Santa Baby, Baby Jesus, and Easy Centerpiece

It was a busy weekend for Santa and his helpers.

We had our family Santa party, and there were lots of preparations and an under the weather elf to get it done!

But I didn't let it undermine my "elf esteem",  and though not as well prepared as I would have liked, the party went on.

How  cute are they?  Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Baby style.


My youngest gson, Eamon and his one month older cousin, Ella stole the show!


We had a Living Nativity, unpracticed, with simple costumes.


The Holy Family and some shepherds...

The angel and 3 Kings arrived, I see one of the shepherds had to have a drink from his sippy cup!


Eamon is in the Moses basket, and little Ella in the lamb.
  My gdau was the narrator, and all the gsons had a part, with cousins and friends joining in

A junior Santa came to see the baby Jesus, and wish everyone a Merry Christmas.  It was adorable, and reminded everyone the reason for the season.

That being said, the kids also were excited to have Santa and Mrs. Claus visit and deliver gifts.



The children whispered their wish list in Santa's ear.


Seeing all those happy faces brings the spirit of Christmas to your heart!  Though our hearts were heavy for our neighbors in CT who suffered such a horrendous loss on Friday, we cherished the time with these beautiful children.

After the party, many of us attended Mass and prayed for those who lost loved ones.  They need all of our prayers.


Of course, what's a party without food!





Plenty of desserts to end off a sweet day!  I made devil food cupcakes, dipped in chocolate and topped with whipped cream.  The little Santa's Workshop pole signs on top were via Martha Stewart.
Home made butter cookies and chocolate men.


Death by chocolate and a full pan of Apple Crisp with vanilla ice cream.  It was being warmed when I took the picture.


  The tables...


Each child got a red sack filled with gifts and candy bags.

A Christmas bulb pop...
 
I put some floral foam in a red basket, some mylar paper over it and poked holes through the paper so they could stand up.


My usual take home, a loaf of Irish Soda, Chocolate, chocolate chip or Pumpkin Raisin Bread.

There was also a gift boutique, lol.  I had an assortment of little gifts, ornaments, etc.  Each child picked a gift, and put it in a gift bag for their mom.   Fun!

Here is a close up of the centerpieces.

It started as a 2.00 faux wreath...


I wired in fresh greens from my yard, and pine cones.


Added fresh mums and baby's breath, and a hurricane and pillar candle in the middle, both on sale at JoAnns.



The wreaths can be reused, as well as the bows and candle holders, so actually very economical.  The only things that would have to be replaced next year are the flowers and greens.  The whole thing cost less than 10.00 each, and as I said, can be reused.

That's my story for tonight!  It was a very busy week!  I hope those who came enjoyed themselves, I know the kids did!

Thanks for stopping by!

I am joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday
Susan for Met. Monday
Yvonne for On the Menu Monday
Kathe for You're going to Love It Tues.
Marty for Tabletop Tues.
Gollum for Foodie Friday
See you Wed for Let's Dish!  Don't forget to follow and leave a comment to be entered in the gift card giveaway .  Winner will be announced on the 26th, in time to take advantage of those post Christmas sales!