Christmas is Coming

It's December 1st, and while the snow hasn't settled in, yet, Christmas is less than four weeks away. As always, it's time to manage expectations for the wee ones - Christmas is in sight, but still far enough away. Thankfully our parenting predecessors figured this one out already, hence the Advent Calendar. Sure, sure, there was probably some religious and ceremonial significance when they first emerged a few hundred years ago, but we'll take the parenting help where we can get it.

As a child, I loved those little chocolates hidden behind the flaps. Looking back, I'm not sure my parents were the biggest fans of chocolate before breakfast. These days, however, we have lots of options. Our boys are excited to start assembling there scenes - Star Wars LEGO for the big one, Playmobil NHL Hockey for the littler one. It'll be nice to be hoisting Lord Stanley's cup in our living room, even if it is in miniature.

Now I just need to get myself some slippers to avoid stepping on all those little pieces of plastic.

Full Disclosure: Playmobil provided a sample product free of charge, opinions are my own.

Countdown to Christmas

It's December 1st. Not sure how that got here so soon. My wife is extra happy as it coincides with the end of Movember and so my Mo' is no more. Of course, you still have a couple of days to donate, perhaps to celebrate the departure of the lip-caterpillar: http://mobro.co/nickcheeseman

The boys are excited too as Christmas is around the corner. We still have a lot of work to do to get ready, but at least we were successful in the first challenge of the holiday season - the advent calendar. This shouldn't be a huge task, but the big guy was very specific. This year it was to be the Star Wars Lego Advent calendar.

Wow. That puppy is hard to find. On-line - Sold Out. Local toy store - Sold Out. Calling frantically across Toronto - Sold Out.

I had given up hope, and sadly I had no Force to use. Somehow though, supermommy of the year found one.

Now we are good to go. Where can I find that Skylanders Trap Team?

Kinder Calendar Giveaway!

The holiday season is fast approaching and Kinder Surprise is helping you get ready by giving away an awesome holiday prize pack! Help count down the holiday season with these chocolate treats!

The prize pack includes:

• One KINDER® Advent Calendar
• One KINDER® Hollow Santa with SURPRISE®
• One KINDER® SURPRISE® 100g Christmas egg
• One KINDER® SURPRISE® MAXI 150g egg

To enter simply follow the steps below. Giveaway closes on Nov 23, so get entering!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fine Print: The contest winner will be required to provide a full name and complete mailing address to be shared with KINDER® for shipping purposes. While you may enter as many of the KINDER® contests as you like, you can only win once. DISCLAIMER DISCLOSURE: I’m a #KinderDad who is part of the KINDER® Canada influencer team; as part of my affiliation with KINDER® Canada, I am provided with special perks and products. All thoughts and opinions are my own.