The Christmas Countdown

Now that the giant stuff-fest we've labeled "Thanksgiving" has come and gone, we're in full swing for the Christmas season around our little fiefdom. Of course, that also means we're in "Princess E is about to be six!" mode as well, which this year involves a sleepover with not one, not two, but ten six-year-olds two weeks before Christmas.

Yes, I have officially lost my mind. Thanks for asking.

I'll be writing more about the Princess E Birthday Sleepover Extravaganza as it gets a little closer. I'm sure it'll be comedy blog nirvana. In the meantime, the decorations are up (I swear they multiply in storage like little rabbits every year), and we've got a December packed with great holiday celebrations. If you're in St. Louis and are looking for fun events that also help raise money for children's charities, here are a couple I highly recommend - and BTW, if you have any others to add to the list, shoot me a comment with all the details. Hope to see you out and about in December!

• Ranken Jordan Pediatric Specialty Hospital's "Shining Lights" event is Sunday, Dec. 7 from 2 - 5 p.m. Besides getting a beautiful family photo with Santa in an antique sleigh by an awesome local photographer, you also get a great look at this amazing hospital that does so much to help families heal after a devastating injury or accident. Tickets are $20 per family - try spending only a twenty on your family and having this much fun anywhere else in town.
• Forget mall shopping - hit the Ladue Chapel Nursery School Holiday Mart Thursday, Dec. 4 and Friday, Dec. 5 at Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church. More than 40 vendors will be showing off all kinds of beautiful goodies, including children's artwork, jewelry and purses, and the kicker is that admission and parking is free. And, proceeds help support the preschool education programs at the Ladue Chapel Nursery School. Princess G isn't a student there, but I'm all for supporting high-quality preschool programs whenever possible. It's shopping for charity, ladies. Sounds like the best of both worlds to me!