Well, first let me start off by saying that I'm sorry for the long delay in posting on the blog. Work crises, personal challenges, the holidays and all that goes into the planning, feasting, decorating, present buying, parties and etc has kept me away from the keyboard.
Today I'm baking the last of the treats for the season....lemon crinkle cookies, strawberry crinkle cookies and cranberry-orange bread mini-loaves. Most of that is for gift giving but I'll keep a loaf of the bread and some of the lemon cookies for myself. I'm blessed with a friend who makes fabulous cranberry/white chocolate-chip/oatmeal cookies and chocolate-chip ones as well; throw in some fudge, cherry chocolates, Hershey's kisses and my all-time favorite dark chocolate sea-salt caramels from Whole Foods and I'm well stocked with holiday treats.
I love the way my apartment looks all decorated for the season. Everything goes up Thanksgiving weekend and comes down on New Year's Day while I'm watching the Rose Parade. Yes, its true it takes me 2 days to put it all up and about 4 hours to take it all down. :-) I've never been able to figure out why that is; one of the mysteries of life I guess!
The holidays are my favorite time of year. I love the decorating, the planning of get togethers, food and treats and yes even the shopping. I didn't do any mall shopping this year; I live about 20 minutes from the closest one and frankly just couldn't work up the energy and enthusiasm to go tackle the crowds. So instead I got things online, at local small business' and of course at the big-box stores.
We've got Santa coming for a visit at shelterland tomorrow night (along with 2 of his Elves) and that's always so much fun for the kiddos and the adults as well. He'll have PJs and a toy or book for each of the kiddos (thanks to a very generous donation we received) as well as something for each of the adults, we take pictures and its just a really special evening. We're so blessed with the generosity of corporations, individuals, and service groups that make sure we have toys and other items so that those that are with us in shelter have gifts and a nice holiday in spite of the circumstances they are facing.
Personally, I'm looking forward to the traditional Byrd Christmas Eve dinner (ham, baked beans, cole slaw, and etc) and then going to candlelight services at church. Christmas Day will be spent with my brother (who is cooking-God bless him) and I'm sure chatting with friends and family.
Whether you are celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, Christmas or something else I wish you a joyous holiday season.
Till we chat again-
Robyn
Leave a comment and share your holiday family traditions...lets keep the conversation going!
