The year 2013 is almost at the end... and our favourite time of year has come! December - the month that symbolises Christmas, festive cheer, (school) holidays, snow, presents, gathering and so many good things. It's a time to reflect on the year that has past, to think of the future (especially in the coming year) and to make promises and resolutions to better oneself in the next year.
Before the year ends, I will like to thank all my family and friends who have been supportive, understanding and forgiving. As I hit the big 30 this year, I have learnt that I can be a better person, mum, wife, daughter, friend and that I can improve and will strive to make little steps. So I hope 2014 will be kind to me and my family, and here's wishing all of you a great year ahead too!
On a less formal note, we will be going to Moscow for our year end holidays! This is our daughter's 2nd trip to Russia, but it will be her first snow experience, and our family first snow experience together! Our relatives there can finally see the little munchkin again and we are so happy to be able to join them for Christmas this year - although in Russia, they (Orthodox Christians) celebrate Christmas on the 7th of January. We will be celebrating in on the 25th nevertheless, anyway!
Now, we don't often go to cold countries and living in our tropical climate means next to zero winter wear. So we have been doing a little shopping for these all important items that will keep us from freezing our asses off or turning into ice cubes when we reach Moscow! Don't get me wrong, we are TOTALLY excited and looking forward to experience winter, have a snowy white Christmas, and make snowmen, maybe snow fights, dancing in snowflakes (if that's possible), make snow angels and so much more!!! (Note to self: make a list of things to do!)
Yes, I also enjoy shopping for these items *sheepish* although I do frown upon the accumulated receipts of winter wear and the increasing $$ we spent on these products that will probably not be used for a long time... BUT! We will certainly make the most out of it!
To prepare Naomi for the trip, we had a little fashion show at home with winter wear. So she can already be familiar with all the thick clothes and layering, long sleeves and scarves, gloves, ear muffs. Here's a few pics to share:
Before the year ends, I will like to thank all my family and friends who have been supportive, understanding and forgiving. As I hit the big 30 this year, I have learnt that I can be a better person, mum, wife, daughter, friend and that I can improve and will strive to make little steps. So I hope 2014 will be kind to me and my family, and here's wishing all of you a great year ahead too!
On a less formal note, we will be going to Moscow for our year end holidays! This is our daughter's 2nd trip to Russia, but it will be her first snow experience, and our family first snow experience together! Our relatives there can finally see the little munchkin again and we are so happy to be able to join them for Christmas this year - although in Russia, they (Orthodox Christians) celebrate Christmas on the 7th of January. We will be celebrating in on the 25th nevertheless, anyway!
Now, we don't often go to cold countries and living in our tropical climate means next to zero winter wear. So we have been doing a little shopping for these all important items that will keep us from freezing our asses off or turning into ice cubes when we reach Moscow! Don't get me wrong, we are TOTALLY excited and looking forward to experience winter, have a snowy white Christmas, and make snowmen, maybe snow fights, dancing in snowflakes (if that's possible), make snow angels and so much more!!! (Note to self: make a list of things to do!)
Yes, I also enjoy shopping for these items *sheepish* although I do frown upon the accumulated receipts of winter wear and the increasing $$ we spent on these products that will probably not be used for a long time... BUT! We will certainly make the most out of it!
To prepare Naomi for the trip, we had a little fashion show at home with winter wear. So she can already be familiar with all the thick clothes and layering, long sleeves and scarves, gloves, ear muffs. Here's a few pics to share:
Now, we are just left with winter boots! Will be heading out to buy a pair this week before we fly off to Moscow on midnight this coming Thursday! Well, of course, and packing. More about that next post.
Naomi is still trying to figure out the difference between Winter, Russia and Christmas, and I think, she thinks all are synonymous, or at least very similar. So instead of saying that we will be going to Russia, she asks "Are we going to Christmas soon?" Of course, I've tried to explain to her the difference, but she's only just turned 3 so what can you expect? She still asks the same question but now I reply " Yes, we are going to Russia soon, and you will experience Winter there. That means it's going to be very cold and there will be snow... but you don't have to be in Russia for Christmas. Christmas can be celebrated everywhere." And the last time I said that, she replied in earnest:
"Mama, Christmas is everywhere ? So I can open my presents now?"
So I guess, now I have to bring out the calendar and teach her about dates as well. Kids learn too fast.
Here's the tempting presents under our tiny tree we have at home:
Naomi is still trying to figure out the difference between Winter, Russia and Christmas, and I think, she thinks all are synonymous, or at least very similar. So instead of saying that we will be going to Russia, she asks "Are we going to Christmas soon?" Of course, I've tried to explain to her the difference, but she's only just turned 3 so what can you expect? She still asks the same question but now I reply " Yes, we are going to Russia soon, and you will experience Winter there. That means it's going to be very cold and there will be snow... but you don't have to be in Russia for Christmas. Christmas can be celebrated everywhere." And the last time I said that, she replied in earnest:
"Mama, Christmas is everywhere ? So I can open my presents now?"
So I guess, now I have to bring out the calendar and teach her about dates as well. Kids learn too fast.
Here's the tempting presents under our tiny tree we have at home:
As our tree is so tiny, I think it makes the presents even more tempting! Yes, Naomi is also learning about patience and tolerance during this season :D (Although my hubby calls it torture! Haha)
Have you already done up your tree and done your Christmas shopping yet? Hope you and your family are already soaking up the wonderful atmosphere during this time!
Till our next post!
Have you already done up your tree and done your Christmas shopping yet? Hope you and your family are already soaking up the wonderful atmosphere during this time!
Till our next post!