Although working though the holidays may make some of us feel a little less festive this season, I've taken it upon myself to "do" and "create" many festive experiences outside of work this Christmas for myself and the ones that I love.
It has been a tradition over the past few years for our blended family to go and see a Christmas movie together every year. Last year it was The Polar Express and this year it was A Christmas Carol. I love that every year I can look forward to spending time together and enjoying a Christmas story with the ones I love. It always brings a great joy to be able to see my bf's 80 year old oma enjoying a movie in 3-D! I Imagine she never thought she would see movies the way we do now!
I also love making and sending out Christmas Cards! Last year I made them on my own and I must say they turned out pretty fantastic. This year I had the help of my cousin's sister in law and her at-home business Stampin' Up. These great products made it easy for me to create AMAZING Christmas Cards which I was very proud to send out to friends and family this holiday season; and because it is the season for giving I thought I should give to someone new. Someone I have never met. So I took one of my home made Christmas Cards, looked up a name from our local phone book and sent them off a home made card wishing them and their family a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I also included a scratch and win ticket....because you never know! Wouldn't it be a sight to see their faces upon receiving a Christmas card signed ~ Tis the Season for Giving....and then possibly winning $1,000 or even $2. My hope was to remind others why we celebrate Christmas. Not for the material goods we receive from others, but because we often make more of an effort to spend time with the ones we love.
I also love to bake during the holidays. There are so many options of goodies to bake, and often I find myslef eating more than I should of baked goods that others share with me. Baking during the holidays also reminds me of my own grandmother's tender loving recipies and baking she would pass along to my family. Every year I would anticipate her very special fruit cake. This season I stayed away from attempting to re-create her speciality but maybe in another year to come I may try one of her recipes. Instead I made Turtle Brownies, which are to die for. I have made Chocolate Pecan Toffee, and today I finished my own adapted recipe for Shortbread. Doing research online I cannot believe how many adaptations to this simple cookie are out there. Last year I tried several of them. Not one, however compared to my mother's shortbread (even the recipe she gave me). It must be that the love put into something home made can never be duplicated. So my shortbread stars will have to wait to be reviewed by friends and family this holiday season.
The best part of the Holidays by far is spending time with friends and family and the ones you love. I have learned this year that spending hours in a mall is not for me. Being thoughtful of the gifts you give to others means a more memorable christmas for all. Cheers to a Christmas of Memories, Melt in your mouth Sweets, and Listening to Christmas music while watching the Yule Log on TV.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all those I know and Love, and even the ones I have yet to meet!
