The hustle and bustle leading up to December 25th has always been my favorite part of Christmas. This year I was involved in some new Christmas activities and parties. I am truly grateful for the new people and groups that have come into my life. It has been fun to celebrate with them.
The city seemed to be very busy for a long time and the stores got crazy the last couple of weeks. This year the postal strike sent me a curve ball; like many families my gifts will be late. I have always believed, you can have Christmas any day of the year and this will be the year.
I have done a tremendous amount of baking this year. Most of it was for the business. This year's theme was "Sweet Treats by May and Faye". We had two options for Christmas Baking Trays, and we had an incredible response. When people came to pick up their trays, we spent some time together over apple cider and goodies. This has been a very successful business year for "May and Faye".
I enjoy making candy, and I enjoy eating candy. Fudge never tastes better than at Christmas time. Thanks to the "Wheatland Cookbook" I have the best and easiest never fail peanut brittle recipe. There is no cover on the cookbook, and it is a mess, but it is a tried-and-true favorite recipe. Somehow, Skor Bar is now known as "Christmas Crack". I believe the reference is to the fact that if you ever eat one piece you are addicted and simply want more.
Some people enjoy decorating at Christmas, others not so much. I have had my decorations up for over a month, and I will be glad to put them away. A family in Germany now have the record for the most Christmas trees in their home. They have over 600 trees, 120,000 lights and many more Christmas decor all displayed in their home. Now, that is extreme. My question is where you would store all of that and why would you want to decorate 600 trees.
Something I have always enjoyed is driving around looking at lights. Some people do an amazing job and there are some homes in Brandon that have a lineup of people going by. The Chevy Chase home is one of them. I did a few additions to my outside decor, and I am really enjoying them. I am quite entertained as I sit in my recliner and watch the icicles melt down, over and over again. Such simply things can create peace and calmness within.
I am a turkey person at Christmas. I have already had a beautiful Christmas meal at 3 different parties, and I will be enjoying turkey again today. I never get tired of turkey, dressing and gravy. If I have excess, I don't mind freezing it and enjoying it another day. Turkey starts out as a feast, goes to leftovers, then turkey salad sandwiches, turkey a la king and finally soup. Another favorite for me is Christmas pudding and sauce. There are Christmas food rules, pudding and mincemeat, apparently are only Christmas dessert. So many families have food traditions when it comes to Christmas, and they follow them every year. I always enjoy hearing what families "have to have" at Christmas.
One of my favorite things at Christmas is how charitable people are. My Alumni gathered and filled a Santa bag for the people that live in the local nursing home. The care home has a variety of living options, nursing care, single room or a suite. The goal was to make sure no one was forgotten at Christmas and with all the generosity of the Alumni I am proud to say, everyone got two gifts.
Christmas can also be a hard season for many. Some people have expectations at Christmas, and they are disappointed when their expectations aren't met. If this is the first time you have had an empty plate at the Christmas table, I send you a very large hug. It is hard to get through the first Christmas and possibly Christmas will be forever changed. It is often said that Christmas is for kids. Kids love the magic of Santa and what he means to them. Some of you are steeped in the religious aspect of Christmas as you celebrate the birth of Jesus. A few of you will enjoy all of the options wrapped up in one day.
Today is going to be a quiet day for me. Christmas is like everything in life, it is what you make it. If Christmas is not what you hoped it would be, remember it is just a day. Tomorrow it is all over. Whenever you have time to read this message, I hope you have been able to take something wonderful away from Christmas Day 2024. Counting our blessings and being grateful are two great habits to end this day and the year.
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