North Pole Breakfast

In an effort to celebrate the everyday -- and surprise the kids -- I decided that this year we would start a brand new Christmastime tradition:  Our first-ever North Pole Breakfast.  A whimsical little way to kick off a December full of family time and fun.  It was basically Sunday breakfast ... with a little extra pizazz, planning, creativity, and fun. 

{My inspiration for this new tradition came from this sweet blogger last year.  She really knows how to make the everyday memorable!}

I had such a great time thinking about how to make our inaugural event special and memorable.  Bringing those visions to life bit by bit was even more enjoyable.  Especially since I had to be sneaky so as not to blow the surprise.  I felt like a kid on Christmas Eve!  And it was really hard to keep the secret.

For the most part, I decorated with what I had on hand, filling in with a few new (and super inexpensive) purchases from places like Target and Wal-Mart.  I found some sweet little trinkets here and there for goody baskets as well.  Just to add to the excitement and fun.

 I prepped the table and goodies after the kids were in bed ... and everything was waiting for them when they came down for breakfast the next morning.  Their squeals and excitement were priceless, as were the conversations we had while munching on muffins, fruit, and other assorted treats.  All set to a backdrop of Christmas music, giggles, and chatter.

 As is so often the case, it's the small things that mean the most.  The times spent together around the table ... eating, talking, and making memories.  It was everything I was hoping for and so much more.  The kids were tickled pink and planning next year's fun before we even left the table.  I think we have ourselves a new tradition.

I was thrilled that several friends also planned their own North Pole Breakfasts after hearing about ours.  Each one was unique and special, just like the families who brought them to life.

::: Here's what our NPB Menu included :::

• Holiday Gingerbread Muffins

• Assorted Fruit and Dip

• Gingersnaps

• "North Pole" Donuts

• Eggnog

• Hot Chocolate and Mini Marshmallows

{Thanks to Pinterest, I've already got some fresh and fun ideas for next year's breakfast.  After all, it's never too early to start dreaming ... and preparing to make the magic and memories happen ...}