December 23rd ~ Are We There Yet?

On the twentythird day of December my true love gave to me,

a headache and a bit of fatigue.

Is anyone else tired yet? These past three weeks have just flown by, and now we’re on the eve of The Eve. Already. And I woke up this morning with a slight headache, which is better than a big headache (those are the worst to start your day with!), but I am sure it will go away with some tea and quiet time.

Looking back on these past three weeks, it’s no wonder I feel as though the air force is running practice drills in my head this morning. Every day has had something going on, no matter how big or small. Tonight is my last party of the season, and one I’m looking forward to regardless, because it’s with all my favorite girls and our hubbys. Each of us must bring a wrapped ornament and an appetizer that starts with the first letter of our name. My ornament is sure to be a hit with all my high-heeled wearing girlfriends- it’s a glittery stiletto- I think Elke and Tia are the only ones who don’t wear them, nor me, but it’s still super cute. And the dish will be Caprese. Yes, I’m cheating a bit because I made this last week (but this will be a new batch!) for the party I had on Saturday. But I don’t have anymore of that awesome crab dip, so Caprese it will be. And this time I found some fresh basil to skewer between the cheese and tomatoes. No Tortellini this time. They didn’t skewer well.

I feel like I’ve neglected my blogging duties by not having more recipes and action in the kitchen. It’s not common that we eat out as often as we have this week, and so the last time I cooked was Sunday when I made a traditional pot roast dinner with my roasted potatoes, green beans, and carrot bake. We had guests for dinner, the sherif and his son, and for dessert I set out a tray of cake balls, macaroons, and my gingersnap-lemon tarts. Baking is another thing I haven’t indulged in much this year. After I make my traditional cookies I’m pretty much done. Between those and leftover goodies from the party, we have more than we can possibly eat, and it doesn’t stop there. So far we’ve been given some peanut brittle, homemade biscotti, and a huge chocolate cake. There could still be more coming, you never know.

Monday night was the Senior Dinner at the church, which is covered dish style. Every year the church sponsors the seniors at our secondary school by hosting about 5 or 6 dinners during the school year. They also send birthday cards to each student, bring them cookies and treats at the school periodically, and give out little gifts and raffle items. With the average graduating class around 45 each year, this is very easily done. At the beginning of the year we also choose a student and pray for them all year.

Tuesday night was caroling and pizza. Wednesday Hubby and I took the boys “up the beach” to do the last bit of Christmas shopping, to see a movie (Sherlock Holmes 2= Awesome!) and to dinner at Outback. That was a real treat! But Number Two was upset we didn’t go to mexican, which what we ended up doing last night after his rehearsal at the church for his role as a Wiseman in the Christmas Eve play tomorrow night. And tonight is pizza night for the boys while Hubby and I go to a party so………yeah, lots of great healthy food going into our bodies these days, right?

In response to this busy season and the madness some of us feel at times, I came up with my own version of the 12 Days of Christmas song based on everything that has gone on this month so far (yes, 3 turkeys- really!). I truly have only had a handful of days this month where we could relax and watch a family movie together and not worry about having to be somewhere.

12 Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…a Christmas parade down main street.

One the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me…two winter concerts and a Christmas parade down main street.

On the third day of Christmas….3 roasted turkeys….

On the Fourth day of Christmas…4 shopping day trips…

On the fifth day of Christmas…5 batches of cookies…

On the sixth day of Christmas…6 community engagements…

On the seventh day of Christmas…7 party invites…

On the eighth day of Christmas…8 runs to the post office…

On the ninth day of Christmas…9 bowls of popcorn…

On the tenth day of Christmas…10 Christmas movies…

On the eleventh day of Christmas…11 loads of laundry…

On the twelfth day of Christmas…12 gifts to wrap…

So there you have it, the busy yet wonderful season in December that we all must submit to. It’s not so bad. In fact, it’s pretty magical, and once Christmas Day has come and gone I will have a week to hang out with the boys before their winter break is over. As usual, I try not to sweat the small stuff (and yes, it’s all small, in retrospect) and ALWAYS remember the true meaning of the season.

