My big kids are 5 and 7 this year and as much as we are putting an emphasis on Jesus, others, and the true meaning of Christmas, a lot of the secret chatter I overhear is about Santa. And naturally so! Jemma and Max are at prime ages for experiencing the joy and anticipation of that element of Christmas while learning about the historical context of this holiday and what we are really called to do this season.
Buuuuut, Santa! They just can’t contain the questions about him! And, let’s face it, the whole concept does pique one’s curiosity!
Exhibit A … As we were driving last week I heard Max ask, “So, how do those reindeer fly? Are they like unicorns? I mean, pegasus … you know, with wings sometimes?” Jemma, having already thought about this, informed us all that reindeers wear magical bells, kind of like a collar, that aid them in flying. “But,” she said, “they only work on Christmas Eve!”
Max went on inquiring about our house’s lack of chimneys. Jemma once again had a thorough answer, “Mom and Dad tell Santa about other, SAFER ways to get into our home. Like, this year, maybe Dad will leave the garage door cracked open for him.”
See? The Christmas spirit is alive and well here!
Another hot topic is Christmas food. Children after my own heart :) Max told me he can’t wait for it to snow so Starbuck’s gets snowman cookies. I may have told him that Starbucks only has those cookies in stock when snow is falling … And Jemma really wants to make biscotti with me. All the sweets talk turned to our plan for Santa’s upcoming treat. What cookies would he like most?!? And does he really prefer milk, or would some other drink be nice when he stops by our home?
This, I had already pondered. And so, I told the kids that Santa would most definitely prefer a few yummy cookies and a fancy grown-up only drink!
And yes, Jemma did decide to ask Santa for a bunny and a baby sister when I told her I needed a practice Santa note. That girl!!!
If you agree that Santa deserves more than leftover fruitcake and plain ‘ol milk for his long journey ’round the world, well, be my guest and whip up this fizzy mimosa-esque drink featured Sparking Ice in Orange Mango this year!
- 2 tablespoons fresh cranberry sauce
- 1 part orange juice
- 1 part Sparking ICE, orange mango flavor
- 1 part champagne*
- In a cocktail glass add 2 tablespoons fresh cranberry sauce. Pour 1 part orange juice and fill the the glass with ice. Right before serving add 1 part Sparking ICE and 1 part champagne.
- Embrace that fantastic fizz and swirl as you sip so the cranberry infusion melds throughout.
- *Make this drink non-alcoholic by eliminating the champagne.
While I taste-tested Santa’s fizzy perfection, I made a non-alcoholic version for the kids to share. Jemma and Reid thought it was AMAZING! Max only ever drinks water and thus, the poor kid doesn’t know what he’s missing! Amazon carries all 15 flavors of Sparkling Ice so whether you’re preparing to mix cocktails this holiday season or you just want a great zero calorie drink on hand, Ice is most definitely the winner.
Browse the flavor options here and stock up for holiday cocktails. Ice makes for great stocking stuffers too!
If your Santa will be partaking in an orange mango mimosa with muddled, sweetened cranberries like ours will be, feel free to leave out the remaining Sparking Ice. He just may finish it off leaving your kids to exclaim that Sparking ICE is surely Santa’s favorite beverage!
