As winter's chill wraps the world in a cozy embrace, some hearts are filled with warmth and joy as we gather to celebrate the most magical time of the year. Let's remember all aspects of this time of year: the good, the happy, the sad, and the lost.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas
The air is filled with the sweet melodies of carols, and the streets are adorned with twinkling lights, creating a festive atmosphere that warms even the coldest of nights. It's a season of love, laughter, and the simple pleasures that can make life truly special.
During this enchanting time, families come together, creating cherished memories that will be fondly remembered for years.
Whether it's sharing a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace, decorating the tree with ornaments collected over the years, or simply relishing in the company of loved ones, the holidays remind us of the importance of connection and the joy of togetherness.
Let's take a moment to appreciate the love surrounding us and express gratitude for the bonds that make life meaningful.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, let's remember the spirit of giving and generosity. The joy derived from sharing our blessings with others is immeasurable.
Whether donating to a local charity, volunteering at a community event, or simply extending a helping hand to those in need, the true magic of the season lies in spreading kindness and goodwill.
May this season inspire us to be more compassionate, and may the ripple effect of our actions create a wave of positivity that extends far beyond the holidays.
The Holiday Season can be a Challenging Time for Some
Yet, amid the merriment, let us pause to acknowledge that the holidays can be challenging for some. While many of us are surrounded by the love of family and friends, some may be grappling with loss, loneliness, or difficult circumstances.
Let us extend our hearts and minds to those who find this season a poignant reminder of their struggles.
As we bid farewell to another year and welcome the promise of new beginnings, let's carry the warmth and goodwill of the holiday season into the days ahead.
May the coming year be filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities.
May the season's spirit linger in our hearts, guiding us to a future filled with joy, prosperity, and the magic that makes life truly extraordinary.
Cheers to a season of love, laughter, and the joyous celebration of life's beautiful moments, mindful of those needing an extra dose of kindness during this time.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to You 💗
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If you are looking for an easy Christmas movie to sit back and watch, I
recommend "A Brush With Christmas". It doesn't require intense
concentration or a great deal of emotional investment, it is simply pure
entertainment that provides a welcome distraction from the holiday stresses
in your own life.
This is the first movie I have seen starring Jillian Murray or Joseph
Cannata, and I found them both adorably endearing. Murray is the
perfect choice to play the part of a sweet, devoted & self-sacrificing
daughter and Joseph Cannata makes an excellent concerned friend/boyfriend
who tries to be helpful.
___
I watched "A Brush With Christmas" on PureFlix.com. My husband gave me an early Christmas gift this year as soon as we discovered the site. We signed up to the streaming service and he gave me a 1 year subscription. It was the perfect gift for me! Great American Pure Flix is dedicated to offering "the best in quality faith, family, and hometown-values entertainment". I have already watched several movies on PureFlix and I love it!
A Brush With Christmas Synopsis
Charlotte (Jillian Murray) is an artist, a painter to be more precise, but she works
alongside her mother in the restaurant that was her father's dream.
She loves the family legacy and embraces being head chef, but her heart is
really in painting.
It is not unusual for an artist to work to pay the bills and "create" in
their off time. However, Charlotte's mother requires more of Charlotte in
the restaurant than a normal job would demand. That responsibility is even greater
during the holidays when business is booming.
Charlotte is torn between the restaurant and her own desire to paint a
Christmas picture to submit for the local art festival. Time is
limited, which makes it impossible for her to do both things well.
Under additional pressure from her mother, Charlotte makes the difficult
decision to literally trash her half finished Christmas picture and focus on
the extra seasonal demands at the restaurant.
______
Wyatt Graham (Joseph Cannata) is very successful and well known in the art world, but he is taking a much needed break from his job. While business offers him a way to use his artistic ability, computer generated art is not as fulfilling for him as holding a pencil and drawing. He is happy to be visiting his friend, David, who just moved to Bayside and he hopes to spend time back with his "drawing board".
When David enters him in the city Christmas art festival, Wyatt is pretty excited to gather supplies and start creating, but finding the subject to draw proves to be a little more challenging. Plus, he finds himself distracted by a lovely local artist.
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Every year, on the first weekend in December, our daughter Jamie and the boys come over to help us decorate for Christmas. It's time to rearrange the furniture, get the Christmas tree out of the basement, put it up, and decorate it.
Every year, Fran likes to have a nice breakfast for this festive activity. Normally it's just eggs, bacon, sausage, and some fresh muffins. This year Fran added this delightful homemade baked French toast.
In my post today, I will guide you through how Fran created this sweet, mouthwatering comfort dish of baked French toast.
Ingredients: For Homemade Baked French Toast
1 loaf of French bread
7 to 8 large eggs
1 cup of milk
1/2 cup heavy cream or (half and half)
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup butter melted
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
Powdered sugar, cinnamon, and brown sugar for the top after baking.
