Monday, December 26, 2005 - Christmas Recovery
Well, I survived Christmas! Actually, we did better than we have in past years--almost all the Christmas shopping was done and presents wrapped by December 23. I did have to go back and get one more gift for oldest ds, as well as some more gift boxes, on Christmas Eve Day.
Next year I want to plan things better. I want to get all the gifts well ahead of time, starting in January. I've tried to do this before, but either I misplaced the gifts and didn't find them in time, or the dc found them early. I must have stayed at a Holiday Inn last night, because it hit me in the shower today that I could get a locking footlocker (dh has one I could probably use) to keep the gifts in (and little prying eyes out).
I also plan to start my baking earlier. Baking is always a big part of our holiday season, from before Thanksgiving to Three Kings' Day (aka the 12th Day of Christmas, January 6). My great-grandfather was apprenticed as a baker in Alsace-Lorraine, and after coming to America, he opened a chain of bakeries in New Jersey and New York that did a brisk limousine trade even at the height of the Depression. When I was growing up, we always had lots of European-style (more butter, less sugar) desserts at Christmastime, some of them tied to ethnic traditions of my Donauschwaben grandparents.
I always have a lengthy list of items I want to make. I actually got a fair number of them made this year, but next year I want to start earlier and spread it out in a planned fashion. I also want to get photos of dc and myself making the desserts, along with photos of the finished products. I want to make a scrapbook of these photos, with recipes and stories of the traditions behind some of them.
Decorating took a back seat this year. The dc put up the tree without any supervision (which they really don't need as long as the older ones watch the younger ones), but I didn't even get any photos this year!
We got lights around the two front windows, but not on the roof (dh wanted to cut back on that due to electricity costs). Oldest ds and I managed to make and install a half-dozen PVC-pipe candy canes (red electrical tape) along our front walk, with red/green tinsel garland and white mini-lights. Our entire street used to do this where we lived before, and people would come from miles around to see it. I was disappointed that I couldn't find any all-red garland like we used to have, though. I guess it was all gone by the time I bought the supplies. I think I spent less than $20 for the materials, though, and we'll add more next year.
I had hoped to get two Nativity sets up on display--a Playmobil one (i.e. not so fragile) on the fireplace mantel and my china one on the bookcase in my bedroom, but I ran out of time. I also have a Christmas garland for my entryway that I didn't find in time (in the attic somewhere). Hopefully, next year we can start the decorating earlier, as well as budget more for lights.
But most of all, I want to do more to recognize Jesus and His birthday. Our church isn't into Advent, but I'd like to have an Advent wreath/candles, and maybe even a menorah (IMO the Festival of Lights points to the Light of the world). I've also been wanting to make a "birthday cake" for Jesus, as well as reading the Christmas story together as a family from the book of Luke and maybe sing some Christmas carols. I need to give this area some more thought.
Comments
Monday, December 26, 2005 - Welcome!
Posted by Jammie
Nice to meet you! Thanks for visiting my blog! Your snow looks very nice! You have lots of nice plans it seems! I am hoping to be more disciplined with my computer time this year, though I won't make it an official "Resolution"!!
And you have such interesting information about your grandfather! That's neat. I'd like to see some family recipes if they aren't secret ones :)
Yes, I love classical music. I was majored in music in college and i LOVE chamber music. Alas, I have very few recordings so I make do with what's on the radio...
Blessings! Jen aka Jammie
Tuesday, December 27, 2005 - Untitled Comment
Hi!
I wanted to thank you for visiting my blog (I'm new at blogging, too! :) )
I really enjoyed reading your blog. It sounds like you had a blessed Christmas :)
I wanted to comment about what you said about getting a menorah. Our family has one (a Chanukkia, which is a nine candle Menorah, and we also have the menorah, as the one that is described in the bible, with 7 branches). You are right, it DOES point to Jesus. Like the scriptures say, He is the Light of the world, and as His deciples, we are also called to be lights unto the world.. Isn't that awesome? In John, I forget which chapter... maybe 12? It talks about when Yeshua/Jesus went to the synagogue to observe the Feast of Dedication. So, if it's important to Him, it should also be important to us. :)
We are really having a blessed holiday this year. As you know, Christmas and Chanukah are celebrated on the same day this year. Wonder if God planned that one? Hee hee.
By the way.. you are also interested in genealogy... How is yours coming along?
As soon as the holidays are passed, I am planning on jumping back in.
Look forward to hopefully yacking to you sometime some more as time allows!
Blessings to you in our King! Jesus!
Rosemary :)
Tuesday, December 27, 2005 - Good plans...
Posted by Kg
How does that saying go? "The best laid plans..."
Actually, pre-planning is a great idea. I wish I could do more if it myself. I like your idea of locker. The thing with pre-planning is that other thing have to be organized, too. Like storage, budget, time. Yeah.
Hey, keep us posted if you do start doing your Christmas stuff for next year in January, okay? You might serve as a inspiration to us all!
Tuesday, December 27, 2005 - Untitled Comment
Posted by TOSPUBLISHER
Your plans sound wonderful. Now to follow thorugh right? ;-) Welcome to HSB! We are glad that you are here and looking forward to reading more.
God Bless,
Gena Suarez, Publisher
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com
