At Last, Christmas

I’m glad my twin got up early, because I was anxious to open presents. 

My sister and brother liked their gifts.  Sis said she always wanted a mug, and that this one was cute.  My bro didn’t want to open his presents at first, but said he might as well because he couldn’t get to sleep.  When he opened one of them, he seemed interested when he saw the horror flick.  He also agreed that the snowman looked just like him.

What did I get?  Here are the gifts I received this year:

• From my twin, gift cards from Starbucks, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, and Kohls.
• From my bro, a Nancy Drew game called "The Deadly Device".
• From my parents, chocolates, jeweled watch, and money.

I got everything I wanted this year.  Nevertheless, I almost had a heart attack when I saw the 3 gift cards in one of the Christmas cards.  I said, “That’s too much money!”  Sis told me much later that I was short 1 present, so she was filling in. 

Needless to say, we dug into the candy.  We also wore the watches right away.  Furthermore, I have to remind my bro to install the game.  Besides all that, I can’t wait to spend my gift cards and money!

Afterward, we went to Christmas mass.  The decorations were outstanding…lots of wreaths, lit trees, lanterns, poinsettias, and even stars!  After mass, Mom and Dad opened their gifts.  They especially liked the mugs.  Mom said that Dad told her about the CD player because she was hinting about an expensive one.  They expressed surprise at the rest of the presents, though.

Then we had dinner.  We had ham, glazed sweet potatoes with marshmallows, Waldorf salad, corn, green and black olives, and cranberry sauce.  Following is the salad recipe.

Waldorf salad

2 cups chopped apple (2 medium)

1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice

¼ cup raisins or pitted whole dates

¼ cup seedless red grapes, halved

2 tablespoons sliced celery

¼ cup low fat mayonnaise or salad dressing

¼ cup vanilla nonfat yogurt

1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans

Toss together chopped apple and lemon juice.  Stir in raisins or dates, grapes, and celery.

For dressing, stir together mayonnaise or salad dressing and yogurt.  Fold dressing into apple mixture.  Cover and chill for 2 to 24 hours.

Sprinkle with walnuts or pecans.

Makes 4 servings.

 We usually double the recipe.

Anyways, it was a great Christmas.  Hope you had as good a holiday as I did.

Luminous Tree

Here’s another look at my tree, before this festive season draws to a close. 

I hope you have a holiday full of love and happiness! 

Merry Christmas!

Scrooge – A Review

In “Scrooge”, a stingy, hard-hearted man is visited by 3 Xmas ghosts.

It really isn’t Christmas without this movie.  Albert Finney does a first-rate job of playing an old man.  I also like that Scrooge seems genuinely heart-broken after his fiancée breaks up with his younger self.  Beyond that, this isn’t your typical musical where some songs are better than others.  In this one, all of them are awesome.

Unfortunately, I didn’t care for everything in this picture.  What disturbed me was the lack of respect for a dead man.  When I shared my thoughts with my sister, she said that if Jenkins didn’t sing “Thank You Very Much” while dancing on Scrooge’s coffin, Scrooge would never know how much he was hated.

Well, this is it…my last film review.  I hope you enjoyed them.

Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus – A Review

In 1897, a young girl writes a letter to The Sun newspaper in “Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus”.

As Virginia O’Hanlan, Katharine Isobel radiates a fresh innocence that’s simply delightful.  Actually, all of the performances are exceptional, among them Richard Thomas, as James O’Hanlan, and Charles Bronson, as Frank P. Church.  Besides that, Teddy (an employee of The Sun) amuses me because he frequently says “A real hum-dinger”.

According to the postscript at the end of the film, some characters and events have been fictionalized.  To me, this statement means that most of the movie is true.  At least, I hope so.

Striped Delight Recipe

Last week, we made a yummy dessert called Striped Delight.  We prepare this recipe every year around the holidays.  Following are the instructions to creating this sweet dish.

Graham Cracker Crust

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

¼ cup sugar

1/3 cup melted butter or margarine

Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.  Press into bottom of 13 x 9-inch pan.

Cream Cheese Filling

2 packages (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened

½ cup sugar

4 tablespoons milk

1 container (8 oz.) cool whip topping, thawed

Beat cream cheese with sugar and milk until smooth.  Fold in whip topping.  Spread over crust.

