Sorry I’ve been MIA lately.  Between work, the holidays, and Bubba’s social calendar, I haven’t had much personal/blog time other than to post some sponsored giveaways, which isn’t a such a bad way to kick off the holidays but certainly not as cathartic as the regular tales and updates.  I haven’t even had the chance to go through our photos from Buenos Aires yet.  They’re mostly family shots, since that was the main purpose of our visit but I was hoping to share some of the many dulce de leche faces of Sebastian.

On a positive note, I’m proud to report that our tree is standing proud, thanks to Uncle Jeff who again selected us a stunner. It’s only 9 feet (as opposed to this beast from last year) but much more manageable.  I didn’t once fear plummeting to my death while decorating it.  Oh, and Balthazar is on patrol like CHiPs.  Which reminds me…have you read this post about those competitive Elf on the Shelf Mommies?  Absolutely hilarious!

Our holiday cards are finally out for delivery too.  Of course it was raining the day I scheduled Carissa so we only had a few minutes outside.  None of the photos felt special enough to stand alone so we chose a three-photo card instead of just one.  A huge thanks to everyone who voted on the card design but in the end, the photos themselves determined the winner.  It’ll be posted next week and I promise it’s super cute.

Now onto, Where in Manhattan is Bubba? 

We visited Macy’s Santaland again.  I learned a lot from last year’s experience and decided to go early in the season.  We zoomed through Santaland as expected and Bubba loved it   The big guy himself?  Not so much.  The only redeeming thing about the photo is that I’m not in it.  Although I did wash my hair and practice folding my hands in my lap, just in case.

Bubba also experienced bowling for the first time at a holiday party with Santa’s Hideout, a really cool, parent-controlled wishlist/letters to Santa site.  The party was at Bowlmore Lanes, which I hadn’t visited since partying with PeeWee.  Not only was it Sebastian’s first time bowling but he also had his first ever candy apple (huge success, obviously) and got his face painted like a puppy.

Given Sebastian’s affinity for candy, I was all over Taste Buds’ Gingerbread House class.  In less than an hour, he consumed more candy than he’s ever eaten in his little life and the smirk on his face lasted well into the sleepless night.  The “class” was crowded and is on the pricey side but I would definitely return next year and for some of the other classes.

Then there are the shows.  Last weekend we saw Berenstain Bears Live at the Marjorie S. Dean Little Theatre and today we saw the Three Bears Holiday Bash at the Swedish Cottage Marrionette Theater in Central Park.  Bears bears bears!  Berenstain Bears was a little too country and old fashion for us city folk but Bubba got to meet the bears after the performance and again had his face painted, which was a highlight.  The Three Bear Holiday Bash was a real treat for everyone.  The puppet show tells the stories of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza, and has a lot of interactive components. The cottage is warm and cozy and the stories are fast-paced and engaging.  The staff was super sweet and accommodating too.

Next on our list is the Holiday Train Show.  NYers, have you been?  My SIL and nephew are visiting for New Year’s so we’re waiting for them to join us.

Other than that, I’m just trying to take it all in.  For the first time, Sebastian can appreciate the magic of the holidays and his wonderment is contagious.

How has your holiday season been so far?

{I was not compensated for this post. We received complimentary tix to Berenstein Bears Live and The Three Bears Holiday Bash.}