DON'T forget to Feed the Reindeer!!

The first of December always starts the excitement building in our household. That's when we start our count down using our reindeer " # of Days til Christmas". But there is just something almost magical that happens when we hit that #3 day. This is the time when we make sure we have all the family gifts wrapped and under the tree. The time that we decide what cookie we are going to make for Santa to enjoy on his visit with us. The Chazman (and Daddy of course) have picked out Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip. A tradition we started when Chaz was 2 was that he and I made the cookies on Christmas Eve so they would be nice and warm. We place them on a special "Cookies for Santa" plate and we even have a special "Santa milk mug" just perfect for dipping those warm cookies in.

Now leave it to the Chazman to not forget about all the reindeer. He states.....they have to eat too...they are the ones doing so much of the work pulling that big, jolly Santa around with his sleigh chocked full of toys for all the good BOYS and ummmm oh yeah girls...hehe!! So here is another tradition started when he was a wee one....on the first of December we start making our special reindeer treats. Chaz says that everyone knows that reindeer love sweets so that is what we mix for them BUT we add "good for you too" things just to balance it out. As the Chazman puts it.....we don't want those reindeer bouncing off the tops of roofs now do we? ^_^  What's in our mix, you ask? Well, let me tell you. We start with a good base of oats (perfect way to use that last cup of oatmeal in the container) as the month goes on and as Chaz eats his cereal (like Cheerios and walnut Special K) he puts the little bit that always seems to be left in the box into the oatmeal container. Instant Reindeer food!!! A few days before Christmas Eve we take our oatmeal container, add some dried corn, some green and red sprinkles (or MICA flakes for this year...they are earth and animal friendly) and we have the perfect mixture to put out for (taking a deep breath) Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph...unless of course Comet eats to much junk before take off and Santa has to let Chet fly. (yes my child loves all the Santa Claus movies with Tim Allen) We make bags up for all the cousins so they can feed the reindeer too. It makes for a fun tradition. (it's also a great way to feed the squirrels and birds....that is IF the reindeer don't eat it all up)

With each little bag, we do the cute little munching reindeer with his comic book saying and attach him to the bag with the following saying (that must be said out loud before you throw it on the lawn)

I'm sprinkling this reindeer food outside tonight

So the moonlight will make it sparkle bright

So all Santa's reindeer that fly and roam

Will have this magic feed to guide them to my home

I hope that this fun, simple event might be added to your family traditions...and that you are enjoying all of your traditions....old ones and new ones. We here at the Moore homestead wish to all a very Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year!!

Until next time.......Hugs, Regi