Christmas is just nine weeks away and I’ve been a busy bee, devising a Holiday Plan of Attack. My husband had the brilliant idea of making Christmas more about What We Do than What We Get, so I’m trying to relate most of the gifts we buy around experiences rather than frivolity. I’ve attempted to craft an “ideal Christmas morning” and base my Gift List off of those things, with a few fun extras thrown in for good measure?

Anyway, my ideal Christmas would look something like this:

We’d wake up on Christmas morning to a very easy breakfast (think bagels and donuts) so that the emphasis can be on family, specifically opening presents with the kids. I envision us all still in our pajamas, curled up under the tree, opening each other’s presents. Before the presents get opened, I might want to snag a picture of the kids in their cute pajamas, before all the madness ensues. After our presents have been opened (assuming it’s a white Christmas) I’d want to take the kids sledding. We just picked up our first sled at Blain’s Farm & Fleet so I’m eager to try it out and sledding on Christmas morning just sounds fantastic.

When we get back, it only seems right that we warm up with some hot chocolate and maybe play a board game together as a family and also give MM time to play with some of his new things. Then after lunch (again, something easy please?) we’d curl up together and watch a kid’s movie together, eat some popcorn and relax. After the movie, it would probably be close to dinner – I’m thinking spaghetti and meatballs. My son loves it and my husband makes incredible homemade meatballs. Maybe we could all cook dinner together while listening to some great music and spend some time in one of my favorite rooms in the apartment – our kitchen.

After MM goes to bed, I’ll want to veg out with my husband for a bit and either watch a movie together or maybe play a video game. Something low key and definitely involving a sweet treat before bed.

So, here’s our family’s Christmas Wish List based off of that idea – things I’d love to review for this blog and that I’d love for myself and my family to find under our tree this year:

First off, I mentioned how I see us all in our pajamas opening presents. How cute would it be if they were matching pajamas like this cute set from Sleepy Heads?

For my husband, I’d love to get…

• a hot air popcorn popper like this one by Presto for just $20
• a new video game – perhaps Super Smash Bros. Brawl for the Wii?
• and okay, I’m really dreaming big here, but my husband isn’t a man of many wants – if we happen to win the lottery before Christmas, I’d get him a widescreen tv like this one by Coby so our shows won’t get cropped on the sides any more.

For My 3 Year Old Son:

• I’ve been hearing about The Lady Bug game everywhere and I’d love to get him that or something similar.
• I’ve always wanted a Nativity Set, but I’d like something the kids can actually touch. This Nativity Set from One Step Ahead looks classy and fun.
• He’ll need some snow boots while we’re outside playing. I like this pair of boots at Famous Footwear.

For My Daughter (she’ll be 5 months old by then):

• She’s gonna want something cute to play with while we’re playing a game or watching a movie. Maybe this Lamaze Elephantunes will keep her busy?
• I’m also loving this Soft My First Christmas Tree from One Step Ahead for her – Not only is it adorable with tons of details for her to explore, it’s machine washable.
• I am loving the Cloud b Baby Sheep with Rattle and Spill Cloths – how pretty and cozy does this look? I see her cuddling that adorable sheep while Dan and I relax before bed.

For me:

• One thing I’d love is a new set of kitchen towels and dish cloths. Ours are getting a bit worn and I think this towel set by Now Designs is just adorable. The color theme is called “chocolate” which really appeals to me and if I need a holiday to get my kitchen towels replaced, so be it.
• If we’re going to snuggle up with some hot chocolate after sledding, I’d love it if it were a fun gourmet hot chocolate like this Chocolate Raspberry Drinking Chocolate by Vitale. We’re typically a Swiss Miss kind of family but sometimes it’s nice to indulge.
• Lastly, if nothing else, put John Mayer’s new album Battle Studies under my tree, and I will be one happy momma.

What items are at the top of your holiday wish list? We’d love to hear what things would make your Christmas a little merrier. Feel free to email your Wish List to mommasreview (at) gmail (dot) com if you’d like us to post it here for a future Wish List Wednesday.