Welcome to today’s Christmas blog.
I’ve got a lot of different things today, so just scroll down to something that interests you. I hope that something in today’s entry will be a blessing to you. Don’t forget to have that child-like wonder at this time of year.
“The only people who grow old are those who were born that way.” –Cary Grant’s character in The Bishop’s Wife. It’s so true!
A little inspiration: Prepare Your Heart For Christmas (or Hanukkah)
From Maria Rodgers O’Rourke, author of Prepare Your Heart for Christmas: Staying in touch with the true spirit of the season is the best reason to prepare your heart for the holidays. Plus, we want to enjoy our time with those we love, not just check off our to-do list…or get crabby when it all doesn’t get done! Who wants to be around a crabby relative?
To Help You With Inspiration and Prepare Your Heart For Christmas, check out Maria’s daily messages: http://tobtr.com/s/2562681
Prepare Your Heart For Christmas…the Birth of our Lord
By Sally Tippett Rains
They’re tired, but can’t sleep– way too stressed,
And they don’t even realize how much they’re blessed.
“I’m just not ready,” is the battle cry
…So many gifts they’ve yet to buy.
And things to do…although they try,
They can’t get with it, and wonder why?
What am I missing? Where is my spirit?
The voice of the Lord…I just can’t hear it.
There’s so much going on…we’re just so near it
Oh Christmas day; I’m starting to fear it.
I’m thinking of other holidays I’ve had…
And I’m missing a loved one very bad.
And I’m thinking of how simple it used to be
How our family was all together …we were so carefree.
But now I’m a grown up and everything’s so hard
My vision of the perfect Christmas has become marred.
The family unit is changing each year.
We’re all running here and there with no time for Christmas cheer.
I sometimes want to give up, just not even try
No one seems to care, and the days just go by.
And you can hear all the people, their cries everywhere
They’re sad and their tired and full of despair.
I wish I could lose weight, I wish I were more funny,
I wish I were a better mother, I wish I had more money.
I’m not as good of a Christian though I really try
I don’t understand what God’s plan is, and I often wonder, “why?”
So I cried and I moped by my Christmas Tree.
And I asked God, “why did you forget about me?”
And as I was sitting and mourning over lost Christmas morns
My mind suddenly saw the picture: the pitchfork and horns.
He’s trying to come in and I let him in for a while
But as it all came to me I shook my head with a smile.
This is God’s time, not mine or the devil who tries…
It’s the time when we think back to that baby’s first cries.
The Lord Jesus Christ was born in a time just like this…
On the night she gave birth, Mary’s mother she did miss.
It was cold, as they went to pay their taxes in gloom,
And though they tried they could not find a suitable room.
So just like you and I they made do with what they had
They missed their families, they were afraid, cold and sad.
But God kept them safe from all problems and harms
And He held Mary and Joseph close in his arms.
God had a plan and He used these two people
So whenever you see a church and a steeple
Remember that Christmas isn’t all about hurries
It’s not about gifts and it’s not about worries.
It’s about a real child who’s father cut the umbilical cord
And he eventually grew up to be Jesus our Lord.
May we get the strength of Mary and the faith of Joe.
May we learn to appreciate things, wherever we go.
As the hustle and bustle of Christmas comes near
May it be the meaning of the carols in our hearts that we hear.
As women of faith, we gather and pray.
May God continue to bless us each and every day.
May our faith grow in Christ, as we ask Him on board.
Prepare our hearts for Christmas…the birth of our Lord.
*When was the last time you surprised someone? How about bringing a poinsettia home to your spouse, a friend, a family member? Everybody loves flowers, everybody loves surprises.
*Here’s a tip: Pay attention to people. If you know someone has been on a diet and is really trying to lose weight, DON’T bring them candy. Candles are fun at this time of year and so are little holiday decorations.
Take the Time to see all that our Community has to Offer this Season.
We have a great list at the end of this post.
I found a fun Christmas Website: Xmasfun.com. (I don’t like substituting and “X” for the word Christ, but maybe that was the only website domain name they could get, so I’ll give them a break. Check it out.)
How The Grinch Stole Christmas Trivia- Fun for kids of all ages!
1. Where did the Grinch live?
2. What was the most likely reason that the Grinch hated Christmas?
3. Although the Grinch disliked many things about Christmas, what was the one the one thing he liked least of all?
4. “If I can’t find a reindeer, I’ll make one instead!” What was the Grinch’s dog’s name?
5. As the Grinch ransacked Who-ville, what was “the first thing to go!”
6. The Grinch cleaned out the icebox. He even took the last can of what?
7. While stealing a Christmas tree, the Grinch was caught in the act by a small Who (not more than two!)…what was here name?
8. After being caught in the act of stealing a Christmas tree, the Grinch offered up a lie about what he was doing. Why did he say he was taking the Christmas tree?
9. Only leaving bare wall with nothing but hooks and some wire, what was the last thing the Grinch took from the house?
10. How did the Grinch know that he hadn’t stopped Christmas?
11. How much did the Grinch’s heart grow that day?
Some of the books from my Christmas book collection.