Pudding Layer

2 packages (4-serving size) JELL-O Brand Instant Pudding and Pie Filling, any flavor

3 ½ cups cold milk

Prepare pudding as directed on package, using the milk measurement shown above.  Pour over cream cheese layer.

Refrigerate several hours or overnight.

Topping

1 container (8 oz.) cool whip topping, thawed

Spread ½ of cool whip over pudding.

Decorate with grated chocolate or chopped nuts, if you like.

Makes 15 servings.

This rich dessert can be made almost fat free with skim milk, cream cheese with 1/3 less fat, light whipped topping, and Smart Balance butter.

This year, I marbled vanilla and chocolate pudding together.  Personally, I love the chocolate!

Miracle on 34th Street Review

In “Miracle on 34^th Street”, an elderly gentleman tries to convince a young girl (among others) that he is Santa Claus.

This 1973 remake is one of my sister’s favorite Christmas films, so of course I had to see it.  I love the opening song, “Miracles”.  Besides that, Sebastian Cabot is very believable as Kris Kringle, a.k.a. Santa Claus.  Especially touching is when Kris speaks Spanish to a tiny child, as Susan looks on in wonder.  Moreover, Roddy McDowall’s villainous performance as Kris’s psychologist was extra fine.  

The only thing I didn’t like is that there isn’t much of a romantic spark between Bill, Kris’s lawyer, and Karen, Susan’s mother.  However, this small problem doesn’t interfere with my enjoyment of this delightful movie.

Favorite Christmas Ornaments

Each year, as we get out our Christmas ornaments, I find that I love some more than others.  So I’d like to share a few of my favorites.

This elf was a present decoration from Dad’s former employer.  It’s been sitting on our trees since I was a child.

My sister embroidered this ornament from Michaels.  She says that the snow person looks just like me.

This golden angel from Franks Nursery & Crafts looks like the work of a talented artist.  Sorry the pictures seem out of focus.  I think the sunlight’s making them appear that way.

The dog with the tongue sticking out was too whimsical to resist.  I got it from a garage sale.

My sister gave this blue angel from Hallmarks to my Mom last Christmas.  She bought another one for herself.

By the way, I couldn’t resist buying another gift for my family.  I went to Michaels and purchased Dad, my twin sister, and my brother each a snowman mug (they're all different); Mom got a holiday cup.  I hope they like them.

Meanwhile, Mom still hasn’t opened her other present.  She says she wants to unwrap it on Christmas.  Boy, she sure has a lot of self-control!

Movie Review: The Christmas List

A perfume lady gets more than she bargains for in “The Christmas List”.

This is one of my all-time favorite holiday movies.  Mimi Rogers is perfect as Melody Parris, a nice person who is waiting for life to happen.  One day, when she makes out a list of things she wants, all of her wishes come true.  Unfortunately, they also come out wrong.  One of the many screwy things that happen is when she requests an old-fashioned Christmas.  Suddenly, her mom is acting strange – stringing popcorn, roasting a turkey (she doesn’t cook), making straw angels, etc.

A minor quibble is when the heroine switches her glasses for contacts and gets a makeover.  All at once, David (the father of the boy she’s kind to) notices her.  Why couldn’t he see the beautiful person she is inside without changing the outer shell?

Other than that, this is a great film that I wouldn’t mind seeing more than once a year.  Sadly, it’s on VHS; I’m afraid I might wear down the tape if I watch it too much.

Book Review: Sarah’s Christmas Miracle

An Amish girl is determined to visit her estranged brother in “Sarah’s Christmas Miracle” by Mary Ellis.

As usual, I’m salivating over the delicious food.  I also appreciate the insight into Amish society.  What's more, the heroine is a wonderful character.  She’s content to be Amish, but is fascinated with the outside world too.  On the other hand, her beau is narrow-minded and domineering at times.

In all, this is an outstanding novella, and one of my favorites.

Movie Review: Ebbie

In “Ebbie”, an uncaring business woman meets with 3 Christmas ghosts in this updated version of “A Christmas Carol”.

Susan Lucci is terrific as Elizabeth Scrooge.  I also like the way they updated the language of the original.  For example, Jake Marley says, “You and me have got to conference”.  Besides that, the costumes are fantastic.  The Ghosts of Christmas Past, otherwise known as the perfume girls at Dobsons (a store Ebbie owns), both wear outfits to represent the decade they visit.  At one point, they actually look like Madonna of the 80s!  In addition, the Ghost of Christmas Present’s (a.k.a. the gift-wrap lady) dress looks like a present with a bow, and she sports a crown with scissors arranged around it.

