Today’s topic is what Christmas means to you. So, since I don’t know how to start, how about with a song?
On a more serious note, Christmas means lots of things to me. Sometimes I get into a bit of a Grinch mood at this time of year, for 53 years now….LOL.
However, I often find little reminders of the true reason we celebrate Christmas throughout the season. While Christmas is certainly about food, family, and gifts, I believe the true meaning is to embrace and remember the greatest gift. The birth of Christ.
Keeping it super short tonight as lots to do including a bit of a mad dash cleaning of the basement. One of G’s friends is in from out of town (on leave from the army) and may stay over with us later.
So, I’ll just flip the question and ask what does Christmas mean to you?
Don’t forget to visit Tamy, the host of Blogmas, over at Chasing My Life.
It’s day 23 of Blogmas and I show today’s topic is childhood memories. Don’t worry I won’t break out into my very off-key Ellen Page version of Memories, all alone in the moonlight... Okay, well not out loud anyway.
Way off topic, I was watching the Cats movie on HBO Max the other night. What did they do to that? Ugh, barely made it through the first two songs or so. Now, I’m feeling the need to find the proper musical to watch it somewhere.
Where were we? Oh, right childhood memories minus stories of Cats and off-key singing.
One of my favorite things pictured up above, my mom’s Nativity set. Definitely a little worse for wear lately. Poor angel’s wing broke, Joseph’s staff missing, a few animals gone (my mom actually gave one of them to a nephew many years ago because he was obsessed with animals at the time and loved it so much!). I looked long and hard at a Nativity in a thrift store last week because it’s the only other one I’d ever seen with an angel holding the “Gloria” sign like that.
Playing with the Characters
While I don’t remember necessarily playing with the above Nativity, I do remember playing with the other decorations. And I should take this quick opportunity to say that Batman and Spiderman action figures were known to visit Baby Jesus in the Nativity when my boys were younger.
I can remember we had a very neat Santa claus sled, his bag, and reindeer, all plastic I think, that all the kids myself included loved to play with as the Christmas decorations started appearing around the house.
Then there was the girl with the sled, though best to be very careful with her…one you did NOT want to break it. I’ll have to share a photo sometime. Not sure why I didn’t put her out this year.
Seeing Family the Week Before Christmas
Because our family was larger or more likely my dad “put his foot down”, we stayed home on Christmas. I can remember we’d go visit all my aunts and uncles the week before Christmas and my mom would take them plates of cookies and pumpkin bread. We’d often visit my grandparents (my mom’s parents, my dad’s parents passed before I was born) on Christmas Eve. They lived in Kansas City, Kansas. And I remember us driving across the big, long bridge to get there. I think it was this one (could be wrong, I was young): Central Avenue Viaduct.
I’ve spent way too much time this afternoon trying to figure out which bridge. And why my dad went that way. Of course, he always took a different route no matter where we went. And I must remember some of the highways (670) weren’t there back in the 70’s and 80’s.
Moving on…one more before I get back to doing Christmas chores. Regular Saturday chores but close to Christmas?
The Donny and Marie Morning
Just something silly but Oh, how I remember the excitement of going down the hall and seeing that Santa had not only left me the Donny and Marie dolls but the entire stage!
Today is all about ideas for wrapping Christmas presents. Oh boy, Um, not one of my strengths. At all.
I do personally prefer to open wrapped gifts as opposed to simply pull items out of gift bags. However, of course, I appreciate any gift someone took the time prepare for me. And living surrounded by men, most my gifts are in gift bags.
Funny thing there is that, my husband can actually wrap presents beautifully. Of course, he must have the table and the scissors and everything set up just so to do it. I’m more of a wrap presents on the bed or floor kind of person. The kind of person who loses the scissors. And the tape. Then, has to cut paper more than once or add more.
So you can probably guess what packages I wrapped might look like compared to ones my husband wraps And of course, who wraps most of our packages? Yep, the lose the scissors/tapes/sloppy lady.