December 22nd ~ The Weather Outside is Frightful

On the 22nd day of December my true love gave to me,

a warm, sunny, 70 degrees.

Frightening indeed! I admit I don’t miss the cold, long winters in Chicago, but a little snow now and then is a real treat now. This isn’t Florida, for Pete’s sake. 70 degrees three days before Christmas? Is it too much to ask for at least a wintery-like day to help us get in the mood? Truth is, most Southerners prefer the warmer weather. Me, I’m a bit of a weirdo. I love gray, foggy days (because that’s the closest it ever gets to looking like a winter wonderland around here), and super rainy days- but only if I’m staying home and don’t have to leave the house for anything. Otherwise, I’m terrified of driving in hard rain ever since I hydro-planed and totaled a car when I was 19 on the highway in Chicago.

So here’s a little bit of trivia, some funnies, and a story of the night before Christmas in Bethlehem. Maybe this will put me in the mood, and continue to help us all enjoy the season in good health, good spirits, and good fun.

 

As a little girl climbed onto Santa’s lap, Santa asked the usual, “And what would you like for Christmas?”

The child stared at him open mouthed and horrified for a minute, then gasped: “Didn’t you get my E-mail?”

inpriational-otter.com

Q. What is the difference between A Christmas song and a Christmas Carol?

A. Carols are Christian related, usually hymns. Christmas songs are secular and are not religiously related.

Christmas Carols                                                            Christmas Songs

The Little Drummer Boy                                                    Santa’s Coming to Town

Away in a Manger                                                              Rudolph

O Holy Night                                                                         Frosty, The Snowman

One Night Divine                                                          We Wish You A Merry Christmas

What Child is This?                                                            Winter Wonderland

The First Noel                                                                      White Christmas

Silent Night                                                                          Jingle Bells

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing                                    Let it snow! Let it snow!

God, Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen                         Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

O, Come All Ye Faithful                             It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

O Little Town Of Bethlehem                    Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Photos courtesy of Photobucket

 

 

 

 

 

The Night Before Christmas in Bethlehem

‘Twas a night near midwinter in our humble dwelling, My poor pregnant wife nursed a great swollen belly, Her time was now nigh, but the king had declared, ‘Twas time for a census so we must travel elsewhere. Back to our birth town, there to be counted, So I on my feet and she on our donkey mounted, We travelled to Bethlehem some miles distant, We’d asked for exclusion but the king was insistent. And every mile, my wife grew more worried, “Joseph, it’s coming – my baby, please hurry!” We sought out the taverns, but none took us in, Always the same answer ‘No room at the inn,’ The town’s numbers were swollen and every room taken, Only a stable, it seemed, was still vacant. So I settled her down on a soft bed of hay, And moaning, near labour, my pretty wife lay, At least it was dry and secure from all danger, With my ass in a stall and an ox at the manger. The still midnight was rent by poor Mary’s groans, As her poor belly heaved and she gave out soft moans, Unperturbed was the ass as it dozed on the straw, While my poor wife gave birth on the stable’s dirt floor. We lay him in a manger, so sweet, not a cry, As the three of us settled back down for the night, Then at the door, I heard someone pound, And rose up so swiftly, disturbed by the sound. Three shepherds stood out there, barefoot and dishevelled, From their fields and their flocks the three men had travelled, They’d followed a bright star, the eldest one said, Here to our stable the starlight had led. I invited them into the small humble barn; One held a lamb, held it snug in his arms, A gift for the infant, he said with a shy look, As he set down the lamb and he propped up his crook. A gift for our son? This I scarcely took in, Why would a shepherd bring a lamb unto him? But before I could ask them, they kneeled in the hay, Right by the manger and they started to pray. Then again from outside, their came somewhat of a clatter, And once more I went out to see what was the matter, And there stood three men, on camels they rode, All stopped outside our current abode. One spoke to me softly, “Is an infant within?” I nodded and bowed, sure he must be a king. With nods to his fellows, and looking quite pleased, They settled the camels on elbows and knees. Three kings, I was certain, and all of them wise, And I hadn’t recovered from my earlier surprise! “I offer him gold, as befits a great lord,” And a box was laid by the manger without further word. “I have frankincense, its scent heavy and sweet,” The second laid his gift at our infant son’s feet. “And I bring him myrrh, the sad scent of a tomb,” A strange gift for a child just hour from the womb. Then by the shepherds these kingly men knelt, I could not describe the emotions I felt. Not wishing disturbance on the passing strange scene, I walked into the night, still so quiet, so serene. I looked up to the heavens and there in the night, Shone a single great star, right above me, so bright. In my head I heard words, and they soothed my poor soul, “Jesus Christ is born here, in this stable so lowly,” And that single star shone, steadfast with its light, “This is the first Christmas, the most holy of nights.”