To sum up, this is one of the best updates of this story that I’ve seen.

Christmas Decorations

Of course, it’s not Christmas without decorations.  Here are some pictures I snapped for just this occasion.

We bought a new Christmas tree this year from Michaels.  It’s more slender and has smaller lights than our last one, but otherwise it’s a good tree.

The snowman wreath was originally from a garage sale.  We bought it a long time ago, but only started using it last year.

My sister found these nutcrackers at Michaels last year.  The penguin is my favorite.

My sister and I bought the snowmen afghan from Kmart and the pillow from Kohls.

From left to right, the top of the bookcase contains a Madonna and Child bell-shaped music box from Germany, plastic poinsettia flowers from Michaels, Victorian doll with bear from Ebay, and Santa from Meijers (bought 3 years ago for half off).

The holiday scene was from Michaels, and the gopher was from a garage sale.

The stockings, which were from Michaels, were embroidered by my sister.

The snowmen were from an estate sale.  The snowman snow globe and brown sleigh (hidden by snowmen parade) were from garage sales.

I bought the red-clothed singers and basket bear from garage sales.  The ceramic birds were from Frank’s Nursery and Crafts.  The nut mouse was made by my brother for my parents.

My sister purchased the nativity snow globe from Target.  It’s also a music box that plays “Joy to the World”.

My sister also bought this nutcracker snow globe / music box from Target.  It plays “The Nutcracker Suite - March”. 

Mom found this nativity snow window at our church.  It plays “Away in a Manger”, and the star even lights up with a push of a button!

Book Review: The Perfect Christmas

In Debbie Macomber’s “The Perfect Christmas”, a desperate woman seeks out a matchmaker to find a husband.  Simon then gives her 3 Christmas-related jobs, to see if she’s a match for the man he's selected.  Will she survive these tasks?

Starting with the first job, I felt sorry for Cassie when the wife of a charity donator threw coffee on her.  Personally, I remember my time as a Salvation Army bell ringer with fondness.  On the other hand, I didn’t have to stand outside in freezing temperatures.  I also wasn’t crazy about the heroine being humiliated during her second job as an elf.  As for the third job, I always enjoy reading about what’s on the menu for Christmas dinner.  Besides all that, Simon could have been more polite. 

Despite some flaws, I think this is a great novel.  I read it every year.

Book Review: Unwrapping Christmas

A frazzled woman finds out what’s important after she takes a tumble in “Unwrapping Christmas” by Lori Copeland.

The only thing that bothers me about this novella is that the husband tells Rose that because she volunteers a lot, she's at fault for neglecting her family.  Though Joey does finally admit that he's to blame too (because of the long hours at his job), he’s not the one who ends up changing his ways. 

Other than that, I enjoyed this hardcover book.  It helps that it’s also about God.

Story Review: Tumbleweed Christmas

In “Tumbleweed Christmas” by Kristin James, a widow is employed as housekeeper for a Scrooge-like man.

This romantic story is a favorite of mine.  I especially love the descriptions of food and cleaning.  I also enjoy reading about Christmases long-ago.  Besides that, it doesn’t hurt that sparks fly as Melinda shows Daniel that she is truly his match.

Unfortunately, this tale is the only one in the book (of “Harlequin Historical Christmas Stories”) that’s really good.

Movie Review: Secret of Giving

My first Christmas movie is “Secret of Giving”, starring Reba McEntire.  In 1903 Oregon, a mystery man inspires a widow to help others.

There are touches of humor in this charming film.  Particularly funny is when “Harry” tells a sad story about a silver tray that he’s selling.  As each seller of the platter shares the tale, the buyers’ reactions are hilarious! 

The songs and acting are also wonderful.  Not to mention that the Chinese food looks delicious.

Book Review: The Christmas Lamp

In Lori Copeland’s “The Christmas Lamp”, Jake and Roni clash over how Christmas should be celebrated, after Jake crashes into town to save Nativity from extinction.