Not much to share on this topic today as I’m a pretty straight-forward buy my wrapping paper. Usually, I buy it at Hallmark.
Funny Story About Attempting To Make My Own Wrapping Paper
You know those people who are crafty and everything they touch just looks beautiful? Could wrap a present in yesterday’s newspaper (well, back when they were more common) and it look like the world’s most special present? Yeah, not me.
When the boys were very young (probably preschool/early elementary), I read one of those what I refer to as “guilt-trip” parenting magazines. And it was all about recycling (not a bad thing) and how to make our own wrapping paper out of newspaper. Oh, and of course, a fun craft activity for the kids! So, we attempted to cut christmas tree shapes in potatoes or maybe it was apple stars. Stamped it on the newspaper, wrapped some gifts in this “masterpiece” paper. Trust me it wasn’t the kind of paper you save because it was so pretty or even so overdone ugly it was pretty.
I’ll never forget my husband coming home from work and looking at me puzzled, asking, is our budget so bad we can’t afford wrapping paper? Yes, the packages looked that bad. The kids didn’t wrap them and honestly, weren’t over enthused on the whole make our own wrapping paper idea either so it didn’t bother them. They probably don’t even remember.
One Quick Tip If Santa Gifts Come Wrapped
Borrowed this idea late in the game (kids were pretty close to knowing just how much Mrs. Claus helped with things) but sometimes at our house, Santa leaves the roll of the different kind of wrapping paper he used on his gifts so we can wrap presents with it next year.
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Be sure to go check out Tamy’s post over at Chasing My Life, she has lots of great wrapping ideas over there.
I think doing this is starting to slowly get me a bit more in the Christmas spirit. Took sometime this morning to finally make a list so I could see what I needed to do. Helped a lot. Sometimes, I think I need to do so many things and the truth is I don’t.
My current mood:
Can’t believe I forgot to include that song on my favorites list!
Onto the topic of the day.
Favorite Family Traditions
Pretty much an evolving category for us as our boys are now older and our families look different than just a few short years ago.
In Our Personal Family: Christmas Eve Pajamas and a Book
Stole this idea from somewhere when the boys were very young. Had visions of them wearing the pajamas and picture perfect Christmas morning photos. Reality: They didn’t always wear the pajamas so our photos weren’t always so “perfectly perfect” (to quote Mr. Mooseltoe).
The books were usually a big hit with the occasional miss (middle school years are tough!). Originally, I always did Christmas books but in the last few years, I’ve just picked books I knew they’d enjoy. Reminds me I need to get a book suggestion or two from G.
One unexpected bonus of this tradition: When they were younger and not excited for clothes, the Christmas Eve presents proved a good opportunity to practice saying “thank you” no matter what was inside the gift. Ha.
Old Tradition/New Tradition (I hope)
My in-laws used to always have a Christmas Eve party. Basically, we just went over there and ate snacks/appetizer foods/drank perhaps some slushy wine and hung out a bit. My husband’s family is not large so think more like maybe 6 people and 3 kids plus a few extended relatives. Their neighbors would also usually just stop by. This was more when the boys were a bit younger and our family from Oklahoma would sometimes come up for Christmas.
My FIL/new wife tried to carry on the tradition but honestly it just wasn’t the same without the warmth of my late MIL. And since the kids were older, it sort of fell to the side. I’m not sure if they still do this but we haven’t been over there on a Christmas Eve in many years.
However, for the 2nd year in a row now, the band J performs in with his brass instructor (they mainly play at the church) is going to play the accompaniment to the hymns at the candlelight Christmas Eve service. I loved going last year and am excited we get to do this again. Certainly, hoping this becomes a new family tradition.
If you’re wondering about my side of the family, with so many of us, Christmas Eve kind of became the day/night everyone did stuff with their in-laws so that’s why we don’t really do anything with my side around Christmas Eve.
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So not a lot of family traditions at the moment besides the pajamas, books, and church. As I said, a lot of our traditions are evolving as the boys are now young adults. One tradition I’m not so sad to let go is the tradition of my oldest getting up around 4 or 5 in the morning each Christmas! Of course, now I wake up at that time so maybe I wouldn’t mind it so much now.
