Top things I've learned about holidays from my kids

* Make plans for events and be prepared for them to change.
* Have them WRITE out (or do it for them) their Christmas list to avert last minute wants ("Sorry honey - Santa already processed your list!")
* You can believe in Santa and not elves - completely YOUR prerogative.
* It's easier to teach a dog to ice skate than to get that 'perfect shot' for a Christmas card. Seriously.
* Christmas trees are absolutely FASCINATING to a one-year-old.
* Said one-year-old will find a way to get to each and every ornament on the tree.
* No amount of advent preparation can compete with the man in the red suit bringing toys.
* This is the best time of the year because if they do something wrong, then OOPS, Santa just took one toy off the list.
* This is the worst time of the year because the Santa threat can backfire into whining and tears - FAST.
* You can watch Christmas movies every day and not get tired of them.
* You can get tired of your child's wish list very quickly.

Most of all - enjoy the season - the magic of Christmas a gift itself...