Santa's Message for KIDS - decoder rings, game night and joy of family time

I will start this post off with Santa's wonderful message this year because that is why I'm writing this post.

{{sniffle}} 

It's hard to get kids to remember that with phones and game systems they spend so much time on, it also takes away from quality time with friends and family. I know it's fun but with them growing up so fast I want them to remember good times with us too. 

Even though my boys are older and know Mom and Dad is "Santa" {{this has never been spoken but they know}} he leaves a personal message about their grades and manners. How proud and to keep it up. Oh and usually that Santa can not eat THAT many cookies. :)

We normally open presents and Santa leaves a clue to find his gift.

It's hard to find but our tree is blue and silver and his clue has a red ribbon. Usually stands out but he made it a little harder this year.

Why does Santa hide clues, you ask?

Many years ago we stopped having Santa leave the expensive or large toys/electronics. This was prompted with a wish list by my son that included a DSLR camera on it for me because "Santa will bring it and it's FREE!" :)" While it was super sweet of him to include me on his list, we wanted Santa's gifts to mean something more AND they are definitely NOT free.

The decoder rings were to up the level of difficulty. This was new this year and a huge hit. Now they had to figure out the clue and then figure out the message. 

Hey and Santa got them taking care of some chores too. Thanks, Santa!

one clue was on the bottom of the cat bowl but the clue only said to fill the bowl. Sneaky! 

The next two clues had spelling errors....Geez! Next year Santa needs to not stay up so late working on clues and check his work better.  He was called out on it by the boys. It did make for a good laugh.

Santa also has a sense of humor. 

This was the last clue and his gift was in the TV stand next to the Xbox stuff. Since November this is heard in our house, among other things. 

"What!? How did I not get him!?" 

"I'm lagging, it's so not fair!" 

"Step up if you want to get burnt" (That one is by a character but repeated often) 

"Early Christmas noobs!"

"Ahhhh....This match is full of spawn campers and glitchers"

"I owned in that match!"

"Dang noobs just shootin' each other on hardcore!"

Lots of grunts, protest sounds and sometimes I think someone just got hurt. Seriously, I've had to ask if they are okay.

Somewhat comical at times and if you have gamers you will totally relate. :)

Fun to watch them run around finding clues and decoding. Final picture with Santa's message which was found with a new board game.

My oldest had a card that made him laugh every time someone laughed and his fake laugh made us laugh even more. Such a funny game with silly things you have to do and say. "Obey the card" is the theme.

It worked and our Christmas day was filled with silliness, smiles and giggles galore. :)

Memories made. Success!!!

Thanks for stopping by!