What are some of your favorite family traditions?
Don’t forget to go visit Tamy over at Chasing My Life, the host of Blogmas.
While I was hoping to maybe have some fun photos of Christmas lights from Mom’s Night Out last week, I don’t. I didn’t go as I was around so much sickness and we planned to carpool. Didn’t want to risk getting everyone sick. Now, that I’ve been more or less fine the whole time, I’m really sad to have missed out. Still, I stand by my decision.
The Weather Report
Thought it might be fun to start these posts by including the current weather. After it rained all day yesterday (and some of last night), this morning is sunny and 33 degrees. The temperature is on the way down (supposedly). Yesterday we hit the 50’s amid all the pouring rain. My outdoor boots are covered in mud just from walking to the bird feeders. SIGH.
Needing the Sunshine
It’s been cloudy or I’ve been inside the past few days and I can tell. My mood is not pleasant this morning. Not great sleep the past few nights didn’t help either. Of course, this is a busy day with J’s appt and my work later. Hoping the sun holds and we at least get to go outside with the kids at work for a few minutes this afternoon.
Winter, The Weather, and Moods
Yesterday’s rainy day got me thinking. Do you think that people who live where it snows more might enjoy winter more? I mean snow is prettier than rain and no mud (until it all melts and turns to slush, worse than mud really).
Those of us who live where Decembers aren’t quite as cold and snowy, don’t really always have the gear to enjoy the weather when it happens. Or if we do have it, it’s been so long since it’s been needed we have no idea where it is. Maybe just us?
It seems like here in the KC area we are stuck somewhere between Mele Kalikimaka and a true winter wonderland.
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” Alfred Wainwright
One of my goals for enjoying winter this year is to try and get outside as much as I can. So, I’ll be needing to see about what suitable clothing I need. Of course, working at the preschool I do feel like I have a bit of a head start. It doesn’t take many playground visits in the winter before investing in a decent coat and gloves.
Maybe I should have tried to go for a walk out in the rain with an umbrella yesterday (didn’t). Wonder if my mood would have been better this morning.
Cozy Day Attempt was Stressful?
I tried to just enjoy a cozy day at home yesterday. However, I found it stressful? Started out okay with the roast in the crockpot (only decent pic from yesterday). Maybe it’s because I didn’t get the house cleaned enough before my husband came home for lunch (there went my clear table!) or lunch finished and then, suddenly dinnertime!
Phone call that should’ve been a pleasant catch up ending up being a bit of a pressured sales pitch (that line between wanting to support a friend and feeling annoyed by the sales pitch).
Christmas deadline pressures, you know the it’s 11 days and I’m nowhere near ready thoughts.
Well, I guess I have a whole season to try again with the cozy thing.
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Stopping here as it’s time to get J to his appointment and then myself to work. What do you think, do people who live where the winter weather is more pronounced (cold and snowy) like the winter better than those of us who often get rainy, muddy Decembers?
Whoa, day 20 already? I had to look at that number twice. Then, remember that Tamy over at Chasing My Life started Blogmas prior to December 1 this year. So, hopefully, seeing “day 20” in that title didn’t give you too much of a start.
Christmas is still 11 days away, not 5. Still, 11 days! Yikes. Ready? Not in the least over in these parts.
Today’s topic is favorite characters: Snowmen, Angels, Reindeer, and Gnomes. Wouldn’t be the Christmas season without these characters decorating our homes would it? Though gnomes are an old/made new again tradition around here I think. Can’t think of seeing a single gnome outside of maybe some of my grandmother’s old decorations (and I called them elves) even 5 years ago.
Snowmen
The nice thing about snowmen (and women!) is that for me, they are more an all winter long decoration. I usually set out a couple snowpeople my late mother-in-law made after I’ve put all the Christmas decor away. And I don’t set them out for Christmas.
