Need a stress buster for the holidays?  A way to keep the kids excited for Christmas but out from under the Christmas tree?  I’ve got you covered.

This time of year is crazy.  No matter how you dice it or slice it.  No matter how many times you proclaim that this year will be the year you get it all done early and spend the month of December soaking in the spirit of the season.  No matter the 10,000 presents you have already bought only to realize you were only on the FRONT side of the list. December is hard.

We started a few years ago, sorta kinda not really celebrating St. Nicholas Day.  It is actually on December 6th, but we adjust the date every year according to our mood (and to my sanity).

My kids sense the tension of the season and I think they might even suffer a little.

I am always busy scheduling parties, buying gifts, planning how to spend our time, making new traditions and oh…did I mention I am a maker.  My house is covered with the 97 projects I have going on all at once.  Looking in from the outside, it really looks like I could be nuts.

So…one night (usually during a tough week), I have the kids place one shoe in front of the fireplace (my daughter uses a box because she is worried her impending treats might soak of the sweet aroma of her dirty shoes).

Once the shoes (or boxes) are out, a few sweet treats are magically delivered.

It isn’t fancy and it doesn’t cost a lot but it helps to ease the suffering of eyeing the presents under the tree.  It makes them feel super special and loved.

To this day, it is a mystery of who leaves the treats.  Could be Santa.  Might be Mom and Dad.  My little swears on her life that it is the Easter Bunny.

Regardless of the treat giver, the surprise is always welcomed and it makes a cold, rainy, stressful December day a little brighter.

Do you do anything unusual with your family during the holidays to lighten the mood and make Christmas the most wonderful time of the year?