always the best (see the hilarious SNL skit for the “I got a brand new robe”reference). The spirit of the Advent season fills my heart with nostalgia for past Christmases and the joy of creating new additions to our traditions. I could go on and on, or instead I wrote a new version of My Favorite Things. Not to be confused with Oprah’s list, this should be sung like Julie Andrews under a blanket with the thunder and rain outside the window. (I am not Rodgers and Hammerstein so the rhythm of syllables is a bit bumpy)

My Favorite Things
Cars driving around with antlers and a red nose
Elf on the shelf each day in a silly new pose
Tacky lights tour and the Nutcracker Ballet
These are things some do before Christmas Day

Gingerbread houses with colored gum drops and candy canes
Wish lists filled with American dolls, Lego sets and electric trains
Photos of teary toddlers atop mall Santa’s knee
Wrapped red and green presents tucked under the tree

When the internet site I trusted scams me
When missing parts in assembling toys on Christmas Eve
When I am feeling stressed
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don’t feel so bad

Watching movies like Charlie Brown, Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman
None makes me laugh as Clark Griswold or Buddy the Elf can
My young kids photo ornaments made of macaroni and yarn
Visiting a live nativity scene after mass in a barn

When I put my foot through the attic floor like a ding-a-ling
When we get a Christmas Letter that goes on and on bragging
When I am feeling blue
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don’t feel so bad

Unboxing the decorations that grow each year
Snow globes, angels, nutcrackers and reindeer
Our stack of Christmas books that always get read
Reminds me of soft snuggles and stories in bed

My family in matching PJs and laughter that never stops
Mugs of hot cocoa with a shot of peppermint schnapps
A full house and white lights that twinkle into the night
These are the things that make Christmas merry and bright

Enjoy the season, and when you feel stressed or blue, just remember your favorite things!