Funny story regarding snowmen decorations: I used to have a snowman wreath that I’d put on the door after Christmas as well. Or maybe for Christmas but then leave on it because Snowmen said winter to me more than Christmas. And my husband and I would argue all the time about whether that stupid wreath was a Christmas decoration or a winter decoration. He was always wanting to take it down after Christmas.
What do you think…are snowmen winter or Christmas or both?
Of course, everyone’s favorite is definitely Christmas since Frosty is indeed magic because he’s made from Christmas snow.
Angels
These are probably my favorite in the Christmas area and over all. Yet another story, when my husband and I first got together/were married, my late mother-in-law decided I needed to collect something I guess. Maybe I had an angel decoration and she just went with it? Sadly, I’ll never know the reason. However, I have lots of angels that I love thanks to both her and my sister-in-law. Some of them I keep out year-round.
I do need to put some more of my angels out and about before Christmas. This is another ornament that I usually have on the tree that’s suddenly feeling a bit bare this year.
This last picture I’m sharing is one of my very favorite angels and super special as it was the last one my late mother-in-law (and FIL) bought for me before she passed away. I actually got it the Christmas after she passed. I also happen to love Nativity sets so aside from the sentimentality, that’s also what I love about this one.
Reindeer and Gnomes
Reindeer aren’t really my thing though of course, I love the Rudolph special each year.
I like the idea of gnomes but they just seem to be everywhere anymore. We do have gnome Christmas sheets on the bed down here and I have my one little gnome my hairdresser gifted me back in 2019, I think. And of course, somewhere I have my late grandmother’s little elves/gnomes, never could decide if they were Christmas or not.
That said, I did enjoy reading about the Nisse in my Christmas Island book that I re-read last week. Here’s an interesting you-tube video I stumbled across explaining them a bit more:
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Which one is your favorite?
P.S.
Did we forget about the jolly fat man? I know a lot of people who collect Santas. Here’s my favorite Santa decoration:
I really need to move that peace sign to its proper Christmas location.
Good morning from a rainy Kansas City! All back on track with Blogmas so on to today’s topic of Inspirations and Stories. Tamy who is hosting Blogmas over at Chasing My Life has some good ones so be sure to go check those out when you finish reading this post.
I’m going to go a slightly different direction with my Inspirations.
Inspirations
This is sort of an Advent but she states right in the beginning you can start reading it at any time during the season so that’s what I’ve done (mainly because I couldn’t find it on December 1, ha!). I find Simply Christmas to be so motivating. It reminds me where I should focus during this season.
Note, it is geared to moms with younger children. However, I still find most of the context relevant even with young adult children.
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The next inspiration just popped up in my inbox today and I fully plan to follow along with it. I needed to get back to this anyway. Faithful Workouts is doing a 12 days of Christmas countdown with motivational Christian messages plus there’s a link in the e-mails to the fitness calendar days.
I really enjoy the messages and the fact that the workouts are actually indeed 10 minutes long. No this is a 10 minute workout after we have 10 minutes of warm-up and 10 minutes of cool down. Um, that is a 30 minute workout. And even my lazy self feels it when I do the beginner chair workouts.
Christmas Stories
I’m not sure what to share here. Christmas stories makes me think of books. I’ve put out all the Christmas books every year since we’ve had kids, need to do that still this year. One of the board books in our basket is Carl’s Christmas.
This book used to aggravate my husband to no end. Seriously, they left the dog in charge of the baby while they went Christmas shopping? Ha! No imagination, I suppose.
I’ll go ahead and end the post by sharing my all-time favorite (how odd that we don’t own this in book form!) Christmas short story:
It is a very short story. You can read it here if you’d like.
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Tell me, what keeps you inspired at this time of year? Any favorite Christmas stories?
Well, I started out so good on this. And then, work took off in a crazy, busy direction. Somehow (whispering), I’ve managed to avoid the plagues going around there. Even my other “black elderberry” devotee teacher succumbed last week.
I think forcing myself to go to bed early has really helped. And the black elderberry. Managed to stay healthy for my birthday and enjoy a handbell concert that evening.
