Family Christmas Countdown

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Our Christmas Lights

Ok- so we didn't go all out this year with the Christmas lights- in fact we didn't get them up outside at all....

But some people in our friend's neighborhood covered enough lights for the whole city- so we didn't have to.

Here's the link on YouTube that I just uploaded from our family light-viewing excursion last night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9Fu-Z9y6M0

-Jed

So looking forward to our rest in Inverness

http://www.motelinverness.com
birds, rain, good food, books, oh, and don't forget sleep.
The do not disturb tags on the rooms say
Guests are Resting.
That will be our motto, Guests are Resting
Great to just slow way down and be at peace at the dark of the year.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Looking for moments of joy in all the craziness

It's always so hard, trying to even fit the holidays into all the end-of-year busyness at work, and all the extra traffic, and the rain, and, and.

So I have been taking 10-15 minutes every night to drive around the neighborhood looking at holiday lights and decorations before I go home. And being sure to plug in the tree and turn on the gas fire and the holiday music, even it I am bustling around all evening.

I really support Alicia's post about having a smaller holiday--Susan and I don't exchange gifts anymore, or even necessarily buy a joint present for the house--our present has been our two days away--we are going to Inverness again this year, in the Pt. Reyes Seashore (the same place we went last year).

Love to you all, and to all a good night.

Christmas in frozen northland

Merry Christmas season! :)

We are doing a low key Christmas this year. Everyone is getting something nice, and we're going to have some good food, and some relaxing hopefully. The last few years we have been having smaller Christmases. It started as a financial thing, but it felt so great to be free of the pressure of spending so much money, and became a quest to really focus on each person, and what would be the most meaningful thing for them.

This year we didn't do a tree, well I should say that. We didn't do a complete tree. I set up several nativity scenes, and got out the small tree intending that it would go somewhere fun and we'd have two trees, but then it ended up being our only tree, and I think we're all okay with that. Its a cute little tree, and its very brightly lit up.

I am experimenting with making butter cookies this year, trying to recreat those Danish butter cookies that come in the tins. So far, I've done one recipe and they were tasty! Oh, and Justin and I recreated a little of our childhood and made paper chains, and hung them with some led christmas lights. Looks very festive!

Merry Christmas everyone! Looking forward to seeing lots of posts :) Love you all, Alicia

Cinnamon Steamer

Merry Christmas! I wonder if anyone has looked at this blog yet this year. I challenge everyone to post at least once this season. I'll start. I wanted to share this yummy, easy recipe for a hot holiday drink.

Cinnamon Steamer

2 cups powdered milk
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup flavored, powdered coffee creamer (I used Vanilla Caramel, but Hazelnut would be good, too, I think)
1/2 T. cinnamon

Mix thoroughly. Add 1/3 cup mix to a mug of hot water for a yummy winter drink.

You can make the mix up and give portions away in cute holiday mugs, mason jars, etc. Be sure to include the directions for making one cup-full. This makes enough for about 10 servings.

So, what are you all doing to enjoy the holidays this year? We love you all and send our love your way!