Ever since I reviewed The Doll’s Christmas by Tasha Tudor over in the Media Review section of Familes.com I’ve been thinking about the idea. The Doll’s Christmas is the story of some little girls hosting a pretend Christmas for their dolls. The holiday is complete with a special tea, gifts, a tree, and a Christmas play.
Tasha Tudor based the book on her own family. She started the tradition of the doll’s Christmas when her own children were young and she needed a fun way to occupy them. Several years ago my twin boys wanted presents for their stuffed animals. I ended up making a couple of scarves out of some fleece scraps. The boys were very pleased and so were their puppy and polar bear friends.
Even if you didn’t want to go all out with the idea of a doll’s Christmas, you could do a little bit of one. I love the idea of tiny cookies and everyone dressing up for tea. Somehow I don’t think my boys would go for it. I probably could have gotten away with red ribbons on the bears or something.
When my children were younger their stuffed animals were practically family. They went everywhere with us, I had to kiss them goodnight, and they got sick right along with their human friends. I know the boys would have loved decorating a tree for their animals, wrapping special presents, and hosting a party, too. That is as long as they didn’t have to dress up or anything.
I’m afraid my children are too big for this idea, but I hope some of you with little ones will try it. I think it would make a great yearly tradition. I also think it would be a nice way to include the children in Christmas preparations and the fun and excitement of making things special. I think it would teach children something nice about the giving part of the holiday.
Also See:
The Elf Shelf – Including Children in Holiday Fun
Fun Holiday Decorating Ideas for Kids
A Little Christmas Tree For The Little Ones