Holidays at Disneyland: A Family Tradition

Going to Disneyland for the holidays is something that our family has done for a long time. It's a family tradition and in my family, ya don't mess with tradition!

It's something that we can all count on each year. We know that no matter how crazy things get, how hectic and busy our lives become that we will all come together and meet for a family date at Disneyland during the Christmas Season.

There's so much to see and do there that we actually have to go a few times during the holiday season just to get it all in. Thank god for annual passes. And even then, we still end up missing a few things - how is that even possible? But one thing we never miss is the Haunted Mansion Holiday, which is taken over by Jack Skellington and his friends! It's perfect for kids of all ages, and the whimsy of it all makes it a lot less scary.

This year was no different and we all planned a day to visit the Merriest place on earth. We attended the family media day and had some really special photo ops at the reception. The fact that our youngest daughter had quality one-on-one time with some of her favorite characters is absolutely priceless. I mean how many kids can say that they've played tag w/ Pinocchio?

It was an amazing day and we made a lot of family memories that I know I will treasure forever. That's one of the biggest reasons that moms love Disneyland, knowing that when you spend a day in the magic kingdom you're going to take with you a whole new set of moments. By the time we got to take our family photo at the ginormous tree on main street the youngest one was already asleep in the stroller. Oh well, looks like we will have to try again next year!

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort are not to be missed, so you must visit by January 8th to catch all of the festivities. For more info on all things Disney Holidays check out the WEBSITE. And when you visit the park, be sure to take one of those silly, crazy, awesome JUMPING pictures, like the one below! PRICELESS!!!!

Disclosure: I was not paid for this post. I was given passes for me and my family to attend a media preview day. The opinions on this blog are 100% mine and 100% fresh!

Disneyland during the Holidays

There is nothing more magical then HOLIDAYS time at DISNEYLAND. We have made a family tradition of visiting Disneyland every year during CHRISTMAS. My sisters & I bring our families together and celebrate at the Resort. We can't wait to see how they have decorated the place, the new things they've added. There are always some favorites that stay the same, like how the Haunted Mansion becomes Haunted Mansion Holiday with Jack Skellington. But they also change things up a bit, like how Sleeping Beauty's Castle is decorated. And the best part is the Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks Show that ends with an emotional rendition of the song of White Christmas and "Snow" Falling all down Main Street.

They really have so much to offer this time of year that it's hard to do and see it all in one day. There is also plenty of festive things going on over at CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE, not to be missed. You should set aside a few hours, or another day (if possible) to see that. If you plan on attending Disneyland over this Holiday Season, here are some highlights that you won't want to miss:

IT'S A SMALL WORLD HOLIDAY

A CHRISTMAS FANTASY PARADE

SANTA'S REINDEER ROUND-UP

THE GRAND CALIFORNIAN, A DISNEY RESORT

You can see the Resort, transformed into the Winter Wonderland now until January 2nd, 2011. I'm sure we'll be there again once more before it's over, I'm addicted.... See you at the Park!

We'll be sure to add these festive photos of our family memories to the new campaign of LET THE MEMORIES BEGIN Have you added yours yet?

Wishing you and your family Peace, Joy & 

Disney Holiday Magic that lasts the entire year!

(*I was not paid or compensated for this post. I was given tickets to the park to experience the Holiday Magic. This post represents my own views. Ho Ho Ho!)

Precious Time

Remember when I said I was doing Big Thangs this December? Well one of those things is taking a Big Picture Scrap Booking Class. It's called Picture The Holidays and it is taught by my sister Tracey Clark. For those of you who don't know what that is, or aren't participating... She sends an email with a photo, a title, and a prompt every day for the entire month of December. Then you take a photo that expresses to you the meaning. Or as she much more eloquently puts it, "Picture the Holidays is a photo centric daily guide to creatively and mindfully celebrating the season."

Precious Time

(December 1: Holding Onto Gratitude)

I am grateful for time. Time in this wonderful world to spend with my family. Time to figure out my path, find my way. Time to learn that I Am Enough. Time to fulfill my dreams. Time to get it right.