Category: Christmas

Posted on

Books to Christmas By

Because I think I know so much, I’d like to show you some fabulous Christmas books that are big favorites around these parts. Now, because I’m terrifically old, some of these books may take some focus to find. But if you’re interested…I’ll try to help.

december-12-2008-073

1. “Silver Packages” by Cynthia Rylant

Daney-boy’s favorite. An Appalachian story of how kindness can change lives.

december-12-2008-072

2. “The Bird’s Christmas Carol”

Really old and really worth the search. It’s one of those stories about taking care of each other that they just don’t write anymore.

december-12-2008-071

3. “Dance in the Desert” by Madeleine L’engle

A mother, a husband, and a young son join a caravan to help them cross the desert to Egypt. If this book had no words–the illustrations are worth the read.

december-12-2008-068

4. This is the Star by Joyce Dunbar

Along the lines of the “House That Jack Built” in composition. But the illustrations by Gary Blythe (Whale’s Song) are frame worthy. Seriously.

december-12-2008-065

5. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski

Mine came with an audio CD which is fun, but I would miss the illustrations. Very moving, healing book.

december-12-2008-064

6. The Santa Claus Book

All I know is that my grown-up kids still love to read and laugh at this one. We’ve nearly worn our copy out. You’ll have to get this one from the library–or borrow mine. It has gone into the mysterious realm of “collectibles.”

december-12-2008-067

7.  “One Wintry Night” by Ruth Bell Graham

Written by Billy Graham’s wife.  Take a few evenings to enjoy this one. They even made Christmas cards out of some of these. She begins the Christmas story from the creation of the world. Wonderful, perfect approach.

december-12-2008-063

8. Countdown to Christmas by Bill Peet

Just silly enough to be a yearly family favorite. How can you beat a timeless line like, “A cool Christmas to all and a groovy New Year!” The library should have it.

december-12-2008-0601

9. The Christmas Carol by Lewis Carol

This is a great way to get your kids hooked on a classic. The illustrations–again–are worth the price. Just read it.

december-12-2008-0621

10. Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

We still love this one—couldn’t stand the movie–but the book remains one of our top favorites.

As you can see–I personally have a severe possession problem. But all you healthy people can most likely check these out at the library. That should keep your bedtimes busy until just about Christmas Eve. Woohoo!

Praying for snow…

Posted on

Mock Turtles

Go ahead–spend all day making elaborate neighbor treats this Christmas. Yeah, yeah…knock yourself out. Or…

…you could spend just a few minutes–less than ten, in fact and give these tasty treats a whirl. You won’t be sorry.

Mock Turtles

Ingredients:

Rolos (caramel chocolate candy)

Pretzels (grid shaped work best)

Pecan halves

Directions:

Heat oven to about 250 degrees.  Set pretzels on cookie sheet.

Place 1 Rolo candy on each pretzel.

Set in oven only until the chocolate is soft–about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Press 1 pecan half onto each Rolo. Remove from warm pan to cool.

Now, promptly give them all away to your neighbors or you’ll be sorry…or full of pretzels…and pecans…and chocolate…and caramel… There will be no end.

You will love them…

5.0 from 1 reviews
Mock Turtles
 
Print
Ingredients
  • Rolos (caramel chocolate candy)
  • Pretzels (grid shaped work best)
  • Pecan halves
Instructions
  1. Heat oven to about 250 degrees.
  2. Set pretzels on cookie sheet.
  3. Place 1 Rolo candy on each pretzel.
  4. Set in oven only until the chocolate is soft--about 2 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat.
  6. Press 1 pecan half onto each Rolo.
  7. Remove from warm pan to cool.

 

Posted on

Egg-less Nog

Get this–

You can make your own luscious egg nog without coming anywhere near drinking a raw egg (sorry Rocky). The difference between Vanilla pudding and French Vanilla pudding is that–one has eggs already in the mix–the other doesn’t. Simply perfect.

Ingredients:

8-9 cups milk
1 3 oz package of French Vanilla Instant pudding
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp of nutmeg

In a large bowl, mix the pudding with 2 cups of the milk. When pudding is set, add in the rest of the ingredients. Mix very well. Chill.

Drink it up.


Egg-less Nog
 
Print
Ingredients
  • 8-9 cups milk
  • 1 3 oz package of French Vanilla Instant pudding
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • ½ tsp of nutmeg
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, mix the pudding with 2 cups of the milk.
  2. When pudding is set, add in the rest of the ingredients.
  3. Mix very well.
  4. Chill.

Posted on

Christmas Hugs

While you have your oven on…

Ingredients:

Pretzels–the grid kind work very well

1 pkg. Hershey’s hugs

red and green M&M’s

You can make these little gems in just a few minutes. Heat oven to 250 degrees. Place pretzels on cookie sheet. Put one, unwrapped Hug on each pretzel.

Place in the oven for 1-2 minutes–or until the tips of the candy are soft. Remove from oven. Gently press an M&M on the top of the Hugs. Makes a really pretty neighbor treat too. They’ll think you slaved…


Christmas Hugs
 
Print
Ingredients
  • Pretzels--the grid kind work very well
  • 1 pkg. Hershey's hugs
  • red and green M&M's
Instructions
  1. Heat oven to 250 degrees.
  2. Place pretzels on cookie sheet.
  3. Put one, unwrapped Hug on each pretzel.
  4. Place in the oven for 1-2 minutes--or until the tips of the candy are soft.
  5. Remove from oven.
  6. Gently press an M&M on the top of the Hugs.

 

Posted on

Twelve Days of Christmas–Nativity

On December 13th, there are officially 12 days left until Christmas…I know, scary.

So, if you’d like to do the “12 days of Christmas” for someone–there are plenty of fun ways.

My personal favorite approach is the one that has the little nativity pieces and scriptures or verses to go along with it. I found this darling Nativity set at Walgreen’s for only $4.99. At that price–I bought a couple. Please don’t buy an ugly nativity. You’ve seen them–where even the sheep look like they’re being pinched. Cute is so much better.

What you’ll need:

1- 11 or 12 piece Nativity Set

1- Star Ornament

12 Cello bags

Raffia or Curly Ribbon

Small candy treats (optional)

Anyway, so you will pick a neighbor or friend that you would like to give a gift to each night until the 24th of December. Now choose carefully– because if you pick someone that is too far away you may miss a night and that will really screw things up. Someone up the street a few houses is perfect because you can drop off the treat and run. Less chance of getting caught when there’s no car involved. Be sure to let the kids help.

Since each nativity set can be slightly different–you know, one will have a shepherd and donkey and another will have two sheep and a cow–so you have to be flexible. A decent knowledge of the Christmas Story would be helpful as well. I’ve made it easier for you. Just click on the Scripture tags..you’ll see.

Scripture Tags #1

Scripture Tags #2

Scripture Tags #3

Once you’ve chosen your family, you make up the bags. It is so much easier and less stressful if you make all 12 bags in one sitting.

Wrap the ornaments and put one in each bag.

If you choose to add treats make sure you have enough for the family. Try to keep your son from swiping the Cream Savers.

Add curly ribbon or raffia–for fluff. Print and cut out the scripture tags and attach one to the appropriate bag. The order I chose to use was:

Day 1 Joseph

Day 2 Mary

Day 3 Lamb

Day 4 Lamb

Day 5 Angel

Day 6 Manger

Day 7 Ox

Day 8 Wiseman

Day 9 Star

Day 10 Wiseman

Day 11 Wiseman

Day 12 Baby Jesus

Deliver one each night for 12 nights– the last one being baby Jesus on the 24th.