Ringing in the Season: the Festival of Trees, Christkindlmarkt, and North Pole Express

Ack! Stress! I don't know how everyone else feels, but for me December is moving too dang fast!  Except for Brooklyn coming home, of course. Then I can't wait. But even that feels complex. We haven't seen each other for eighteen months! A year and a half feels like it should be plenty of time to prepare, but instead of coming back to her cozy basement room, thanks to the flood she will be sleeping on a couch or an air mattress.  All I want is to make the home feel lovely for her, but it's just not working out that way.

Stressful as it all is, I'm trying hard to honor the holiday and accept whatever challenges come with grace.  After all, we've done harder.

Yesterday I took the day to do all things Christmas. In the morning I volunteered at the Festival of Trees.  This was my first time participating; I enjoyed it so much that I hope to help out again.

Turns out I'm pretty great at running the register in the Sweet Shoppe.  Maybe next year I'll get promoted to fudge.  :)

I had a little time to look around after my shift ended.  The gingerbread displays are always a favorite.  This one from Buc-ees reminded me of our friend Melanie. My only regret from our road trip to San Antonio several years ago is that I didn't make a U-Turn when I missed the Buc-ees exit at one o'clock in the morning.

A Hobbit hole in honor of Callie.

This German Christmas market reminded of my Mom who is currently overseas exploring the markets with my Aunt Alison.

Who doesn't love a book come to life?

Diagon Alley was extremely impressive.

Finally, the Jade Palace.  I love Master Oogway's message: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present. This resonates, especially considering how the Festival of Trees raises funds for Primary Children's.  Many of the displays are created in honor of a loved one.

Annika would have liked this tree, decorated with forest animal stuffies.

I think she also would like getting to know this girl who had heart surgery as a baby and is now thriving. Judging by the quilt and the prominently-displayed wolf-painting, this gal also loves all things lupine.

I thought this Family Tree quilt was stunning and took a picture to remember.  Maybe I can pick up a hobby after I retire?  (First I need to get fully hired.)

I hustled back from the Festival of Trees so that I could pick Annika up from school. On our way home, we stopped by the Christkindlmarkt at This is the Place. Charmant! I bribed Annika chocolate in order to convince her to wear this darling red coat. I knew it would make for great pictures.

Plus, I think she was grateful for the warmth once it started to snow.

This photo is cute, but it would be even better with a Wheeler behind each letter.  Dear family, please know that we missed you!

I purchased this Santa Christmas countdown to bring a piece of the market to those who couldn't come.

Papa Kay, good news!  You no longer have to push a handcart for 934 miles to get here.

Surely that should have been enough Christmas excitement for the day, but that evening we drove out to Heber to ride the Polar Express with the Mascot Miracles Foundation.  They only have space to take a limited number of families on the Polar Express each year, so we were ecstatic when Annika's name popped up. It felt like the perfect time to enjoy the magic! Also, thanks to the Wilhoits for sharing their Christmas jammies for the night.

Our evening had been so busy that we hadn't had time for dinner. Fortunately I was able to bring a pretty tasty charcuterie spread.

The train hosted a surprising number of cute little elves.

Here's Annika trying to sign "I Love You." Close!

While we enjoyed all of the mascots, Annika asked to take a picture with this one because it spoke "wolf" to her. To me it says scary werewolf, but okay.

This mascot really liked Jason.

In case you are wondering, she brought a few creatures of her own.

Singing her heart out. As the lyrics advised, "Let it Go."

Before we knew it, we had reached the North Pole. Santa was right outside waving!

Father Christmas even boarded our train and took time to visit with each child.

And so, thanks to the generosity of the Heber Creper and Mascot Miracles, we left generously supplied with beautiful sleigh bells, hot chocolate mugs, books, festive glasses, and even a couple Build-a-Bears. Seems like Christmas came early!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!