Directions:
Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes.
Melt the butter, and mix with the brown sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
Pour the mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.
Add the cut cubes of French bread into the baking dish and spread evenly.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until all is well combined.
Pour the mixture over the French bread, cover, and refrigerate for one or two hours.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes until it's golden brown and set in the center.
Sprinkle the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and brown sugar over the top while it's hot right out of the oven.
Serve warm with butter, and maple syrup. We had fresh-cut strawberries and whipped cream for some added treats on top of our baked French toast.
You don't have to wait for the holidays to enjoy this delightful baked French toast. Whether you're hosting a brunch or just treating yourself to a wonderful morning breakfast anytime.
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The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and reflection. However, it's not always a joyous time for some, so anything we can do to help lessen someone's burden is ultimately the truest gift (in my humble opinion).
As we immerse ourselves in the festivities, it's essential to remember the true spirit of Christmas, which extends far beyond glittering decorations and festive feasts.
At its core, Christmas embodies the values of compassion, generosity, and kindness. Amid the hustle and bustle, let us pause to rediscover the essence of this magical season.
The True Spirit of Christmas
Amidst the exchanging of gifts and the twinkling lights, the true spirit of Christmas is really about our acts of kindness, no matter how small.
It's about selflessness and a genuine desire to bring joy to others. Embracing this spirit can transform the holiday season into a meaningful and fulfilling experience. As we navigate the celebrations, let us prioritize the well-being and happiness of those around us.
Acts of Kindness
Random Acts of Kindness: Surprise someone with a small, unexpected act of kindness, whether paying for a stranger's coffee or leaving an uplifting note for a neighbor.
Volunteer Opportunities: Consider spending some time volunteering at local charities or shelters. Your presence and assistance can make a significant impact on those less fortunate.
Donate to a Cause: Donate to a charity or cause that aligns with your values instead of focusing solely on material gifts. This supports important initiatives and instills a sense of purpose in your celebrations. Donating that extra two dollars at the store is also a kind gesture.
Helping Hand: Offer assistance to friends or family members who may be struggling during the holiday season. Whether running errands or providing emotional support, your help can be a lifeline. Sometimes, listening to a friend and conversing with family while you spend time together is a helping hand.
Personal Reflection
As we engage in acts of kindness, we reflect on our blessings and privileges.
Christmas is an opportune time to acknowledge and appreciate what we have while actively working towards making a positive difference in the lives of others. By fostering a culture of kindness, we contribute to a world that reflects the season's true spirit.
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
Let's maintain sight of the genuine warmth of acts of kindness. This Christmas, let's collectively embrace the season's true spirit by spreading joy, practicing compassion, and fostering a sense of community.
In doing so, we not only enrich the lives of others but also create lasting memories that truly capture the essence of Christmas.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
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Christmas on historic Main Street in St. Charles Missouri is always a wonderful way to spend some time. The shops are all decorated for the holidays, and it is very festive looking. On this post I will tell you about the festival that is the highlight of the holiday on Main Street and give you a photographic tour of the area with photos I took on a beautiful December morning.
Main Street Decked out for the Holidays.
Storefront with Merchandise Displayed on Sidewalk
The photo above shows one of the creative ways the storeowner uses his merchandise to add to the festive decorations.
Windows and Doorways
The decorating of store windows and entrances adds to the festival atmosphere.
Christmas Traditions
Christmas Traditions is an annual festival held each year from Thanksgiving until Christmas. It is a very exciting time for young and old alike. Each Friday evening through Sunday evening you will find a host of storybook characters walking around Main Street. Characters like the Sugar Plum Fairy, Jack Frost and Santa's from many lands are all handing out trading cards. My granddaughters loved to try to collect all the cards when they were younger and came to visit.
At noon on Saturdays and Sundays all of the characters follow Santa and Mrs. Claus on a parade down Main Street, while children both young and old line the streets to watch. When not in the parade Santa can be found in the railroad station where you can get your photo taken with Santa.
Other traditions include carolers walking the streets and singing carols and vendors selling things like roasted chestnuts and hot Wassil.
Children can send a letter to Santa and drop it in the special mailbox.
Decorations Galore
Wreaths are found everywhere on buildings, windows and doorways.
This big tree and the red sleigh in front of it is a favorite place to stop and have take a photo of your group.
I hoped you enjoyed seeing one of the ways we celebrate the holidays in my area.
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One of my favorite gifts to give or receive is genuine wax flameless candles
with a lovely, flickering "flame," a timer, and a remote control that lets me
"light" them or "blow them out" from across the room at the touch of a button.
When flameless wax candles first came out, the quality of the "flame" from
most manufacturers was pretty poor. Fortunately, the technology has improved
and prices have come down a bit over the years. Now you can buy nice ones that
are suitable for both gift-giving and home decor at moderate as well as
premium prices.
