So its been a while since my last post, but I have not forgotten you. I've still been writing, but few and far between these days due to a VERY busy holiday season. Between the months of October and January sometimes I don't know what to do with myself. I'm psyched with the nature of Fall, countless birthdays, and the onset of the Christmas season, but its always a whirlwind! This year we hosted Thanksgiving for the first time which was amazing. Twenty-one beautiful family members all in our home to give thanks. In all of my years celebrating this amazing and cozy holiday, I've never been able to enjoy Thanksgiving in my own home. It was perfect! Once Thanksgiving was over, came the ever approaching Christmas. This year was very different from most as we decided to celebrate Christmas in Florida this year. Here is the story of our Disney Christmas Surprise!
I have been working on Christmas 2013 since February 2013....Its been overwhelming, exhausting, crazy, but the most rewarding "project" I've worked on in a long time. I call it a project because my husband and I have kept this Christmas Surprise from our three little ones all year. Trying to plan a trip, let alone to Disney, without talking about it while with your kids is HARD! I even kept it from some friends in worry they may spill the beans accidentally on the way. Not only is this how we're spending Christmas, but the element of surprise I want to see come across their face when we tell them is part of the magic for me. I don't think any parent could disagree with me when I say that telling your kids "You're going to Disney World" within hours of boarding a plane isn't the best surprise in the whole world. Not to mention, spending it during the BEST time of year...in my opinion, of course. Christmas is Disney - is there more magic that that??! I think not!
Well, lets rewind a few months when this all seemed like a grand idea. Itineraries were put into place, restaurants were booked - who knew you had to book dinner reservations 6 months in advance? I sure didn't! And we got the infamous Bippity Boppity Boutique on the calender for Xmas Eve - seriously, Xmas Eve with Cinderella...I might be in heaven! If I sound super excited about this its b/c I am. We worked really hard putting this all together (with help of wonderful family members of course) and I cannot wait to see how its all executed. Now, we did come to learn that Christmas is the busiest time of year in Disney World so believe me, expectations are realistic in regards to crowds and lines, but thats ok. My kids are so little that the magic will be there upon entering the park, not making sure we get on the best rides. And to watch their favorite characters come to life is a moment I want to remember for the rest of my life.
It worked, we did it! We pulled off our surprise and saw the smiles on the kids faces as we boarded the plan and were off to the most magical place on Earth! It certainly was a trip to remember. I've been to Disney World a few times in my life (never with children) and this was by far, the best trip. The emotion that overcomes you when you see your children's eyes light up. To the joy they have going on "big kid" rides, to the overwhelming sensation of meeting their favorite characters. There are no words to describe it but magic. Disney does it right - we were in the Magic Kingdom on Christmas day which there were 76,000 other people joining us and it didn't feel like that at all. My kids still felt like one in a million. They appreciated every second we were there...as did I. I don't think you can take for granted a trip like that. All you can do is embrace your experience and let the memories happen all by themselves.
I hope you and your family are one day able to enjoy these experiences too. We were lucky enough to be there for a full week, but it can easily be cherished in just a few days. Especially when your kids are so small and they might be abit overwhelmed.
I have been asked to supply some of my recommendations and tips for a Disney Trip so stay tuned!
I hope everyone had a magical Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
Kristen xoxo
