Adventures with the Bears | Snowflakes, Cocoa, and Christmas Joy

Written by Keela Garrigues

“It’s snowing!” Zoey squealed, as she ran through the house, tripping over her galoshes, looking for her mittens and warm wintery hat. “Let’s go outside to make snow angels!”

The first snowfall of the season indicates that Christmas is coming, and boy, do the bears love Christmas! The family traditions, the time spent with Grandma and Grandpa, the dozens of cookies baked and decorated, and all the holiday crafts.

Zoey, Allie, and Bella all rushed outside to taste that first fallen snow. “It’s not that cold, momma, come play with us!” cried out Bella, teeth chattering.

Not much later, the yard is covered in snow angels, cheeks are pink, paws are frozen, and smiles covered their faces as they ran into the house and immediately into the garage to pull out all of the decorations.

“Call them, call them, call them!” Allie screeched while bouncing from excitement, wanting to visit the tree farm with Grandma and Grandpa as soon as possible, “All the good ones will be gone if we don’t get there soon!”

Everyone loaded into the car and made their way to Loch Lolly, the local tree farm that’s been a tradition for many years. Allie and Zoey run off, squealing that each tree they find is the perfect tree, while Bella hangs back with Grandma and Grandpa, chuckling towards her sisters.

Bella’s enjoyed this tradition a bit longer than her sisters, as she joined the family first. But growing the family and sharing these traditions with her sisters has always given her pure joy.

After walking through the farm for what seems like hours to find the perfect tree, everyone stopped by the lodge. Bella, Allie, and Zoey all take turns sitting on Santa’s lap, drinking hot cocoa by the fireplace, and feeding Rudolph and the rest of Santa’s reindeer. “They’ve got a busy month ahead, momma, and we need to make sure they’re ready,” Allie stated calmly.

It’s Grandpa’s job to hang the lights because he does such a good job doing it. The bears watch patiently, going through their ornaments, whispering to each other about how each one is so special to them, with their favorite Christmas music playing in the background.

Once the tree is decorated, the bears climb to the top of the tree to place their special Snowman topper from Grandma.

The next morning comes, and Zoey gathers everyone up for a trip across town to join Grandma and Grandpa for some cookie baking and decorating. “Hurry, hurry, or we’re going to be late! Grandma is waiting for us!”

Grandma rolled out the dough and each bear grabbed their favorite cookie cutter. Dozens of cookies were baked and decorated, and the bears are left with homemade frosting all over their faces. “What’s the fun in decorating cookies if you’re not tasting the frosting as you decorate?” declares Allie.

Their late great-grandma always spent time baking and decorating cookies with them, and it’s important to Zoey to continue that tradition, knowing she’s looking over them.

After Grandpa’s official taste test of their work, plates of cookies are delivered to the neighbors.  The bears then gathered in front of the fireplace for some holiday craft time. Bella’s chosen to paint a special ornament for Grandma to place on her tree, while Allie and Zoey cut out snowflakes to hang on windows. Like snowflakes, each bear is so unique and special in their own way.

Homemade gifts are the favorite gifts to give for the bears, so they each spent some time with Grandma and Mommy to make something special for each other. Zoey learns to knit a new scarf for Allie. Allie sews a new apron for Bella as Bella loves to cook. And Bella makes Zoey a new beautiful rose quartz necklace, Zoey’s favorite color.

It’s finally Christmas morning!

Zoey woke Allie and Bella up as soon as the sun shined through the windows by jumping on the bed. “It’s time, it’s time!”

Cinnamon rolls are in the oven, and hot cocoa is on the stove.

After the stockings are opened and homemade gifts are exchanged, everyone puts on their favorite dresses and waits eagerly for Grandma and Grandpa to show up for Christmas dinner and games.

It was a great day, and everyone fell asleep with so much joy and love in their hearts.