purplelion.com

 

December 21st ~ Make A Joyful Noise

On the twentyfirst day of December my true love gave to me,

sharks and dogbones and some caroling.

Yesterday I failed to recognize the first day of Hanukkah, but it has officialy begun. Growing up on the North side of Chicago, I was smack in the middle of a huge Jewish community that stretched literally all the way through the West and North suburbs. I’d had many Jewish friends (even boyfriends), and still do (friends, not boyfriends ) Also, being a Christian rooted in Judaic beliefs, my hubby and I are known to observe Jewish traditions and holidays. The year Number Two was born we were actually hoping that he’d come during Rosh Hoshana, but alas, he came after the New Year, which was just as fine with us. So, Happy Hannukah to all my wonderful Jewish friends. May the Lord bless you and keep you during this season of remembrance.

Now, on to the post. Yesterday was quite a day. First of all it was The Pooper’s 3rd birthday. In years past we celebrated by giving Pooper a treat and a gift. Last year it was doggie-safe ice cream, which he didn’t much care for, and the year before was some gormet canned food that I upended onto a plate and it actually looked like a little cake. This year I made him a real doggie cake from an organic mix I found at a local wholistic pet store.

The box included a bone-shaped pan and I used a little cream cheese as frosting, dusted with carob powder.

Welcome to the Pooper Party

Another thing that happend was Hubby and Nunber One spent the day off-shore fishing with some friends, and One caught a 150 pound shark! I have a 20 second video of it but can’t figure out how to link it here

So, in addition to my many titles, I am also the Children’s Ministry Coordinator at one of our churches. There is an awesome team of teachers and leaders who have stepped up to help make this ministry come alive within the past year, and I have to admit that I do very little because they all have the vision and the ability to make this ministry a success. One of the many events that they do for the children is to take them caroling, which is what we did last night. This event was so much fun, and my idea of the epitome of celebrating the Christmas season in good health, good spirits, and good fun. There is nothing more celebratory of the season than to go caroling. We choose a handful of houses to visit, all beloved elder members of our church who have become shut-ins and semi-shut-ins, and drove around in a big van together, singing wonderful Christmas songs and carols. We ended the evening with a pizza party at a local restaurant/arcade, giving each child a handful of quarters.

“Make a joyful noise, unto the Lord…”

~ Psalm 100:1  KJV

Make a Joyful Noise – David Crowder Band

December 20th ~ Fall on Your Knees

On the twentieth day of December my true love gave to me,

an alter for my bended knee.

It’s getting closer to Christmas Day and all the partying and gift exchanging aside, we must never forget the real reason for the season. Now is the time to renew and refresh your relationship with the Lord. Being thankful is important- it shows humility and appreciation for your life and the lives of others- but praying to and thanking God for your blessings is necessary. Take a moment everyday to say, “Thank you, Lord.” Seek that awed feeling you get when in the presence of something bigger than yourself. Make your holidays more meaningful and savor this season in good health, good spirits, and good fun.

Most people are familiar with the story The Night Before Christmas, and there are several good Christmas tales out there that tell the story of Jesus’ birth. Our favorite is Room for a Little One, A Christmas Tale. Santa Claus is fun but there is so much more to CHRISTmas; the TRUE meaning for why there is even a holiday called Christmas at all.

 

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

~ Isaiah 9:6  NIV

December 19th ~ Game Night

On the nineteenth day of December my true love gave to me,

a rousing game of Monopoly.