Enough of all that, let’s play Blogmas Catch Up.
Day 14: Stocking Stuffer Ideas
Well, I’m surrounded by boys over here aside from the cat. And now the boys are young adults. Here’s a snippet picture of what I have for the stockings so far this year. None of them read this blog (that they’ve mentioned to me so I think I’m good). This is a collection of different things for everyone.
Catnip mittens are clearly for the cat. J gets the pfeffernusse cookies each year. Bob Ross page clips are for G. Hunter’s soap is for my husband. Everyone gets a new toothbrush (just one pictured) and batteries. I’m undecided on the t-shirts. They might get wrapped as gifts or I’ll throw them in stockings. I see now I need to focus a bit more on some stocking stuffer items for this year.
Day 15: Goodies For Others
I’m not good in this category. I remember my mom would spend the weeks leading up to Christmas making all those cookies, pumpkin bread in coffee tins, and who knows what else. Then, we’d drive around to all my aunts and uncles to deliver them sometime the week prior to Christmas. I get hung up when I think of doing this for the neighbors/friends because I start worrying about food allergies/restrictions.
Day 15: Wish List
Hopefully, we all wish for peace on Earth and kindness to spread around the world. Aside from that, I have a fairly long wish list this year that I posted on the fridge. I made us all fill out a paper. Instead of boring you with mine, let me show you what I get to work with from my husband:
He’s getting a new blanket for the naps/more sleep answer. Maybe some lottery tickets for the more money answer. SIGH. The boys lists aren’t much better. Underwear for all! And when I threatened that, G told me he actually needed some. At least, it’s an easy item to buy, right?
Day 17: Party Food Likes/Dislikes and Ideas
Sigh, it’s been awhile since I’ve been to a proper Christmas party. Is this where we all mumble: stupid COVID!? Anyway, back when get-togethers were more taken for granted..our two go-to appetizers to take to a party were: bacon wrapped little smokies (or you can use the grocery store crescent roll dough but the bacon is better!) and/or a homemade cheeseball.
super easy recipe:
take two 8 oz packs of cream cheese, soften, beat in one package of Hidden Valley Ranch dip mix. Form into ball, roll in chopped pecans. Or sometimes I’ve done parsley. It’s best if you can let it chill several hours in the fridge.
Serve with crackers. For me, it’s not official unless served with these Sociable crackers but it’s good with any crackers. P.S. amazon link for reference only, please don’t pay $10 for said crackers, they aren’t worth that price!
I like pretty much all party foods with the exception of olives. YUCK. Also, not a huge fan of salmon though I can get through smoked salmon.
As far as ideas: I’ve always thought it would be fun to host a Hot Chocolate Open House party around the holidays. Just make up a bunch of hot chocolate, have toppings, and a few sugar cookies. Do it on some Saturday and have people stop by and say hello while they’re out running around. Maybe someday I’ll manage to be together enough to do that.
Day 18 Favorite Christmas Food and Drink
I also love most appetizer foods like the summer sausage/crackers/cheese spreads. I’ve been trying to stick to water as much as I can lately but would be happy to find some cranberry sprite somewhere.
Hot chocolate.
Might have a glass of Prosecco on Christmas Eve.
I don’t know.
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Kind of a short post but I think it gets me all caught up and ready for tomorrow’s topic. What’s your favorite holiday food and/or drink?
Don’t forget to check in over at Tamy’s blog, Chasing My Life where she’s hosting Blogmas! Lots of great food/drink ideas over that way.
First, yes, every week is a real life edition of my post. This one I just decided to show the nitty gritty messy house pictures with it. Just in case, someone else is feeling a bit overwhelmed like I am over here.
Not working today at work but oh at home, the to-do list seems endless this morning! And in true Monday morning fashion, my camera battery died right as I was taking my photos. So, not too many, all un-edited as well.
Hoping that joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday will help me get on track.