Whether you buy a single flameless pillar candle, a pair of tapers, or a set
of votives, they're sure to add beauty and timeless elegance to your home and
be a gift that keeps on giving.
Flameless wax candles are elegant and safe to leave unattended. My
favorites also include a timer and remote control that let you "light"
and "blow them out" from across the room.
Why Choose Flameless Candles?
Here are some of the qualities that make flameless candles appealing for both
gifts and home decor, during the holidays and year-round.
Long-Lasting Beauty
These flameless candles let you enjoy the timeless beauty of genuine wax
candles that never burn down. We have used ours frequently for many years with
no end to our enjoyment in sight (unless we run out of batteries).
Flickering LED "Flame"
The flame on these LED flameless candles moves randomly to simulate the
flicker of an open flame on a traditional wax candle. Close-up, of course, no
one will mistake it for a real flame. However, from farther away, the "dancing
flame" effect can be quite realistic.
No Drips
Unlike traditional candles with wicks, the wax body of these flameless candles
remains at room temperature and won't melt or drip (unless you subject them to
excessive heat). A grouping of pillars or some tapers make a lovely
centerpiece that can't set your tablecloth on fire if they're accidentally
knocked over while passing a serving dish. You could even use them on a finely
finished antique wood table without fear of marring the surface.
No Smoke
Another advantage is that flameless candles are smoke-free. You can "burn" as
many of these beautiful candles as your heart desires without worrying about
setting off the smoke alarm! I love the look of candles everywhere, especially
during the holidays.
Candlelight That's Safe for the Whole Family
Since there isn't an open flame, these flameless candles can be left
unattended, unlike traditional wax candles. They're safe to leave on in your
windows during the holidays. They provide a romantic glow in the bedroom, with
no worries if you happen to fall asleep before turning them off.
They're also safe to use around children and pets.
Perfect for the Dark Winter Months
Here in New England, the winter months can be brutally cold and the sun sets quite early. We have flameless LED candles in nearly every room of our house, and during the winter we set them to turn on at dusk, so we never have to walk into a completely dark room. The LEDs draw very little power, so a set of batteries usually lasts us the whole winter and beyond.
Two of our Luminara flameless pillar candles with our set of three
color-changing flameless pillars
Luminara Flameless Candles: Perfect for Gifting
There are many brands of flameless candles, and the quality can vary
significantly. We've tried a few inexpensive brands and have mostly been
disappointed. The brand we count on for consistently high quality is Luminara.
Luminara makes top-of-the-line flameless candles made of hand-poured paraffin
wax. Most styles have a timer and a remote, and all are boxed for easy
gift-giving.
The company offers a wide range of styles, from everyday essentials to
specialty items like real birch flameless candles filled with paraffin wax
(gorgeous for country or rustic home decor) and Christmas-themed styles.
Here are some of my favorites.
This set of three Luminara melted edge wax pillar candles is one of the company's best
sellers. The graduated-height, 3-inch wide pillars are 4.5", 5.5" and 6.5"
tall, respectively.
The included remote control operates all three candles. Even if you split them up and place them in three different locations, you can control each one with the same remote, which is very convenient.
These are unscented (although Luminara does make some scented styles), so they're ideal for someone who is sensitive to scents, has allergies, or prefers to use other home fragrance products such as potpourri or sprays.
These also come in a choice of colors. I think the burgundy is very festive for the holidays and would be great as an accent color in a mostly neutral decor palette, while ivory or white are more subtle and very elegant any time of year.
We own this set of three pillars in ivory as well as a tall pillar in a
discontinued color (blue sage) that coordinates with our living room color
scheme.
Another choice that will grace your or your gift recipient's dining table for
years to come is this set of Luminara ivory flameless wax tapers.
Elegant wax tapers are a classic, timeless style for good reason. Classic elegance with the safety and convenience of a flameless "flame" is a win-win!
Measuring 1" wide by 9.75" high, these flameless tapers can be used in any standard taper candle holder. Even reheated leftovers can become a festive meal with these flickering beauties on the dining table.
Although these do not come with a remote control, they do have a timer function that allows them to turn on for 5 hours and then shut off automatically for 19 hours.
These
flameless taper candles come in classic ivory as well as a variety of colors
for a more contemporary style.
As with all Luminara candles, they come nicely boxed for easy gift-giving.
Another of my favorite flameless candle styles is this hand-poured Luminara wax pillar wrapped in genuine birch bark.
Every time I see one in a store I am tempted to add one to our collection. We bought one as a gift for my mother-in-law this Christmas and she loves it!
This is available in a selection of sizes including 3.5" x 4.5", 3.5" x 6.5", 4" x 5" and 4" x 7".
Just one of these is striking enough to make a statement in any room. Investing in a group of them in different sizes would make a real conversation-piece display!