 As much of America is enjoying the beginning of Christmas Week, and their winter break from school, my own boys braved the cold 30 degree weather this morning and boarded their school buses. Hurricane Irene did not do us any favors, including tacking on 9 make-up school days this year. Two of them came out of Christmas vacation.

But all is well, and in the end those two days don’t matter because the excitement of Christmas Week is here! Only 6 more days-OMG-I-can’t-believe-it’s-almost-here! (This being said as the boys updated our little chalkboard.) We’ve had this thing for so long I can’t even remember when or where I got it, but we use it every year and the boys faithfully change the number each day.

In addition to parties, winter concerts, caroling, and parades, there are those nights you take it easy and just enjoy the down time with your family. Movie nights are nice but sometimes you really want to connect with your loved-ones and this is where turning off the TV and having Game Night comes in. We have shelves of games, but there are some favorites that allow for all four of us to play.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take time to enjoy your family. Gather around the table, make some hot cocoa, put out a bowl of popcorn or a plate of cookies, and savor the season -and these moments- in good health, good spirits, and good fun.

 

“Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.”

~ Psalms 33:3  NIV

December 18th ~ What’s On The Menu?

On the eighteenth day of December my true love gave to me,

a festive, little holiday soiree.

So last night I hosted a little Christmas party of my own. The guests were all members of the elementary school and the secondary school PTA’s. This celebration was due for all the hard work both groups (especially the secondary school PTA!) put into organizing and running our first annual Island-wide Community Fair back in October. What an event that was! Going to holiday parties is fun, and I’m definitely getting my fill this year, but I also love to host and entertain. It wasn’t a big party and it was pretty simple. In anticipation for about a dozen people, this was my menu of choice:

1. Hot Chicken Salad Always a winner. Last week I made a version of this for a quick dinner using leftover turkey. I also added some shredded cheese (I think it was the mexican blend, which was all I had) and broccoli. I also left off the topping and used Uncle Bens microwaveable wild rice instead of making my own. It was really good.

2. Caprese on a stick. These were cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and cold cheese tortellinis skewered for a quick appetizer.

3. Crab Dip. I don’t make this. I actually paid a friend and local caterer to make this fabulous, amazing, dip for my party. I served this with croistini and tortilla chips. It’s just….WOW!

4. Veggie Platter. You can’t have a decent buffet without some veggies.

5. Roasted Brussel Sprouts. I never liked these growing up, but about 3 or 4 years ago my mom prepared them this way and now I love them. I also make asparagus, fresh green beans, and just about any other veggie you want, like squash and zucchini, this way. Simply toss with olive oil, salt and pepper, arrange in a single layer, and roast at 350* or even 400* until cooked to your liking. This should take anywhere from 5 to 8 minutes. Large sprouts should be halved.

6. Whole wheat rolls.

7. Assorted cheeses and crackers.

8. Gingersnap Lemon Tarts. The gingersnaps I made last week did not turn out well at all. While Number One didn’t seem to mind, I did. Apparently I misread the recipe and only put in 1/2 the butter. (So of course I had to make a whole new batch.) I took the older ones, crumbled them, added melted butter, and formed them into a mini-muffin pan to make crusts. Then I added lemon curd and a fresh berry on top. Viola!

9. Mini Eclairs, Cake Balls and Mini-Macaroons (courtesy of Sam’s Club)

10. A friend who lent me her punchbowl also gave me some of her homemade pepper jelly, which I put over a block of cream cheese. It was a hit!

11. In addition to offering sodas, sweet tea, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, I also made my first party punch ever, using pomegranate-cranberry juice, orange juice, fresh lemon juice, and champagne.

I put out  a tray of some of our family Christmas cookies (gingersnaps, snowballs, peanut clusters, and peanut butter balls: It’s Time to Bake! ) and offered goodie bags to anyone who wanted to take home a sweet by way of these cute little boxes. Only about 4 cookies fit into one of these, but it was just enough for a taste.

