Steelers game on deck? Check.
Jingle Jam holiday celebration on post? Check.
Surprise hot cocoa and chicken nugget tater tot casserole* to warm us up after being in the cold weather? Chiggity check, yo.
Donned in our Steelers best, we piled into the car to attend the “Jingle Jam” on post where FedEx “Trees for Troops” were passing out Christmas trees to our soldiers and the most hilarious tree-loading could be found. Why oh why did I not take pictures of people with trees out their sunroofs, or strapped to the front of their car, in their passenger seat, out the back of their trunk. It was seriously the most hilarious thing to see, one after the next, they got the trees in the car any way they could get ’em for the short trip home.
At the event, we made crafts, nibbled on some sweet treats and had a lot of fun with many other military families, helping us get into the overall spirit of Christmas and the holidays. I loved the decorations Warrior Community Center had up for the holiday, and I have to admit, their Santa was the best Santa I’d ever seen!
After the event, I surprised the kids by purchasing hot cocoa to warm them up afterwards. It was, after all, such a chilly day (after quite a few unseasonably warm days).
Sharing hot cocoa together is so much like a celebration, and I love any excuse to celebrate! We decided to try the new Cold Stone Creamery Hot Cocoa in both milk chocolate and dark chocolate flavors. Really rich and delicious. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until afterwards I noticed there was artificial flavoring in it (I had missed it on the label at first glance). However, it didn’t affect my children’s behavior at all (they normally would “spaz” from the artificial stuff) so thankfully, there must be very, very little in it.
All in all, it was a great day. I look forward to many more moments of togetherness with my kids like this. I love this holiday time, don’t you?
*The recipe for Chicken Nugget Tater Tot Casserole recipe is coming, as well as one for a Chicken Nugget Macaroni and Cheese Casserole. Yum!
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