Sunday, December 22, 2013

Christmas Magic

    My Holiday panic is beginning to subside, as I have most of my necessary tasks completed.  The house is "lightly" decorated, which means only my favorite things,  and I'm happy with the tree.  We are not hosting this year, and I only put out the things that  make me happiest, but not take two days to put away next year.
    My shopping is done, and the Christmas cards and packages have been mailed.  I went grocery shopping today, and have everything I need to bring appetizers and desserts for our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations.  I'm off from work Tuesday, and will finish wrapping the last gifts. I can hardly believe that Thanksgiving was just three weeks ago!
    Years ago, I learned of an easy way to create some Christmas Magic  for young children.  It was a way to sprinkle glitter up the walk to our house, in order to help Santa find us. We did it Christmas Eve, just as it was getting dark.  It was even more dramatic if there was snow on the ground.
   I was told to mix equal parts oatmeal and glitter in a plastic bag that seals.  Next, make a diagonal cut on one end of the baggie, which would allow a steady stream of glitter to spill outside.  A small cut will insure a small line and helps make a longer path.  The oatmeal would help keep it on the ground.  Ask the kids to help. Shine a flashlight and see how the glitter sparkles!  It's Magic!  The only thing left to do is write a quick note to Santa, and leave cookies and a juice box instead of a glass of milk, in case he's thirsty later.
    I hope everyone finds some magic this Christmas week, and that you all have a Happy and Healthy New Year!!....and the beat goes on.....the beat goes on.......

Sunday, December 8, 2013

The Red Hats Celebrate the Season

   " Tis the Season to be Jolly" is part of a popular holiday song.  This weekend was joyful, and very busy because there was a party each day.  The Improper Bostonians, which is our  Red Hat Chapter name,  got together for our Holiday Luncheon.  The restaurant was beautifully decorated, and the meal was fabulous.  We always enjoy the company, and we always acknowledge members celebrating birthdays each month.  Because I'm turning sixty this month, I got to wear the purple cape and crown.  It is usually worn by the red hatter who is turning  60 or 70 or 80.  We had cake and ice cream, and all four of the December birthday girls got in the pictures.
    The cousins also had their annual Christmas cookie party.  We each brought two dozen cookies, and we went home with a wonderful assortment of home made cookies.  My husband loves this event, because he gets to enjoy the cookies for the next week.  I ate one of every kind at the swap, so I'm going to try and eat healthy until the next celebration.  We all discussed how tired we are, because the personal life is extremely busy, and work is hectic with end of year deadlines.
    It's always fun to see relatives and friends during the Holiday season, especially because Christmas week is usually spent with immediate family, and is chock full of things to do. Panic is beginning to set in, because I still need to decorate inside and trim the tree.  All packages must be mailed this week, which means that the last few gifts need to be purchased, and wrapped.  I started my Christmas cards tonight, but I usually take extra time to write a note to the aunts.  I will put off doing that group for now.
    Next weekend, we will attend a birthday luncheon, and finish the shopping.  It will be a big relief to have the packages mailed, and the house decorated.  With ten days to go, I will work on my master list.  It will have three columns, things to buy, things to make, and things to do.  My shopping lists will show each store, and the items I plan to get there.  Hopefully this will cut down on the holiday madness.  I also try and list each store, as I will encounter it in my travels.  Since traffic near our mall will be crazy, I do not want to have to double back.  I always pick up a couple of gifts in case someone gives us a gift, and I did not plan to exchange with them.  I simply get things that I will use myself, in the event that we do not receive any surprise gifts.
   My approach is to take one day at a time, and try to accomplish a few things from my list.  In a few short weeks, I can take  a day to do little and nothing, two of my favorite things to do on weekends.....and the beat goes on.....the beat goes on.......
    

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Gobble Gobble

   I thoroughly enjoyed Thanksgiving this year because it was just my speed.  We had a wonderful dinner with Ron's siblings and their families.  Our nephew's children were there, and kids always bring laughter and joy to any celebration.  Feasting with our families is a tradition that I hope everyone can relish.
    I deliberately stayed away from the shops and sales on Friday, and decided to make turkey soup, and a turkey pot pie.  By the time we've eaten all the left overs, we will have been stuffed with turkey.  Since it may be a year until we have it again, I don't mind eating turkey dishes for a few days.
    Small business Saturday is popular in our area.  Downtown shops and restaurants are open late Saturday night, and many offer extra discounts.  I like the idea of keeping the money in my community, and supporting our neighbors.  Even though we have cut down on the amount of gifts we exchange, we still have a lot to buy and mail.  We give to all the kids until they graduate college, and so it is time to start my list.  Packages and Christmas cards must be mailed by December 15th, which means I must get a lot done by next weekend.  The clock is ticking.  There are things to buy, things to make and things to do.  Next weekend I have a Christmas luncheon, and a cookie exchange.  I also need to put up the tree and decorations.  This is the time of year when I do something every night after work in order to get things done.  It is a lot of fun, but it is also exhausting, because work will be very busy, and my personal life will be too.  My strategy will be to do as much as I can each day.  The month of December will fly by, and I  need to maximize the happiness, and minimize the stress.  I'll let you know how it all works out.....and the beat goes on.....the beat goes on......