Now that’s what I call enjoying the season in good health, good spirits, good fun, and good company! I hope you are enjoying all your engagements, too. And as always, don’t forget to remember the real reason for the season.

““A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

 ~ John 13:34-35  NIV

December 17th ~ The Proverbial Christmas Card

On the seventeenth day of December my true love gave to me,

as stack of envelopes and stamps and addressee’s.

<– For the record my favorite Christmas movie is and always will be White Christmas.

So you’ve probably tackled the job of Christmas cards by now. I only did mine this past week, and actually have only sent out half of them. First I do all the family and close friends. Then Cory will come up with a list of colleagues and whomever else he wants to send a card to, and then we keep a few spares for those we receive and want to reciprocate. You know you do that, too. Sometimes you get a card from someone who was not on your original list but you definitely want to send one back now that they’ve thought of you.

We used to send out 150-200 cards a year. That was exhausting. And expensive in stamps alone, not to mention the cost of a box of nice cards or even Shutterfly cards. Over the years I’ve learned to whittle down my list considerably. Cory has, too, though he probably had a harder time of it than I did. His list was looooong. Ridiculously long. I know we all have those relationships that have been reduced over the years to Christmas card exchanges, but even those relationships will end at some point.

For the past few years we’ve limited our Christmas card list to about 50 families. If we go over, that’s okay, but it’s never by much. It’s also hard, with us being in the church.  We get lots of cards from parishioners, and it’s lovely but we simply can’t reciprocate them all. Nor can we just send cards to the people we connect with better than others because, well, obvious. And it’s never our intent to play favorites. So as a general rule we do not send out Christmas cards to anyone in the churches we currently serve. Once we leave an appointment, however, that changes things, and we find that we always have more names to add to our list.

It’s not so different for anyone else. You meet new acquaintances, make new friends, build new relationships, all the time throughout the years, and you find that there are always new people to add to your list.

Christmas cards is probably my least favorite task of the holidays. At first I begrudged hand writing so many cards and notes all at once. I don’t like my handwriting and I don’t think it’s particularly aesthetic. Then I started to get savvy and I printed my own labels. Not just for the envelopes  but for the inside of the cards as well. So instead of my chicken scratch signing our greeting, there’d be a neat little sticker with our names printed nicely. Now there’s Shutterfly. Oh, how I love Shutterfly! One year I used Walmart and those were just as good. These pre-ordered cards are the best, and nowadays everyone is using this service. Why not? All you have to do is go online and upload the pictures you want. 50 pictures for less than $15.00. Boom!

Happy Holidays to all!

Greeting cards play a vital role during the Christmas season. If you don’t have the time or the money then send them via email (I got one of those today). I used to display my cards in a variety of ways: standing up on every free available surface until that became too overwhelming; taped to a ribbon from ceiling to floor on some wall or doorway or archway; and finally, in a bucket.

Continue to savor the season in good health, good spirits, and good fun. Don’t sweat the small stuff and remember the real reason for the season.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”   ~  Luke 2:14   AKJV

December 16th ~ Wrap Rage

On the sixteenth day of December my true love gave to me,

some bows and ribbons and anxiety.

<– Haha, how perfect is that? I didn’t even plan it Even God has a sense of humor! Praying for others will undoubtedly induce endorphins that will encourage you to enjoy your task in good health, good spirits, and good fun.

Yesterday’s post was quite a read, I know, so I am going to go easy on you today and talk about one thing: wrap rage. You’ve heard of road rage, right? Well…..

Now that you’ve done your shopping, there’s a closet full of stuff you’ve been hiding from the kids, just waiting for that opportune moment when you can pull out the wrapping paper, scissors, tape, ribbons and bows, and tags. I don’t know about you but I don’t enjoy wrapping gifts as much as I used to.

There was a time when I relished the quiet of turning on White Christmas and watching it as I lovingly wrapped presents for my friends and family. I think I’m pretty good at wrapping (not that it’s hard), having spent a season in the gift-wrapping department at Belks the year Brandon was 1 for some extra income. I became rather adept at flipping those boxes around and faster than the speed of light having them all wrapped up perfectly with the help of some double-sided tape.