The on/off switch on the bottom also has a timer setting.
Although this beautiful birch pillar doesn't come with a remote, it is compatible with Luminara's on/off remote, sold separately, which is well worth the extra money, in my opinion. We use our Luminara remotes all the time.
Color-Changing Flameless Candles
One of the best gifts I ever gave my husband was a set of three color-changing
wax flameless candles. I prefer white Christmas lights and he prefers colored
ones, and it was a big concession for him to go with white icicle lights along
our roof and on our Christmas tree. So, one year I decided to give him a form
of colored lights we both could enjoy: color-changing flameless candles.
These turned out to be an even bigger hit than I had hoped. I took a video of
ours to show the color-changing effect, which was hard to capture on video and
is MUCH prettier in person. (If you can't see the YouTube video below, you can
access it via this link to my
color-changing flameless candles video.)
In real life, the color changes are smooth and seamless, and the unsightly
flickering of the image caused by the low-resolution video doesn't exist. I
wish I could show just how beautiful these are in person!
The candles have an on/off switch and a remote control that allows you not
only to turn the candles on and off but also to choose from a wide range of
different colors or rotate through the colors, as shown in the video.
There is also a timer feature, which we use to automatically turn on the
candles in our bedroom at dusk and turn off either 4 or 8 hours later,
depending on the time of year (and how late dusk arrives).
The brand I purchased a couple of years ago is no longer available. However, I
found a similar set with a subtle, elegant, tone-on-tone damask pattern in
the wax shell that makes them even prettier, in my opinion.
If you want to splurge, Luminara also makes lovely color-changing pillars.
Don't Forget Batteries!
Whether you're buying these for yourself or as a gift, make sure to also buy the appropriate batteries for your candles and, if applicable, the remote control.
The set of three Luminara pillar candles, the smaller Luminara birch pillars, and the Luminara tapers take AA batteries. The larger Luminara birch pillars take D batteries. The remote takes a CR2025 button battery.
The three candles in the set of color-changing pillars I featured all run on AA batteries.
Beauty, long life, safety, and convenience — just some of the reasons to treat yourself and those on your gift list to some genuine wax flameless candles!
Genuine Wax Flameless Candles — An Elegant Gift Everyone Will Love by Margaret Schindel
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Making white bean (Great Northern Beans) soup is a holiday tradition in our
home. I don't just make white bean soup during the holidays, but it is
a part of the holiday week menu of recipes that I look forward to making and
eating.
Every holiday, whether it is Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter, I bake a
big ham for the family. I can hardly wait for the ham to be devoured
so I can use the bone in a big pot of white bean soup. The ham,
itself, is usually served at least twice over the course of a few
days. I admit, sometimes (like this past Thanksgiving) I don't wait
for all of the ham to be gone before I claim the ham bone for soup.
I love the holidays and
cooking for the holidays, but after several days of heavy feasting, I am always ready for a lighter
fare of soup for a few days. For some, white beans are exclusively a
side dish. For me, they make a fabulous soup! And, just so your
know, I do make white beans as a side throughout the year. I make the
side dish exactly the same way as I make the soup, but with less
water.
I use a package of dried white beans. I do have a preferred
brand, but I have been known to use different brands if I can't
find the
Camellia Great Northern Beans
in the store. I have found that the Camellia brand has less
beans that I need to throw away before cooking.
I use the entire package of beans in one pot of soup. I start
by inspecting the beans as I rinse them in small batches in my
colander. I toss any shriveled, dark or broken beans, as
well as any bean loose or floating "skin".
All whole, white beans that pass inspection are placed in a large
dutch oven size cooking pot, covered with water, and left sitting out
on the kitchen counter to soak for 8 hours, or overnight.
Directions for White Bean Soup
Rinse the Beans & Soak for 8 hrs. or overnight (water should be
2/3 up the pan since the beans absorb water while soaking)
After 8 hours, Rinse the Beans again and put them in a dutch oven
pot with Ham (Ham Bone Preferred) OR (2 T Bacon Grease if a ham bone
is not available)
Bring to a Boil, then turn the heat down to a low boil (on my stove top that is 3½)
Add a generous amount of salt and pepper and stir the seasoning
into the beans
Cook covered (tilted lid or Pampered Chef Boil Over No More cover)
on low simmer for 1½ - 2 hours
*Note: I normally check the cooking beans a few times to add water as
needed to keep the water from boiling down too low
I mentioned bacon grease in the recipe above because I season white
beans with bacon grease if a ham bone is not available. Bacon
grease is exactly what it sounds like. It is the grease that is
rendered when cooking bacon. I cook bacon in the microwave on a
bacon tray or rack that allows the grease to settle below the
bacon. I literally pour the bacon grease from the tray into a
bacon grease jar to use as needed, whenever needed. You will
find a partly filled jar of bacon grease in my kitchen at all
times.
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