Christmas Countdown Day 24: Follow Santa

Yeah, I know I'm a  few days behind. I've been running around like a sleep-deprived crazy person trying to get too many things done  that should have been done weeks ago. No matter, i have quite a few partially done, waiting for me to upload pictures or find things, and i'm pretty die-hard when it comes to Christmas, so i'll be posting them all when they're ready anyway.

Merry Christmas Eve!

In our home, we like to keep Christmas Eve quiet, reverent, and Christ centered. We read the scriptures, talk about Jesus, sing carols and hymns, and enjoy each other and the beautiful Spirit.

But we don't discourage Santa, either. We like to tell our kids that Santa gives gifts to Children because he's trying to be like Jesus too, and giving gifts to everyone makes him happy, and helps him remember the gifts Jesus gave to us.

Ever seen those "Kneeling Santa" statuettes? I want one so bad! But the picture on my calendar this month is this, which is close enough:




found at gregolsenart.com


Anyway, today I wanted to send you over to NORAD Tracks Santa to see what's cooking over there. (They're on Facebook, too!)

Starting December First they do a countdown, revealing a different part of the North Pole each day. Kids (and adults!) can go on and play a new game every day. Even if you missed the countdown, like I did, you can go back and explore and play all the games.

They have fun facts and info about Santa, and starting Christmas Eve they use Google Earth to track Santa's movements around the world, including fun facts about the places he visits! (Did you know that Wulumuqi, China is 1,400 miles from any coastline? No city in the world is farther from water!)

The radio station in town here uses the web site to update kids on how far Santa is from town, and when he's expected to arrive so all the kids can get to bed on time!

Check it out! Head on over to http://www.noradsanta.org/.

And have a very Merry Christmas!!