North Pole Breakfast - 2023

Another annual tradition that we have is welcoming our elf back from the North Pole around December 1st each year.  As the kids get older, I wonder just how long the magic will continue to last -- my hope is FOREVER -- and I am relishing each year that I have left with them to keep it alive.  

Christmas Catherine has very few antics/tricks that she repeats from year to year, but one thing that never changes is her North Pole Breakfast.  She arrives back, with her suitcase in tow, and leaves a note to remind the kids to be on their best behavior over the next month.  She sets out some breakfast goodies and juice and the holiday season begins.

This year, her spread included some mini donuts/donut holes, chocolate chip muffins, yogurt parfaits grapes and orange juice.

She even brought a mini tree with her decorated with mini penguins, which Sophia later moved up to her room for a little Christmas spirit and decoration.

Given that December 1st was a Friday, the kids were up bright and early for school (it was still dark outside) so that everyone could eat before their drop-offs / bus pick-ups.

We still have three different departure times in our household on school days: Samantha leaves for Jazz Band (a 'zero-hour' elective) at 6:30 am with Steve; Sophia is picked up by her bus at 7:00 am and the boys are picked up by their bus at 8:00 am.  It may seem a bit crazy and chaotic but I have grown to enjoy this schedule because the staggered form of it allows me time in between to make sure that everyone has a lunch / breakfast / snack / water bottle, etc.