UPDATE: The winner is Elaine Howell!
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Christmas is a big thing in our house. A month-long big thing.

We start on the 1st with the Elves on the Shelf arriving with their pets. I think we’re up to six in the entourage, and of course, they move every night to a location for the youngest kid to find them.

We also start the advent calendar countdown, leaving little gifts like pencils, candies, rolled-up dollar bills, or tiny toys in the calendar’s pockets.

Then on St. Nick’s Night (I think it’s spelled Kriskindlnacht), the kids all leave out a shoe beside the front door. Santa visits and leaves gold coins or coal along with more small gifts to let the kids know how he’s judged their behavior. This tradition was one I began when my family lived in Germany and my two kids were small. They both attended German schools, so they had to have the same traditions as their classmates, right? Anyway, the 8-year-old is thrilled about tonight and just as thrilled that Nina (me!) gets to leave out a shoe as well. Yes, my dd is continuing the tradition and has decided that, since I’m the biggest kid in the house, I have to participate. Notice that I don’t tell her not to bother… 🙂

So, my question to you is whether you have any Christmas month traditions you follow leading up to the big day. Answer for a chance to win your choice of one of my downloadable books. Your choice!