My main problem with this book is that I’m not crazy about how the heroine thinks one thing and then does the complete opposite.  For example, when Jake asks for permission to sit with Roni, she wants him to go away.  Instead of making some excuse to escape the situation, she moves aside to make room for him.  Okay…so she’s not rude.  But then she gives him part of her roast beef sandwich, just because his tuna fish sandwich comes from a vending machine?  The trouble with that is that Roni is upset about all the changes Jake has been making to her town’s Christmas celebration.  So this friendly gesture doesn’t make sense.

Other than that, this novella is pretty good.  I especially love how Jake resolves what will happen to Nativity, in a very Christmassy way.   

It’s a Wrap

I’ve decided to wrap the presents early, since wrapping is my least favorite Christmas activity.  So here are my 3 gifts plus one of my sister’s (I snapped a picture of Mom’s present earlier).

By the way, we’ve already put up the tree and decorations.

Book review: Christmas at Harrington’s

I just finished “Christmas at Harrington’s” by Melody Carlson.  It’s about a woman who has just been released from jail, and is looking for a fresh start.  She is then given a job as Mrs. Santa.  Suddenly, her future seems brighter...but for how long?

I found this novel very readable.  The heroine’s attempts at life after prison are inspiring.  I also like that she learns to fight back and tell the truth about her imprisonment.  Furthermore, it’s good to know that prisons don’t just let you go without helping you to find employment.  All in all, a satisfying Christmas read.

Favorite Christmas Songs

Last year, I started listening to Christmas music in late October – early November.  Unfortunately, the radio isn’t cooperating this year.  So I’m playing our Xmas cassettes and CDs instead. 

Here are my favorite songs:

• It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year (Andy Williams)
• White Christmas (Bing Crosby)
• Holly Jolly Christmas (Burl Ives)
• I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (John Cougar Mellencamp)
• Santa Baby (Madonna)
• Do They Know It’s Christmas? / Feed the World (Band Aid)
• Peace on Earth / Little Drummer Boy (Bing Crosby / David Bowie)
• Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (Frank Sinatra / Cyndi Lauper)
• Mary Did You Know? (Kenny Rogers / Wynonna Judd)
• God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman (Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan)
• Sleigh Ride (Instrumental)
• What Child is This? (Vicki Carr)
• The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) (Nat King Cole)
• Merry Christmas Darling (The Carpenters)
• The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late) (Alvin & the Chipmunks)
• Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree (Brenda Lee)

What are your favorites?

Silent Night

Poor little rich girl Reva is getting scary presents in “Silent Night”, by R. L. Stine.

Reva is such an interesting character.  It’s so easy to hate her, yet she has a softer side as well.  I like that this chiller also has a Christmas theme.  In all, this novel was an excellent read.

Santa Claus is Coming

Since I have so many Christmas books, I’m starting them in October.  So I plan to read the horror, suspense, and mystery Xmas stories first, as a compromise to Halloween.

My first review is “Santa Claus is Coming”, by M. J. Rodgers.  It’s a romantic suspense novel about a lady critic who is terrorized by a vengeful Santa.  She is aided by a male opposing critic, who helps her to battle this sadistic Santa.

This Harlequin Intrigue paperback is a favorite of mine.  One thing I like is that Belle loves Christmas.  The plot also involves Christmas a lot, unlike some Xmas novels that only mention it in passing.  Besides that, the heroine gets herself out of her frightening predicament, instead of having the hero rush to the rescue.  I hate that when that happens!

Are you starting your Christmas reading early?

First Christmas Gift

Yesterday, we gave Mom her Christmas present.

  

The reason for the rush is that Mom’s going into the hospital for knee surgery October 9.  So I thought she could use the player to help her recuperate.

When Mom noticed her gift, she asked, “What’s that?”  Then Dad said, “Christmas in September.”  Hopefully she likes it.

It’s Almost Christmastime

I love Christmas!  I look forward to decorating our tree and listening to holiday music.  Watching favorite Xmas movies and reading beloved Christmas books is like revisiting old friends.  In fact, I’m so excited for the season to get here, I’ve already bought the gifts for everybody on my list.  They don’t read this blog, so I can tell you what I’m giving them:

• Dad – A Meijers gift card
• Mom – A CD/Cassette player
• My twin – A Target gift card
• My brother – Horror movie called “Silent House”

I just need to wrap them, and then I can relax.

In this blog, I will show you how we celebrate Christmas, with movies, books, music, decorations, etc.

Enjoy!