The Weather
Gloomy and grey. It also started misting just as I arrived home from the store. (We’re not supposed to get rain until Wednesday but I guess the actual weather had different plans). It’s above freezing at least, right around 40 degrees. It was in the low 30’s with a blustery wind when I opened the door for the cat in the dark morning hours.
Tuesday, now I guess is the big rain day with a high in the low 50’s and then, temps all over the place in the 40’s and 30’s. Next week the big cold front is due. Who knows what weather we’ll actually get. I’m just hoping to see the sun again sometime today.
As I Look Outside My Window
Gray skies, dreary day, birds waiting to be fed but may have to wait a bit longer. (I’ve started only filling my feeders every other days thanks to very greedy squirrels and a flock of house sparrows).
Right Now
Working on this post a minute after putting away the groceries I just bought at the store this morning.
Thinking And Pondering
Holy cow, did grocery store prices jump again, or is it just me? On a happier note, I’m thinking how thankful I am to be able to go to the grocery store without wearing a mask and make small talk (mostly about the awful grocery store prices, LOL) with random strangers/fellow shoppers again. Despite the crazy high prices, people were very civil, kind, and nice this morning. So grateful to live in an area where that is the norm.
How I Am Feeling This Morning
Physically: My back is hurting a bit, no injury, just slept on the couch for a bit last night. I was having trouble sleeping and bothering my husband (who had to go to work very early) so I opted to sleep on the couch so he could rest.
Mentally: A bit overwhelmed with everything. So much to do before Christmas, the house is a mess, my to-do list is a million miles long. Just needing to clear some clutter and take a few deep breaths. Hoping I get a chance to do those things this week.
On The Breakfast Plate
Coffee, vitamins, a chocolate chip granola bar (before the grocery store), more coffee in the form of a Starbucks caramel brulee latte and a cheese danish as well (after the grocery store).
On The Lunch Plate
Probably going to use leftovers from last night to make BBQ pork sandwiches (we had pulled pork and rice last night)
On The Dinner Plate
I’m not sure, currently at this point in my post I’m trying to decide between: Korean BBQ meatballs, stuffed peppers, or white chicken chili. Leaning toward the stuffed peppers to use up the rice I made last night as well.
What I Am Wearing Today
A purple v-neck sweater, jeggings, purple alpaca socks (found some on sale over at Etsy and wanted to try them…still undecided), and tennis shoes. Probably going to change into a black t-shirt as I do things around the house as I’m already getting hot in the sweater.
On My Reading Pile
Just finished re-reading one of my Christmas favorites. I highly recommend this one if you are looking for a sweet, Christmas romance escape kind of book. Really wish the author would write a few more books in English! (She’s a Norwegian author and the book is set on an island off the coast of Norway)
On My TV
If you need a break from Christmas movies, we all loved Bullet Train on Netflix. Very funny story of a bullet train full of assassins. Christmas movie I watched: Spirited on Apple Plus. Very good and also funny. Finally, finally finished The Walking Dead. Not the most impressive (by far) series finale I’ve ever watched. And so many spin off shows coming! Ugh. Will I still watch most of them? Sigh. Probably.
And of course, Football. An ugly win is still a win. The Chiefs better step it up a notch if they have any hopes of beating Buffalo or (ugh, Cincinnati). Or pretty much any other team.
On My Menu
Talked to my brother on my birthday last week, he’s doing spaghetti for Christmas so….need to keep that off the men for the next couple weeks.
MONDAY: Leaning toward stuffed peppers *J has a lesson at 6:30*
TUESDAY: White chicken chili
WEDNESDAY: Roast in the crockpot *J has an appt at 11* *I work 1:30-6*
THURSDAY: Hot dogs, chips, veggies *J has a dentist appt at 1*
FRIDAY: Korean BBQ meatballs, rice, maybe I’ll get fancy and go get some spring rolls from Panda Express (I don’t like much else from there but I love their spring rolls!)
Looking Around The House
I’ve already shared that ugliness with you in pics throughout this post.
