We were so busy with holiday outings, Christmas concerts, work and parties this past week that I didn’t get a chance to participate in the last edition of ‘Three Things Thursday.’

And since the chubby bearded gentleman in the red suit will be coming down our chimneys this evening, I figured I’d better get this post out ASAP, so I can straighten my hair, whip up a Christmas Wife Saver breakfast and take a wee little blogging break.

So, let’s do this. Here is my fifth edition of Three Things Thursday! This week it’s all about our holiday highlight reel.

1.The Royal City Youth Ballet’s Production of The Nutcracker

Last year, Molly and I started a new mother-daughter holiday tradition — we went to see The Nutcracker at the Surrey Arts Centre.

We both had such a great time seeing the Royal City Youth Ballet Company perform that we decided to return  — this time we brought Nana and Zoe with us.

As a wee Valley gal myself, I watched the 1989 version of the ballet on our television screen every single Christmas. And as much as I enjoy that festive flick, it pales in comparison to seeing the real deal onstage.

In addition to helping us get into the Christmas spirit, both Molly and Zoe were so excited to see children their own age onstage.

The Royal City Youth Ballet Company is a unique society of young people gathered together to do what they love to do – classical ballet.These youngsters attend daily classes at their individual dance schools and meet every weekend to attend company classes and rehearse full length ballets.

If you missed it this year, I definitely recommend checking it out in 2016. These youngsters have some serious talent.

2. The Girls’ Christmas Concerts

I was a very proud parenting watching both girls at their Christmas concerts this year. CEFA Willowbrook put on their annual Winter Show, which was held over at Trinity Western University.

The theme was ‘Christmas around the World,’ and each child in Zoe’s class was given lines to memorize and a little solo to sing. I was pretty nervous for her — after all, my little red head can’t sing in front of us without giggling. Would she find the courage to stand on a stage by herself and speak in front of over 100 parents on the microphone? Would she actually sing her solo without laughing?

I was in tears as she stood at the mic and braved the crowd. She nailed it!

“I didn’t want to get off the stage,” she whispered in my ear after it was all finished.

She has grown up so much since we enrolled her in the school this past Spring — her confidence has also gone through the roof.

A few days later, Molly had a concert at her school. They did a whole ‘Elf on the Shelf’ routine that involved a couple of adorable songs and dances.

There’s nothing more adorable than watching a bunch of first graders prancing around a stage, dressed as Christmas elves.

At one point, Jason and I made eye contact, which brought on the waterworks. We are so proud of both our girls!

3. Great Grandpa is the Greatest!

We are so incredibly blessed to have my 93-year-old grandpa still with us — especially at Christmas.

Every year, I cuddle up next to him on the couch and try to soak up every moment we spend together. He suffers from hearing loss, so he doesn’t say much. But I  know he loves having Tucker curl up on his lap and watching the girls open their presents.

And that’s officially a wrap for 2015!

I’ll be taking some time off to spend some quality time with the family, but will be posting our top blog posts from the past year on Facebook all week long.

We’d love to hear what’s on your holiday highlight reel in the comment section below. And don’t forget to check out what the ladies below are up to: love laugh mirch, pink chai living and the write balance. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas xo