'Tis the Season

So, I was all prepared to talk about why the average American gains 7 pounds during the holidays. The proof is in the pictures. Or so I thought.









It seems plausible that a person could gain 7 lbs, right? Well, I decided to do some research before I quoted this age-old statistic. Sure enough, I found many articles like this one that state that the only scientific research that has been performed on this topic has determined that the average person only gains one pound. Huh. Makes me want to dive into all those holiday cookies I've acquired from our numerous cookie exchanges and holiday parties. Oh wait. I've already done that.

'TIS THE SEASON. You know how I know? Because of this:



And this:



And THIS (that's a German Advent calendar, by the way)



Seriously people. If you want me to prove that 1 pound statistic wrong, I am well on my way!

I love the holidays. I really do. I love the get togethers, and the gift exchanges and the spiked cider and ornate cookies. I love eggnog. Eggnog lattes are THE BOMB. I would drink one every day if I wasn't afraid of the 7 pound weight gain. (And for the record, since I just de-bunked the 7 pound myth, I will enjoy daily eggnog lattes from now until 2012! yahoo!)

But mostly, I love seeing these faces when they do Christmas crafts



Or when they open playgroup Christmas presents



And especially when we take a trip down Eucalyptus with our best friends, The Robins, to see the Christmas lights















Do you remember my previous posts about our visits to Eucalyptus street in 2008 and 2010? As documented, in 2008, this man had 493,174 lights. My how he has grown. And so has our family. :)



I hope this becomes an annual Robins/Broxterman tradition. Because it is one I immensely enjoy. Last year, they captured a photo of us in this same spot. I only felt it fair to return the favor in 2011.



Four more days until Christmas! Santa is already TIRED and ready for a vacation!