On My To Do List
Did wrap a few presents over the weekend
Grocery store *DONE*
Target/Sam’s Club
Pay bills
Clean the house
Finish Laundry
Fill out forms for J’s appt on Thursday
Order some Christmas presents
Inventory of stocking stuffers
Blogmas catch up (this will help motivate me for #8 as that’s where I’m at in the days)
Bit of Christmas baking
Finish decorating for Christmas (seems to be a cycle, I want the house clean and by the time the house is clean, I’m too tired to decorate. By the time I’m ready to decorate, the house is a mess again)
Spend some time on a de-clutter around here
From The Camera
Didn’t do a good job picking up the camera last week. Only picture I took last week was of my birthday cake. All other pics in post are from today.
J made my cake for me with minimal help (I measured some shortening, showed how to separate eggs)Silver white cake with white frosting, all made from scratch using the ’70’s Betty Crocker cookbook.
Quote For The Week
Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
Still playing along with Blogmas hosted by Tamy at Chasing My Life. Work got crazy busy for a moment. So, naturally, I’m a few days behind on this. I’ll probably group days 14 & 15 (maybe 16, not sure of the topic) together tomorrow to catch up.
Face moisturizer and hand lotion, guess that’s 2 so I’ll say hand lotion.
Top 2 Winter Fashion Essentials?
Not really a fashionista over here so let’s see:
Cardigan sweaters. I have a dark/bright green one that works well for the holidays. Sometimes it can start off cold and be tee-shirt weather by the afternoon around here. I also have a pink work hoodie that I’ll wear if it’s really cold in the mornings but usually have to take off by the afternoon. Some classrooms are warmer than others.
Warm socks for at work. Fuzzy socks for at home. Did I mention I’m not the most fashionable?
Favorite Winter Accessory?
Fingerless gloves! My favorites are big and thick gray ones. My more fashionable ones have little mitten toppers so I can actually have warm fingers when I don’t need the fingerless glove function. They are black and white with a bit of sparkle to them and have a matching hat that I seldom wear.
Favorite Winter Nail Polish?
I don’t paint my nails any more. Actually, I’ve never been much of a nails person except in my mid-20’s I had the acrylic nails for a bit. And at Christmas, the tech made a little Christmas tree design on red nails. Loved that look!
Hot Cocoa or Apple Cider?
Hot cocoa. Apple cider is a fall drink in my mind.
Favorite Winter Candle?
That’s a tough question, not sure I have just one favorite. I’m on a mission to use up my current candles before buying new ones. Right now I’m finishing off two that I really love: Twisted Peppermint from Bath and Body Works and Vanilla Balsam, also from Bath and Body Works.
After the holidays, I like light, citrusy clean smells until February when I like the hot cocoa scents.
Really, I love most candle scents as long as they aren’t perfume-y.
Does it snow where you live?
Yes. However, it’s common for our weather to be in the 40’s or 50’s around Christmas. White Christmases aren’t as common. However, white January, February, and early March are not uncommon. Sometimes we also see snowflakes in early April (rare), May (very rare but it has happened), and October (occasionally but it melts very fast most of the time).
I can sit and watch most holiday movies any time. However, I’m partial to The Polar Express (my kids both hate it, go figure) and the classics. Confession: when I had time this week to watch a holiday movie, I opted to watch The Princess Switch on Netflix. I guess I should add that to my favorite list.
What’s your favorite holiday drink?
Any of the flavored coffees. If it’s a warmer winter day, my favorite thing from the Starbucks menu is an Irish cream cold brew. Cold days are good for a peppermint mocha or caramel brulee latte. I also like their plain holiday blend.
As far as holiday spirits: a local chain of a Mexican restaurant always does a cranberry margarita around the holidays that I like to have just once a season. And I’ll not say no to a glass of prosecco.
Candy cane or Gingerbread men?
Both. I’ll probably choose the gingerbread men as a dessert and a peppermint candy cane later as a stomach soother.
What’s your favorite holiday/Christmas song?
Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives.
What is most important to you about the Christmas holidays?
Family. Peace. Love. Can’t beat the explanation Linus gives for what is most important though:
