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!
Christmas used to be a time when I would have two celebrations. One on my dad's side and one on my mom's. My grandma on my dad's side would bake tons of cookies and we helped decorate them. There would be hundreds. The extras went to nursing homes. It was a time that we all made time to get together.
ReplyDeleteSadly many have passed away along with the traditions. It became easier to send a card and gift card. Too busy with your own life.
I now have 8 children 3 natural born 2 adopted and 3 soon to be adopted. My three older ones have their own lives and we chat here and there. I miss them a lot. The 5 little ones are going through tough times so it's hard to make it a extremely happy times. But I try. We go see Santa we go see lights we make some cookies. But something is missing. I love Christmas and I put the tree up way before Thanksgiving and add decorations all throughout the time. Buying a new ornament or a candle to make it cheery.
I go out to find the right gift taking days to go shopping to see a smile on their faces. I take days to wrap only to have it demolished in minutes.
I make a fancy breakfast while the children play with their latest gadgets and normally go visit others. However this year we will stay home.
I miss the craziness of Christmas but I love that I have young ones here to spoil. I guess I need to find my new tradition and make it happen. Little things were list with the passing of family. Including a punch recipe. You long for that recipe but cannot get it.
So now when I love something I ask for the recipe or how to make that just in case ...
Oh how I love Christmas and how I fight to have the spirit shine through.
Thanks Laura for commenting. May you find new traditions with your 5 young ones. You are a shining example of love, grace and kindness.....
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