Christmas: December 2006 Archives

post published early Christmas is my most favorite time of the year -if you hadn't noticed by now. I anticipate its arrival and plan and work to make it the most special time of the year for my kids. I want them to grow up with the excitement and joy that I had as a child. I think once again I pulled off a huge success and each of the children and my sweet husband are pleasantly tired yet happy and contented. This year I myself had a wonderful time and was pleasantly surprised by the gifts I recieved. We had seen the way MommaK had incorporated her tv into her kitchen and I explained to Steve that is what I had in mind for our kitchen ultimately when it was finished (a day that looms far ahead into my future). He has often questioned my I want a tv in the kitchen and seemingly tried to convince me I really did not want it. Finally I told him I want it because I want it and no other reason. Seeing MommaK's seamlessly incorporated and attractive TV and DVD bedecked kitchen he took that and ran with it. Steve gave me a flat screen TV and DVD player for the kitchen. I spend so much time in the kitchen. I often get frustrated that I can barely hear what they are watching in the livingroom or have to run back and forth to keep up with something I wanted to watch while having to cook supper or when I have things going on the stove. So, it was indeed a perfect and satisfying gift. Just after Thanksgiving I had gifted myself with the Walton's season 1 and 2. This year for Christmas someone listened to me and I have Little House on the Prarie Season 1 and 2 as well as the Premeire show that preceeded the TV series. My mother continually questioned me as to what I might like as a gift and when I saw the book I knew it would be the most perfect gift for me. She gave me "A Little House Collection". I am just tickled with it. I had contemplated buying it for the kids several times and now I have it for myself. I also got a new copy of Little Women. I LOVE that book! I also love the movie. So while I take a break between Christmas and New Years I will be putting my feet up and enjoying my Little House Series and my book along with several other gifts of chocolate, wine, lounging sets all the while burning that stack of firewood and watching time slip by while my baby plays at my feet and tries to walk more than a step at a time. We will eat leftovers and/or simple meals and finish off the baskets of sweets and treats and cakes. We will also take cold medicines, use up hundreds of tissues and jars of vicks. I have no idea where this cold came from! At least it waited to hit me AFTER Christmas. Thank you all for dropping by and wishing us well during the Holidays. I wish you all Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Chanuaka, Happy Holidays, and Seasons Greetings. I apologize for being late in wishing you all well. As we have had a housefull of guests since the Thursday before Christmas. I have had little more than 5 minutes a day to get online. Most of my posts were written last week knowing I would have little or no time and all I would have to do it hit the publish button.

Pretzel sticks dipped in chocolate and rolled in pecans and crushed pepperment candies are great for parties or to have out for munching when you have visitors over. Over boiling water slowly melt some chocolate chips. Remember to stir often. The chips will begin to melt and will melt quickly. Turn off the heat. Dip the pretzels in the chocolate and roll the tips in nuts or crushed peppermints. Cool on wax paper. These make a great hostess gift when packaged in cello bags and tied with a ribbon. For gift giving I use the long elegant pretzel sticks. I use both white and dark chocolate chips. I roll them in peanuts, pecans, crushed peppermints, or cinnamon candies. It is an easy gift and a handmade gift. Handmade gifts are wondering to give and receive. There also went to MommaK's holiday open house.

I guess am doing a 12 Days of Christmas Desserts or maybe a Treat Yourself for the Holidays Idea guide. Not sure which but I have been photographing a lot of the stuff happening in my kitchen this week. This treat is a black forest type trifle which is always a big success when served. Rich dark chocolate cake soaked with cherry brandy. Layered with Cherry jam. And chocolate pudding. And whipped cream. The same layers are repeated again. Then topped off with a shaving of dark bittersweet chocolate. This dessert went to the holiday open house given by the lovely MommaK on sunday afternoon the week before Christmas.

This is a quick and easy treat you can make all year long for your children. It makes having a treat of ice cream a little more special. Over boiling water slowly melt some chocolate chips. Remember to stir often. The chips will begin to melt and will melt quickly. Turn off the heat. Using a pastry brush paint a coating of chocolate around the upper part of the cone. Sprinkle with a bit of colored candy, crushed mints, crushed cookies/candy bars, or nuts. Anything you like. You can even stick miniature marshmallows on them. Invert onto wax paper. It takes a while for the chocolate to set and cool to a hard coating. Fill with ice cream and serve. You can also fill these with candy and wrap in cello bags and give as party treat or token gifts to children during the holidays. They are sure to love them. They are also great for birthday parties. These cones went to the lovely MommaK's holiday open house party.

King James Version (KJV) Luke - Chapter 2 Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. Luke 2:2 ([And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) Luke 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) Luke 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. Luke 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. Luke 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:12 And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. Luke 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. Luke 2:17 And when they had seen [it], they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. Luke 2:18 And all they that heard [it] wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. Luke 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart. Luke 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. blueletterbible.com

(or A Visit from St. Nicholas) by Clement Clarke Moore 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads. And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap. When out on the roof there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutter, and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow gave the lustre of midday to objects below, when, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles, his coursers they came, and he whistled and shouted and called them by name: "Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!" Please, don't make me open a present! Pleaaaassseeeee! As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky so up to the house-top the coursers they flew, with the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too. And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head and was turning around, down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. His eyes--how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow. The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath. He had a broad face and a little round belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself. A wink of his eye and a twist of his head soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk. And laying his finger aside of his nose, and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose. Before church Christmas Eve He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

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.

