Act II, Scene I

Today we are going to fast forward to Christmas 2009.

There is a lot of collective knowledge and wisdom frequenting our blog site each day, so before the holidays pass and we - all to quickly - move on to New Years, Valentine's Day, and St. Patrick's Day, let's take a moment to answer this question...

If I know then what I know now, I will...

What?  

Based on your experience with Christmas 2008, is there an idea you saw or heard that you want to remember for next year?  A recipe you want to try, but that just ain't gonna happen in '08?  An outing or event you want to be sure to catch, but time just ran out?  A store you want to visit?  A gift idea you want to try?  A holiday decoration you want to make?  A wrapping tip or some insider information you want to be sure to remember? 

Today's the day.  

Brain dump all your "couldas," "wouldas," and "shouldas," right here at Idea Central and I will make sure they come right back atcha on Friday, November 27, 2009 - with plenty of time to make them happen next year.

Increase the value of this resource exponentially by getting as many people as you can to post their contribution.  The more people (newcomers, lurkers, and faithful veterans) who post today, the more helpful the information will be next year.

I'll start.  Last Friday, Matthew received a small treat from one of his classmates.  The festive cellophane party bag came half filled with oats, sprinkles, and sparkles.  Attached was this poem:

Magic Reindeer Dust

Come December 24, as Santa flies here from the North,

Here's what you do, it isn't hard.

Just sprinkle this stuff in your yard...

The sprinkles and sparkles draw old Santa near

and oats attract his 8 reindeer...

Then just you wait - they're on their way

P.S. Happy Holiday

There is no way I will keep track of this poem for the next 364 days, but I love the idea and want to be sure to use it next year (of course, adapted and with my own little twist).  The idea is great for a few reasons... (1) it's inexpensive, so it's doable for a class of 20 (or neighborhood kids, etc...), (2) it isn't junk food, (3) kids can help make and package the gift, and (4) it is practical.  We know exactly what to do with it and once we spread the dust tomorrow night, there will be no chatcka left behind.

As far as I am concerned, Magic Reindeer Dust is an idea worth keeping.  Now it's safely deposited in Highlowahas Brain Bank, ready to be withdrawn next Thanksgiving.  

Also, kudos to Mrs. Sampract who, if she didn't come up with the idea, kept track of it for a year until she could use it!

Now it's your turn.  Fill us up with countless comments about all the things you want to be sure and remember for the holidays in 2009!

Signing off until tomorrow...

P.S.  And since we seem to be on a movie kick... here are popcorn containers I found in the dollar bin at Target - packaged up and ready to go.  Each one only cost $2.20 to make (minus the $15.00 gift card attached to the four containers for Matthew and Jack's teachers).