A Very Mary Christmas

     We thought Santa and the elf on the shelf were clever...well....then there was Mary.  She told the kids that she would be out on Saturday.  I marked my calendars (several of them) with the same information.  This house runs on calendars to get us through the madness.  Last night, after some shopping, we returned back at the house to unload the car and create piles under the tree.  This morning Ethan's little feet ran down the hallway in the traditional search-for-Elliot-the-elf style and a celebration of gifts greeted him.  "Mom got a lot of stuff when she went shopping last night!".  He screamed to his sister.  "No I did NOT!!!!", I yelled back.  This was followed up by guesses that included Santa coming early, Pop Pop and Chuckie and Theresa.  Nope, nope and nope.  He was stumped.  One run down the hallway and two sets of feet later...two children were mystified and throwing out guesses.  I gave hints.  Check the writing....who else could it be...think, think!  Before they knew it, Mary was popping out of the hallway complete with blinking Christmas light necklace and a "ho, ho, ho!".  It was a moment from television.  Christmas numero uno began.  Lots of smiles, excitement, eating and love was had all day and we have our very merry Mary to thank!!! New traditions, some surprises and a little extra planning made for one amazing day!!!