When is Christmas, Mommy? For Those of Us ALREADY X-Mas Planning...

"When is Christmas, Mommy?" I heard those words maybe the day after my daughter's excitement about starting kindergarten subsided, which is to say I heard them the day after kindergarten started.

I am happy to share that Harper rediscovered her enthusiasm for school after learning that her first big school project will be a big board with pictures sharing her family, pets, and favorite things to do. Her enthusiasm is infectious, so you can see why I felt terrible telling her excited, little face that Christmas is still 100 or so days away. Mind you, she still has no solid idea of what unit of time 100 days comprises, but I felt bad enough nonetheless that discussions of what Santa is bringing her have already begun in earnest. Mostly, her ideas revolve around little plastic figurines, which she'll play with for a few hours and toss aside for all of eternity. That forces me to think outside the box for some additional gifts that might have some lasting sentimental value, and since I know how much she loves things that feel personal to her whether it's her school project or this book above, it made me think other parents might enjoy this gift idea.

​Read on for a cute idea if you're in a similar bind!

Zebrabooks not only put your child's name on their cover but make your child (or a cute fur-baby version of your child) the hero (or heroine) of each tale. Harper is just at that age where she's beginning to sight read words, and she was more excited about spotting her name on each page than any other aspect of this book, although the illustrations and story were adorable as well.

                                                                       Outfit Details
This cashmere Vince cardigan was more than 60% off at Bluefly! Similar available here.  Eberjey with Rebecca Taylor pj set (on me). Similar     Victoria Bekham for Target pjs (on Harper). Similar Edge of Ember necklace available here.

The books are available in French and English, and since we're just beginning her French education I opted for the French version. It has another fun component as well for us-- a way to get her to be engaged with French! (I'm a French-American dual citizen, but we waited to start speaking French in our household due to her many ear infections. We're starting at 3 with our other toddler, and it is truly amazing to hear him soaking up the language.) Check out the different options for your child's own journey in French or English here.

What's on your list for Christmas? The mama and the papa bought themselves a more cozy couch to vegetate on, so we're all set once that arrives... It takes forever to get one custom-made, but we have made the mistake of going with the cute white floor model version before, because we couldn't stand the thought of a  10-12 week wait. Please learn from our painful life experience and never, ever buy a white couch!!!! Or at least certainly consider not putting yourself through that minor hell if you have a miniature zoo like we do!