Wow! 2015 has really flown by. I believe I speak for the majority of the north east if not the USA when I say; how in the heck is it nearly Christmas! Totally snuck up this year. The spring-like weather, while totally amazing, don’t get me wrong, I love 50/60s in December, has us all in a kerfluffle over it not feeling… well… Christmas-y. Those who now or have always lived in warmer climates may not agree, but to those of us who are used to white Christmases, it is not quite the same feeling when it’s dreary & raining…
Also it seems like this year has had a higher than usual number of negative events. Almost every person I talk to has had an illness, a job loss, or a death in the family. People have not even decorated, grocery shopped, or bought gifts yet, let alone wrap them!
Amidst my own personal battle with what turns out to be an atypical sinus infection and a job transition, I have at the least accomplished gift-buying, but sadly neglected my writing. What seems like years (though in reality has been just over two weeks) of sore throats, incessant coughing, complete lack of sleep, and stuffy nose was caused by rude little bacteria, not the virus I suspected. Though prudent in my desire to not abuse antibiotics, turns out in this case I needed it! I am slowly on the mend, but about to get even busier. So forgive me, but I will be taking a break from the blog for the holidays.
As such, please enjoy this lovely anthology of holiday articles past!
General Christmas/Holiday articles:
Christmas Cooking & Baking:
- Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes
- Cranberry Nut Balls
- Peppermint Meringues
- Christmas Tree Appetizer Tray
- Dark Chocolate Cherry Truffles
- Super Simple Egg Nog
- Mascarpone Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls
- How to Brine and Roast a Whole Pheasant
- Stuffed Pork Chops
- What to Do With Leftover Ham
- Buttery Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- New Years Lucky Tradition
- Easy Mashed Potato Pierogi
Gift Ideas & DIYs:
- Altoids Survival Tin
- Dark Chocolate Cherry Popcorn
- Frugal Last-Minute Gift Ideas
- Infused Oils
- Peppermint Almond Body Scrub
- Coffee Body Scrub
- Make a Simple Wreath for Under $10
- Fresh Herb Salt
You will find plenty of last-minute, frugal, and/or DIY gift ideas for everyone from your artistic aunt to your rugged hunter cousin, recipe and cookie ideas to delight and nourish the family and friends, and plenty of history and reflections to ponder in your few precious moments of down-time.
And don’t forget the most important part of the holiday season: Love! The love of friends and family, the love of community and neighbors, and love for yourself. May your holiday season be restful, rejuvenating, and filled with love and laughter.
Merry Christmas dear readers! See you in 2016!