These days you can see the tape. After all, I’m not getting paid for it and the kids wouldn’t care if I’d wrapped their gifts in a plain brown paper bag or the funnies from the Sunday paper. I still like wrapping them nicely, but it’s the little things…like, where do I want to do this so I don’t get frustrated? On the big bed while I watch a Christmas movie? Then I’ll be hunched over and there’s no room to move so everything will be messy and on top of each other. How about the kitchen or dining room tables. Scissor scratch marks on my wood? No thanks. Standing at the kitchen counter? Not much of a workspace but at least I can move around.

For some, wrapping is a chore, and not an easy one at that. This usually falls to men. Sorry, guys, but it’s true. One year early in our marriage my husband actually had me wrap my own gifts. Yeah, that was super fun! (Hear the sarcasm dripping?) I didn’t peek, honest to God, because I love the excitement of being surprised, but it did kind of take away from the “unknown”. A horribly wrapped present is better than none, and really, we don’t care as long as our men remembered to get us something at all and even put a little effort into wrapping it themselves. (Yes, honey, I have forgiven you, don’t fret.)

And I’ll never understand people who want to carefully open their gifts right at the tape. Don’t save the paper, are you kidding me?! Sure it’s pretty, but wrapping isn’t that hard (Oh, she wrapped it so nicely!) and what will you do with it anyway? Frame it?? I want people to rip the paper like they’re having a fit of giggles and can’t control themselves. It’s kind of like burping after a meal- it shows appreciation. (No, please don’t belch at my table. It’s just an example.)

Okay but wrap rage usually stems from other things. (Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about.) Bad, cheap wrapping paper. The kind that tears in all directions when you’re trying to cut a section neatly. Your scissors should just slide through, without catching or nicking or tearing. If you’ve got bad, cheap scissors on top of it, then there’s not much hope of a smooth wrapping experience. In cases like this you may have been known to ball up the entire load of paper and chuck it across the room in frustration.

Or how about that stupid tape dispenser? Anything worse than trying to keep a nose or a toe on the paper while trying to wrangle a piece of tape from those plastic dispensers? It takes two hands just to pull off a piece of tape! Or say you have a stationary dispenser but it’s not very heavy so when you go to pull off a piece of tape, instead of it breaking off like it’s supposed to, the whole dispenser comes up? So annoying. Or how about that cheap tape? The dispenser stays put but the tape doesn’t rip off (not without you puncturing your finger all along the dispenser’s teeth), instead it just keeps stretching out until you’ve got a piece big enough to wrap around your living room.

A little bit of FYI: The Pennsylvania Medical Society conducted a poll that said 17% of people reported that they or someone they knew had been injured while trying to open a factory-sealed package because they’d gotten frustrated and tried to use a screwdriver or a knife. So if you don’t own a pair of heavy, blunt-edged scissors, buy some now. I personally have several because I use scissors a lot in the kitchen for everyday food prep. I hate sawing through meat and packages and whatever. Get a good solid pair of kitchen scissors and cut that chicken apart. I have 3 pairs in my kitchen, and I use them so much that they are definitely due for replacement.

So that’s it. Don’t engage in wrap rage! (LOL- that’s funny to me. I rhymed.) Be prepared with high quality supplies. There are many things that I get from the dollar store which are good quality, but when it comes to other things, don’t skimp. You will be happier if you spring a couple extra dollars on a heavier, better quality wrapping paper, and you will see the difference in quality. Don’t sweat the small stuff, and remember the real reason for the season.

Happy wrapping!

 

“You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.”

~ Psalms 128:2  NIV

December 15th ~ Shop Til You Drop

On the fifteenth day of December my true love gave to me,

a stack of credit card receipts.

I love to shop. It doesn’t even matter what I’m shopping for. As long as I have a list then some basic need inside of me is being met.

I’m not necessarily a ‘shop till you drop’ kind of girl, but because I live on an island and have to travel anywhere from 1 hour 20 mins to 3 hours, one way, just to get some decent shopping in, I’d say that it happens more often than not. That’s okay. I just have to plan my day (or sometimes two) around it. It’s also not uncommon for locals to take trips into the nearest metropolitan area, get a room for the night, and do several months worth of shopping.  We are also big fans of ordering Christmas gifts online. It just makes things easier, and we don’t have to drive 150 miles to some big mall or department store to sift through the crowds and mess of merchandise.

