Gifts and Magic Reindeer Food

That is about three cords of firewood. Santa is not bringing coal to fill our stockings. We had to pay for the firewood delivery in order to keep us warm through the upcoming (hopefully) cold and snowy winter. I couldn't decide what I wanted to drink. If that doesn't keep us warm maybe this will. ******* I baked presents for my neighbors. Chocolate presents. Wrap a piece cut from a cardboard box in pretty gold wrapping paper. Bake a french vanilla flavored cake in a loaf pan and split it into 3 layers. Pipe a stripe of chocolate frosting around the edges to make a dam for your filling. Working on one layer at a time. Layering a generous portion of sweet red raspberry or cherry jam you made during the long hot summer. Until all layers are complete with chocolate and jam. Cover with more chocolate frosting and decorate with an artificial yet festive poinsettia or holly. Wrap in cello. Adorn with gift tag and bow. You can even cut the loaf in half for neighbors of 1 or 2 people. I made 8 of these this year. The children and I pulled Steven's wagon -carrying Steven in our arms (man, is he getting heavy!) around the village and delivered chocolatey christmasy goodness to those who have been nice to us. ******* What to do with a bunch of empty baby food jars? Make Magic reindeer food as gifts for children you know, of course. Steven rarely eats baby food. We end up throwing out more than he eats. There are many MANY recipes out there on the net for making a 'magic reindeer food' for Santa's sleigh team. I beg you please do not use the ones with glitter in the recipe. Some glitter is made from ground glass. Tiny birds and other animals that may eat the oats, seeds, corn kernels, etc, may also ingest the glass causing sever damage to their gizzard and gullets. This is what I use - Wild birdseed, full of corn, seeds and other good things for the birds. A few quaker oats. Green and red sugar crystals. We layer it in the jars like sand art or you can mix it all together in a mash of sparkles and feed. This is the poem I wrote and use with my jars of 'magic reindeer feed' when I give it as gifts.

The night before Christmas and all through the house, Everyone has eatten - even the mouse. Leave Santa some cookies and a glass of milk too, Don't forget the reindeer - please give them some food. Open this jar and sprinkle outside, Hop into bed - Santa is soon to arrive. Soon will come sleep, evening stars shining bright, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Cover the jar lids + tie a pretty ribbon = instant gift. Be good to the wildlife in your area and do not use glitter in the reindeer food. Please. And Thank you.