Treasure Hunt!

Just like Sally Forth's daughter, I am in denial that Christmas is over for another year. As long as the tree is still up, and Christmas carols are playing in my house, and there is lots of leftover food, it MUST be Christmas! So, here's one final post about the most wonderful time of the year!

When my mother was a young girl, her mother started a Christmas tradition. Money was tight and her parents felt bad that they didn't have much to give their children for Christmas. Her mother thought that a treasure hunt would help add a little fun and excitement to the meager gifts.

Even after money wasn't so tight, the treasure hunt tradition continued. My mother carried on the treasure hunt with my siblings and me and we have continued the treasure hunt tradition to our children. Sometime Christmas evening, one last gift is given--but only after a short hunt. Who knew that such a simple thing could bring such warm memories and joy?

This year, Emily had the following clues for her treasure hunt.

1. Polar Express meets Zoo Tycoon. (She had to find her next clue at this year's rendition of the famous candy train.)


2. Frosty broke his nose! (I got the most adorable handmade snowman for Christmas from my daughter, Heather and her husband, Dustin. Unfortunately, the nose fell off before I unwrapped their gift. Never fear--a little glue will take care of the cute wooden carrot nose.)

3. Mrs. Claus needs an eyebrow job. (We have a wall decoration that MY grandmother made years ago. Sadly, one eyebrow is missing. Someday, I will have to take care of that and give her an eyebrow transplant.)


4. Wait, Elders!.... (A couple of weeks ago, a missionary wanted to use our bathroom. Actually, Emily's bathroom. The warning came too late. Thank goodness, the bathroom was clean--just a little cluttered with silk flowers, bracelets, rings, and other assorted girl accessories all over the counter.)

5. Where the dirty clothes are supposed to go! (This is where the gift was hid--in her hamper. The dirty clothes don't always make it there. Typical teenager.)

Well, it didn't take Emily long to follow the clues and discover her "treasure."

To say that she was thrilled with her last gift would be an understatement.

Yes, those are tears of joy!

After years of wishing and hoping and begging for a cell phone, she got it. Merry Christmas, Emily!