Every year our boys get three gifts each. Jesus got three gifts, and our boys have learned that Christmas is not about getting, getting, getting. They also get gifts from grandparents, and aunts, and occasionally extended family members, and their stockings are always filled by Santa. They certainly are not in want. We weigh their wish lists carefully and see what we feel fits in best with our budget.

Deciding what to buy can be hard, but sometimes it’s the actual buying that’s the hardest. A few tips I’ve learned over time that will help you make smart spending choices and enjoy the season in good health, good spirits, and good fun without sacrificing any festivities.

1. Shopping can actually cause major stress indicators such as headaches, weight gain, insomnia, digestive problems, depression, and even gum disease. So set a budget and pay with cash. You’ll spend up to 18% more if you use a credit card. Cash reminds you of what you have to spend and how much is going out. Stay calm and in control.

2. Follow the crowd: you can stretch your dollar by buying from websites that discount 50-90% when certain numbers of people agree to buy. Check out Jasmere.com, groupon.com, woot.com, tippr.com, livingsocial.com, buywithme.com. Some of these sites include restaurant coupons (check out restaurant.com!), but make sure you read the fine print for your offer of choice.

3. Stash cash for maximum savings: Even this close to Christmas retailers will still treat you to as much as 14% earnings on any holiday money you set aside. Check out this online savings tool smartypig.com. It allows you to stow money as you would your bank, but you can withdraw your money in the form of a retail gift card. For example, someone who opened an account with $500 in November could turn that into $750 in Lands’ End gift cards, which is a 14% bonus in only 2 weeks.

4. Shop at night: Black Friday is a mess and I refuse to be a part of the madness. I actually know people who arrive at stores at 2 or 3 am, and this year someone I knew actually started at midnight with a plan that took her through the entire night, a very early breakfast break, back at a specific store for their doorbusters, and back home in time for her kids to get up and have breakfast. Whew! Why do that to yourself?? Did you know you have the same chances online for those doorbusters? Maybe not at every store, but yes at Walmart, for an example. Check in at 12:01 am ET. If the sale isn’t available yet then check in again at 4 or 5 am, or whenever the store opens. Grab those great deals and avoid the crowds (and the desperate people with mace).

5. Know the competition: Spend some time reviewing the latest sale flyers. Some stores suspend price matching on Black Friday, but for many others it’s still an option. There’s also post-purchasing matching, and some stores will refund the difference if you spot the same item for less within a week or two. Bring your receipt and proof of the lower price. If you don’t have the sales ad then take a picture of it with your phone.

6. Find a tree almost for free: I like to get my tree up around the 1st of December and I suspect most people do. There are still those who wait for Christmas Eve for that traditional 12 Days of Christmas tree trimming. By the middle of December artificial trees are already an out-of-season item, so find a good sale and buy one for next year. In some home and garden stores you might find them for as much as 50% off. Live trees can be found, too, in stores such as Lowe’s, which regularly sells fresh six-foot Douglas fir trees for prices as low as $25.

7. “Friend” favorite retailers on Facebook. I’ve received discounts and coupons at Chili’s restaurants, Banana Republic and Gap for friending them. Other sites that you can check out are twitter.com, foursquare.com, and other social networking tools for specials.

8. Phone it in: Before you make a big purchase make sure you’ve finagled a first-class deal on your cell phone. You can take a picture of an item’s bar code and upload it to shopping sites for fast online price comparison. Try biggu.com. And also check out this app-review site appolicious.com.

9. Grab last-minute deals: You’d think that last-minute shoppers would end up overpaying, but truth is those procrastinators can end up with the sweetest deals, such as free gift-box and shipping promotions. Sites that gave extras in mid-december were redenvelope.com, wine.com, and bluenile.com. Keep in mind that there are always cutoffs for holiday arrival. There is such a thing as shopping too late.

