Despite my tendency to eschew all things tinsel and holiday, I do find myself getting caught up in a few favorite traditions each year for the Christmas season. Mind you, I haven't sent a Christmas card in twenty years and I only put up a Christmas tree (miniature and artificial) if my son-in-law and daughter are making the long trip home. This year, the only thing that hints of Christmas at my house is the poinsettia plant my long-suffering husband purchased in an attempt to brighten up my beige world. I will, however, participate in the following traditions. Maybe.
1) Fudge--Who doesn't love a pound of butter, three cups of sugar, cream and a bag of chocolate chips melted and poured into a baking dish? Sometimes I have to make two batches because the first round doesn't last long enough to make it to the family gatherings. Oops.
2) Wild Rice Soup--More cream and butter, please. Onions, celery, mushrooms and wild rice add a little healthy to the mix. It's the perfect way to add some cozy to Christmas Eve. And it is crockpot friendly, so easy peasy.
3) Holiday movies--My husband cannot pass up "It's a Wonderful Life." I get a little weary of Clarence floundering around in the snow and tinkly bells ringing, but it is undoubtedly a classic. I prefer "The Christmas Story" with tongues stuck to flag poles and perilous BB guns. Ralphie's decoder ring reminds us all how important Ovaltine is in our lives.
4) Chocolate covered cherries--Oozy liquid goo surrounding neon cherry centers is just wrong. But somehow a box of these always lands in my shopping cart. I mumble something to the checkout lady about needing a last minute gift. Moments later, my chin is painted with a little cherry drizzle and it's game over. Good thing the boxes are rather small.
5) Schaums Christmas Cameos--During my 7th grade year (don't even try to do the math on that one), I received two Christmas piano music books. A recording went with them so I could hear what the songs were really supposed to sound like if executed properly. I never attained such perfection but every Christmas I dust off my books and play the songs once again. The pages have become soft with wear and the covers are long gone, but "What Child Is This" never gets old.
6) Calm--This one cannot be baked, bought or borrowed. It demands a little soul searching and prioritizing. I like to filter my choices with the simple question, "Is this really necessary?" Coffee and a good book definitely stay on my "to do" list. Decorated, rollout cookies, not so much.
Be courageous and trim a little craziness from your schedule. If you like wrapping gifts, go for it. If you don't, stick with gift bags or better yet, cut down on your gift list. If you like decorating, adorn to your heart's content. If not, gaze upon your favorite potted plant or photograph. If baking isn't your thing, buy a few treats and some peppermint stick ice cream. No woman should be measured by her ability to create the perfect holiday for others.
5) Schaums Christmas Cameos--During my 7th grade year (don't even try to do the math on that one), I received two Christmas piano music books. A recording went with them so I could hear what the songs were really supposed to sound like if executed properly. I never attained such perfection but every Christmas I dust off my books and play the songs once again. The pages have become soft with wear and the covers are long gone, but "What Child Is This" never gets old.
6) Calm--This one cannot be baked, bought or borrowed. It demands a little soul searching and prioritizing. I like to filter my choices with the simple question, "Is this really necessary?" Coffee and a good book definitely stay on my "to do" list. Decorated, rollout cookies, not so much.
Be courageous and trim a little craziness from your schedule. If you like wrapping gifts, go for it. If you don't, stick with gift bags or better yet, cut down on your gift list. If you like decorating, adorn to your heart's content. If not, gaze upon your favorite potted plant or photograph. If baking isn't your thing, buy a few treats and some peppermint stick ice cream. No woman should be measured by her ability to create the perfect holiday for others.
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