Judy showed me hers now I'll show you mine. Some of the houses are expensive, some are not. Some were gifts and some I collected here and there. Some are lit by candles, some by eletricity. Some are potpourri houses and some are just for looks. It is a mishmash. I am fond of them all. This is just a few. There is a display upstairs with a train depot and train and a winter fishing cabin but the baby is sleeping and I won't go up there making noise. He doesn't sleep enough as it is. Front hall settee. Front hall bookcase. Dining room buffett. The barn is one of my favorites. The farm house is also a favorite piece. We haven't had snow here yet so I didn't flock them in white this year. Mostly because it can be messy and I have enough to do as it is.) I do not put them all out every year. I pick and choose pieces. some I display and next year maybe I will choose another. The girls love to walk through the house when the lights are off and the houses are lit and image who loves where. Steve walks the baby around and talks to him about the places and people. I just listen to them talking.

Nothing sets me into motion or motivates me more fully than the knowledge it is now 24 hours to the arrival of my mother for the holidays. It is this mad rush to achieve perfection in which I generally suceed at projects that have either eluded me or I have procrastinated with for a very long time. (Yes, very much like painting of those 2 window trims and door frame in the kitchen. I will get to it!) Back in the summer on a very rainy Saturday as Steve and I drove to carry our trash to the landfill we passed a yard sale. Typical stuff, but my eye caught on a pair of matching chairs. A straight chair and its companion rocker. They were covered in hideous fabric and if left to sit out in the rain would be rendered garbage by the end of the yard saling day. The lady wanted $45 each for them and I balked and offered her $30 for the both of them. She refused. As I browsed further someone offered her even less for them. She came over to me and said she would take $35 for both. I said $30 for both and these little wooden picture frames. Deal. And so it was that I brought home this matched set of parlor chairs and placed them in my front hall terribly in need of being clean and reupholstered. Periodically since then I would browse for the perfect Waverly fabric to cover them with and generally being displeased with the available pattern and/or their price per yard I put the project off for another time. Recently I was in a fabric shop and found a roll of Waverly fabric in the Fernwood Vintage print that was reduced -reduced -reduced in price. I loved the pattern but the price was a bonus. The regularly priced $17.99 a yard was now clearanced down to $4.50. Sold! I purchased three yards and some trim. Yesterday I spent much of the afternon ripping off the old, replacing the chair padding and batting. Today my entry way is warm and inviting in shades of crimson, gold and white. I love the way the chairs look. Steve has been working on his own small projects as well. He has finally after 11 months patched the drywall in the bathroom where a leaking pipe was replaced. He has patched the plaster in the pass through area leading from the old part of the house to the back kitchen and dining area. He and I are much alike in putting tedious little tasks off to the last minute. The last thing I felt like doing was recovering those chairs but now I am glad I did. The front hall looks great and the task is no longer hanging over my head. I may get to put my feet up a bit on Christmas day and not have the nagging little projects bug urging me to get busy.

Christmas is the time of year when thoughts turn to night time snacks, warm drinks and toasty fires. It is the time when I usually make trash. Although since moving to Virginia somehow it got left behind. This year it is front and center. Trash is a treat my best friend and I made together every year from the time I was 17 until my late thirties. This year I make it alone as she is no longer with us. Gather together worcestershire sauce, butter, garlic, salt (or Lowry's season salt). I forgot to buy the Lowry's. Melt a stick of butter and pour in a bottle of worcestershire sauce. Add garlic and salt to taste. Some of us believe there can never be enough garlic. Worcestershire makes my mouth water when I smell it. Choose and assortment of cereals. Hard dry cereals that will retain their shape. Not flakes. Some people believe that it isn't good if name brands are not used. I have made this stuff for 20 years and I promise you the generic cereals equal to chek's cereal works perfectly. Add pretzel sticks , butter squares, nuts, cherrios (generic) and any other hard square or round cereal that strikes your fancy. At times I have added cracklin oat squares for a bit of a sweet flavor. Generic cereal works just as well. Put it all in a large roaster. Mix well. Drizzle the melted butter/sauce mixture and toss well inbetween stirrings. Don't pour it in all at once. The cereal will be gross and soggy and will fall apart. Stir and turn gently lifting from the bottom to the top. Set the roaster on low. Periodically throughout the day give it a stir. Let the cereal cook until it is dry. Slow roasted snacking goodness. At the end of the day you have made a wonderful snack for your family. This is also a great recipe to let kids help with. Spread it out on paper and let it cool making sure the cereal is dry. Store in a big air tight container. It will keep for months -if you don't eat it all within a week. I will be bagging some of this into decorative bakery bags and giving it as hostess gifts for the holiday parties we attend. I will also be giving some to our neighbors. It really makes a nice food gift. Note: This roaster by GE is on sale now at Walmart for under $30. There is also an insert to make this into a buffett steaming tray for hot foods. Little did I know when I purchased this that it would be by far one of my best investments. If you don't have a roaster spread the mix out on baking pans and bake in a slow oven stirring until the mix is roasted dry.