10. Avoid shipping fees: free shipping is one of the most common holiday promotions. Hunt for codes on freeshipping.org and retailmenot.com. Another option is site-to-store shipping at Walmart, Payless, L.L. Bean, and Sears, among others. Coupons can also be applied where applicable.

So there you have it. Some excellent advice and a slew of resources provided by senior consumer reporter, Kelli Grant of smartmoney.com. I found all this in the 2010 December edition of Good Housekeeping and it has been my favorite issue ever. (Definitely not one I will rip apart for my recipe project - oh my, remember that post? Someday I will finish that project.)

I can never understand those people who gleefully announce that they have finished all their Christmas shopping by July. Maybe it’s cheaper, maybe it’s easier, who knows, but where’s the fun in that? To me, part of enjoying the entire season is the shopping. I think the proof is in the pudding. You don’t have to spend a fortune in December to get all your holiday shopping done. Oh that reminds me…COUPONS! You will notice that RedPlum and Super Saver and the other coupon distributors never put inserts in the Sundays following a holiday, but definitely clip pre-holiday. It’s the best time to sneak in extra savings. Especially this time of year between Thanksgiving and Christmas when high in demand items are more likely to have a coupon, such as flour, sugar, gravy mixes, stuffing mixes, even turkeys. You get the idea.

Enjoy your shopping days. Don’t sweat the small stuff. And remember the real reason for the season.

“If it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”

                                                                                                      ~ Romans 12:8  NIV

December 14th ~ Let The Music Play

On the fourteenth day of December my true love gave to me,

a lovely little melody.

I love these pictures I found with the dates and everything on them, but they certainly aren’t coinciding with my posts very well! haha- oh well.

So yesterday’s picture was kinda close…. it said to do your chores while listening to Christmas Music. So in the tradition of Christmas music we attended Brandon’s school band Winter Concert on Monday night, and Jadon’s school’s Christmas Program on Tuesday night. Wow!

For the band concert, I first have to say that it was amazing. Every year the music instructor starts the program off with the beginning groups, the sixth graders. You can really tell they have been trying for the past 3 months to learn their instruments. All of their songs were more like scales, and it reminded me of Brandon being up there for the first time 3 years ago.

Next comes the middle schoolers, 7th & 8th graders. Even though 6th grade is middle school, these older ones have more experience, and you can hear it in their playing. Already a big difference. My favorite song they did was called Tap Out. I can’t explain it but it was cool. Lots of drum tapping, and the kids who were on percussion really had the beat. Jadon, a budding drummer, looked especially entranced as well.

By the time the high schoolers came out I knew we were in for a treat. This group is amazing. Some of these kids also play in the Strings (band) and the Jazz Band, consequently playing 2 or 3 instruments each. I saw 2 young girls I knew who played 3 instruments each. One played the french horn, trombone, and violin. The other played the saxophone, the cello, and the flute. That’s a lot of practicing! I was impressed. And the group did not disappoint.

He looks thrilled, doesn't he?

So last night was the Christmas Program at Jadon’s school. The auditorium at the Elementary school was packed out as literally every student came to sing their two songs each (per grade). So this included moms, dad, siblings, grand-parents, etc. This is not a normal thing around here. Keep in mind that there are less than 300 students between K and 5th grade, but still, our little school could barely contain the crowd.

This littel diva next to him is a real firecracker- totally adorable!

It seems that during the holiday season I’ve got more engagements in a week than I normally have in a month. It’s exhausting. But I go with the flow because these are special moments. No, not just because they only come once a year, but because some of them only come once in a lifetime. Brandon will only be 14 once, and Jadon will only be 10 once. This is Jadon’s last year of elementary school. Next year he will be a big 6th grader!

Take time to enjoy these things. Yes, it’s a little inconvenient when school night events interfere with homework and dinner time, but that’s what makes Christmas Break so great (and it’s coming up soon!). Enjoy the season in good health, good spirits, and good fun, and savor every moment you share this holiday with your friends and family. Don’t sweat the small stuff and remember the real reason for the season.

“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”

~ 1 John 4:12  NIV