One of the most beautiful, wonderful things that can happen in our household is for all three children to play together peacefully. Yes, it does happen!! I love when they find something that bridges the five-year age gap. Usually, it’s some sort of creative play — we’re lucky that our kids are so into that.

My mom gave them this little town set that decorated our upstairs alcove through mid-January. It’s really supposed to be an advent calendar, with a piece to make per day, but I recommend doing it all at once and playing with it all season long 🙂 The older kids loved putting it together with Grammy, and then creating scenes in the village. Littlest One loved pretending to play along, and just handling a house or tree was endlessly entertaining to her.

I just loved watching them. There’s nothing deeper than that… I’m just grateful they had this peaceful play together and want to remember it.

Kate Gelatt