Our corner of the block is in the sweet spot between Halloween and Thanksgiving, where the sun is hibernating a little too long and the leaves have all but finished falling. Plans are beginning to materialize for arguably the most important gatherings of the year (i.e., destinations are determined, travel plans confirmed, tentative guestlists made), but nothing is happening quite yet. This is where I begin soft planning, or brainstorming. With jobs, two young children, and a gnarly commute, I can justify the forethought.
- Best weekends to begin decorating for Christmas
- Keepsake ornaments
- Advent calendars
- Attire
- Holiday cards
- Christmas gifts
- Potential menu items
Still, no one NEEDS to do any of the above. None of it is necessary to have a wonderful holiday season. However, I love tradition and am sentimental. The little details are what I held onto from my childhood and what I want my girls to remember, so I do it. Again, nothing is set in stone, but the cogs are turning.
LEGO
Yet one thing that I have to begin early is constructing the Christmas Lego village. WHAT? LEGOS?! Lego has an entire line of Christmas village houses, and they typically release one a year. Construction has commenced. This year, I am adding a Haunted Mansion and Main Street with moving trolley. New builds with my schedule take a while to construct, so I need to get started early. I have been working on the current mansion for about two weeks. I find it calming and satisfying to build. Realistically I would enjoy building models or miniatures as well, but those take glue. Legos are not sticky!
After the holiday season, I partially deconstruct the village so I can protect the houses and fit them into their boxes. It typically takes me about an hour to reconstruct each house.
Accordingly, you will find me at my Lego table with a cup of tea during this sweet spot between gatherings. How are you spending this time? Please comment below!
