Straight From The Oven

December Details 2014 - Day 16 - STRAIGHT FROM THE OVEN

I haven't done any holiday baking yet this year, although I hope to get a little bit done before the end of the week.  But, last year, Callie and I worked together to bake some goodies STRAIGHT FROM THE OVEN.  We've had a few cooking disasters over the years, but last year, we didn't get too fancy, and everything was a success.  These little Santa Hat brownie bites were cute and tasty!

Have you begun your holiday baking?  What is coming STRAIGHT FROM YOUR OVEN?

Holiday Greetings

December Details 2014 - Day 15 - Holiday Greetings

The custom of sending HOLIDAY GREETINGS in the form of Christmas cards was started in the UK in 1843 by Sir Henry COle.  He was a government worker who was very interested in the new "public" Post Office and wondered how it could be used by more by ordinary people.  He and his friend, John Horsley, designed and sold the first Christmas card.  It was a two two side panels that folded in.  Apparently, it caused quite a scandal at the time because it featured a child being given a wine glass.

These days, the aisles at many stores are filled with all sorts of HOLIDAY GREETINGS.  There is something to fit every taste--Nativity scenes, winter art, depictions of Santa and even funny ones.

Even though the tradition of sending cards through the mail has faded with the advent of the internet and email, it has been my personal tradition to make my own Christmas cards each year.   I have the photo ready----now I just need to get busy and assemble my HOLIDAY GREETINGS.

Advent

December Details 2014 - Day 14 - ADVENT

When I was a little girl, one of our favorite traditions was opening the doors of our ADVENT calendar each day.  We used the same paper calendar every year (I wish I still had it) and we each tried to guess what picture would be revealed behind the closed door.  When I had children of my own, we used an ADVENT calendar that had paper blocks to be turned over each day, counting down the days until Christmas. (I do still have that one, although it is in pretty rough shape).  I love ADVENT calendars.  I even have a Pinterest Board to collect ideas for them.  

I attend a Methodist church here in town--the same one I've gone to for most of my life.  In the Methodist church, we celebrate ADVENT during the month of December.  Last year, I remember Ron questioning that focus, since he was raised in a different denomination and knew it wasn't something that was "from the Bible".  That question allowed me the opportunity to figure out why indeed I enjoyed the tradition of ADVENT.  Beyond the fact that my church does it, and I just go along, I knew that it meant more than that to me.  

In the dictionary, the word ADVENT is defined as: the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.   In Christian theology, it is further defined as the coming of Christ and each week of ADVENT, the focus is on a different element:  Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.  As a child, we always had an ADVENT wreath in our home and we read the scriptures as we lit the candle each week.  (I couldn't wait until I was old enough to hold the matches and light the candle myself)!   Certainly, Christ comes without the custom of ADVENT or the ADVENT wreath, but I find that it is a way of preparing my heart for Christ;  to be more intentional about focusing on the meaning of Christmas beyond Christmas trees and presents.  

What arrival are you awaiting?  

Pretty Papers

December Details 2014 - Day 13 - PRETTY PAPERS

The stores are filled with PRETTY PAPERS right now---rolls of wrapping, tissue paper, ribbon and beautiful gift bags.

I love PRETTY PAPERS and dream of wrapping my gifts in coordinating papers with unique tags and embellishments.  Jana always seems to manage to do this, usually topping her packages with her own specially designed gift tags.  Generally, however, I run out of time to make my dreams come to life and end up being glad just to get everything covered---making the PRETTY PAPERS even more important.

Do you pick out PRETTY PAPERS each year?  Do you have a theme that you use or do you use a variety of different patterns?

Mistletoe Magic

December Details 2014 - Day 12 - MISTLETOE MAGIC

When I was in elementary school, one of my best friends lived was Annette.  Always looking for new and creative ways to earn a little spending money, each Christmas season, we set up a card table in my front yard, near the street, and sold MISTLETOE that we'd gathered from a tree nearby.  We would set up after school and stay open until dark--or when one of our mothers made us come inside, whichever came first.  Believe it or not, we actually made money, usually selling out of our supply of MISTLETOE.  I also remember being so determined that our project was successful that one year we both ended up pretty sick after staying out in the cold day after day.  From that time on, the tree that was halfway between our homes was known to us as "The Mistletoe Tree" and we met there regularly to spend time together during any season.

There are many legends surrounding MISTLETOE--from kisses under it that lead to marriage to myths pronouncing its life-giving powers.  Whether or not you believe in it, it always leads to fun at Christmas celebrations.  Is there any MISTLETOE MAGIC in your past?  What about the future?

All Lit Up

December Details 2014 - Day 11 - ALL LIT UP

Tuesday evening, we were finally able to set up our Christmas tree in the living room.   Being the first time to have a real live tree in my home, I was required to purchase a few essentials to go with the tree itself:  a tree stand and lights, for instance.   Starting at the top, we wrapped the tree in the new lights I'd purchased and then stood back to see it ALL LIT UP.   Hmmmmmm. . . . The top looked great and so did the bottom.  But the middle of the tree was dark.  One strand of lights clearly was not working.   We tried switching out light bulbs and even replaced the fuses, but nothing worked and I was finally forced to run back to the store with lights and sales receipt in hand.  In addition to new lights, I picked up an extension cord that features a foot button on/off switch (perfect since I can't seem to find the timer from last year).   And here it is---ALL LIT UP and ready for a skirt, garland and ornaments.

You're sure to spy lots of things ALL LIT UP this season.  Can't wait to see what you find!

Sugarplums & Candy Canes

December Details 2014 - Day 10 - SUGARPLUMS and CANDY CANES

I blame Valine.  If she had never brought them to Chicot, I never would have known about them.  It is all her fault that I am now addicted to those Peppermint M&M's.  (there is no picture because I can't trust myself to have them in my house right now)

If you haven't had them yet, they combine white chocolate (my favorite) with peppermint and are only available at Target during the holiday season.  In some ways, that's a good thing---if I can avoid Target, then I can avoid stuffing myself with these.  However, on the other hand, I find myself thinking about them and trying to think of reasons to go to Target.  Not a good thing!!  

What SUGARPLUMS AND CANDY CANES are you dancing in your heads?