Tale of a Woody Doll......and Mass

So, last Sunday in mass there was a little boy who had this.....

Woody....well, mama makes a mental note that JG just MIIIIGGGHHHTTT want this for Christmas after....

Homily has just begun

JG: Mama that little boy has my woody, we need to get it back

Me:  Buddy, we dont have a Woody like that, ours is little

JG:  Mama, I need a new Woody because mine is missing a leg (this is true)

Me: JG no talking in Church

JG:  But but but but but (stuttering stage) thats my Woody and I WANT IT!!

Me: shhhhh Christmas is coming lets ask Santa, but Santa only brings toys to good listeners

JG: But but but but but but but but That boy took my Woody!!!!

This commentary repeated about 20 times in the next 5 minutes....

Then yesterday morning

JG:  Mama remember that boy who had Woody in Church

Me: Yes buddy

JG:  We need to find out where that little boy lives, so Santa can take his Woody and give it to me.

Logic of a 3 year old.  

Have already been scouting Woody's, even though it was explained 1000 times that Santa Might bring one, but it will definitely not be the little boy in church's. Santa doesnt steal from other kids....he makes toys....right??

Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh

I think G loves his ring pop.  Look at JG face! 

Now that Halloween has concluded (I know Im a week late) I have begun thinking about Christmas, our thoughts, traditions, and what we are going to be doing this year.  But a few All HAllows Eve photos for your liking first.
Growing up, we always had a big Christmas, which we loved!  But pretty much everything was brought my Santa and we got a small religious gift from our parents.  While my kids are young, I want to establish our traditions, and continue them. My hubby came from a home, where Christmas was a big deal, but they usually got a couple of gifts, it wasn't as big of a deal.  I remember when I was little one set of cousins getting 3 gifts, for the 3 gifts Jesus received from the Wise Men, Gold Frankincense and Myrrh.  Well, for some reason, as I begin to think and plan our Christmas lists, and Santa for the kids, this memory sat on my heart.  I think this will be a great way to bring the Christ Child into our home, and reminding both us and our kids that Christmas isnt about being overloaded with toys.  But we are celebrating Jesus' birthday.  We will try it this year, and see if the tradition sticks.  3 gifts from Santa, and then we will get the kids something from us.  Now, just to figure out other ways to celebrate the season with the best of intentions, and while teaching my kids in a very concrete way about the Birth of our Savior.  Bringing back the Original Christmas Gift, they were the first to see our Savior, the first to bring Him homage.  So maybe we need to give a little more significance to their offering in my home.  

Advent Wreath -- always had in church, not at home since we have been married.  This is horrible for me to admit, but its true.  This year JG is definitely old enough to at least understand Christmas, and participate in the prayers.  We say prayers as a family every night, so the time is already set aside.  Now, we can expand this tradition into the Christmas season with the advent candles.  I am already seeing my little kids eyes sparkling in the candle light and having to hold JG back from blowing the candles out until the prayers are over :)!
For me, I want to make sure that I prepare my heart for the coming of the Christ Child.  Just as in Lent i prepare my heart for the Passion.  Devotionals for Christmas are on overload this time of year, and I need some suggestions about any?  I love this time of year.  It might be a little early to start planning these things, but if I dont think ahead, Advent will be 1/2 way over before I realize Thanksgiving has even passed.
Any other Christmas traditions or ways to bring Jesus into your home?  I would Love some ideas!!!