Make Fun Things
I collect Christmas books. My mother mailed me a Christmas book the first Christmas we moved away and she has given me one every year. It is our little tradition. When she forgets I remind her because I love them. Every year I get my Christmas books out and look at them. One of the neat ones is Mary Engelbreit’s “Christmas Ideas.”
It’s full of fun things you can do with and for your children.
You Don’t Have To Be Fancy To Have Fancy Things
Have you ever seen the little girls who have the special red or green holiday coat complete with hat and muff?
You can make this coat for your daughter or granddaughter. The directions are in Mary Engelbreight's book, "Christmas Ideas."
Well you can make your child a special coat and it won’t cost you that much. On page 132 of Engelebreit’s book she tells you to get McCalls Pattern #2410 and she shows you how to cut out polka dots, put fur around the sleeves, neck, and bottom, and select green holiday buttons. Voila! You look like you spent a fortune and your kid will look so cute!
Are you in the “Christmas Spirit” yet? If not, why not? It’s time to look around your home and see traditions. Traditions are one of the most wonderful things about Christmas or Hanukkah. My grandma and grandpa are not here in body, but their Christmas tree–the one we all helped them decorate on Thanksgiving every year– is put up at my house every year. We use their old roaster pan for our “padded cookies” — the traditional cookies that Grandma made and after she was gone, Grandpa made them. The padded cookies always came to St. Louis in the old roaster. So now every year my mom, sister Barb, and I make the cookies and put them in the roaster, as opposed to a cute holiday container. Loved ones may leave us, but we can always have them with us at Christmas.
They may not be the most professionally-made stockings, but they are our "tradition" so they go up every year.
Tradition: The Christmas Stocking
When I was expecting our first son –to be named Bobby Jack– and later called B.J., I decided to make him a Christmas Stocking. I had some extra felt around the house and just gathered up some supplies. At the time I was pregnant with B.J. Rob lost his job with the Globe-Democrat so there was no buying of stockings or fancy supplies. I made B.J.’s and the next year when we did have some money we decided to keep the same one. Then when Mike came I could not go out and buy a beautiful stocking so I looked around the house again and made it. We still have them 26 years later.
I go to other people’s houses with embroidered stockings or beautifully sewn ones, but we like our old traditions.
ANSWERS to HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS TRIVIA:
1. Just North of Who-ville
2. His heart was two sizes too small
3. Every Who down in Who-ville would start singing
4. Max
5. These stockings!
6. Who-hash!
7. Cindy-Lou Who
8. “Why, my sweet little tot,” the fake Santy Claus lied, “There’s a light on this tree that won’t light on one side. “So I’m taking it home to my workshop, my dear. “I’ll fix it up there. Then I’ll bring it back here.”
9. The log for their fire
10. The Who’s were singing. Without presents at all.
11. 3 sizes!
An Easy But Delicious Salad
A friend of mine gave me this recipe and I have used it at least five times in the past two weeks. It’s easy to make and you get a lot of compliments!
Chinese Cole Slaw Recipe
1 – 16 oz pkg of slaw mix
3/4 – cup sunflower seeds
1 – small pkg almonds (sliced or slivered)
1 – bunch green onions (chopped fine include stems)
1 – pkg 6 oz. chow mein noodles (I like thin rice noodles)
Dressing: 1 – cup canola oil
1/3 – cup cider vinegar
1/2 – cup sugar
Directions:
∘ put cole slaw mix, almonds, sunflower seeds &
chopped green onions in a large bowl;
∘ put oil, vinegar & sugar in a glass jar and shake
Vigorously to liquify sugar;
∘ pour contents of jar on slaw mixture;
∘ add choy mein or rice noodles to the slaw mixture
right before serving to keep them crisp; toss to
cover noodles w/dressing.
(for each additional 1 lb. of slaw mix, amounts of nuts, oil, vinegar, sugar &
choy mein noodles can be slightly reduced and still maintain same flavor.)
Holiday Activities around the St. Louis Area
(Christmas or general holiday listed first; scroll down for Hanukkah.)
Take time to see the “sights of Christmas”
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Holiday Events
St. Louis Christmas Past 2011 Holiday Traditions Noon Concert Series
Join us at lunchtime for traditional holiday music in the rotunda of the Old Courthouse adorned with Victorian decorations. Bring your own lunch, or one may be purchased in advance by phoning 877-982-1410.
- When: Old Courthouse
- December 7 12:00 p.m. – Mehlville High School Madrigal Ensemble
- December 14 12:00 p.m. – Concert TBD
- December 21 12:00 p.m. – Concert TBD
- Contact: Douglas Harding, 314.655.1636
- Cost: Free
St. Louis Christmas Past 2011 Holiday Traditions Weekend Series
Historical holiday celebrations featuring music and activities will take place in the rotunda of the Old Courthouse, which will be beautifully adorned with Victorian decorations. Complimentary cookies and juice will be served during all weekend events.
- 1777 Christmas- 12-4 December 3 12:00 p.m. -What: Sperreng Middle School Fiddlers
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Dancing with Deborah Hyland and music by the Peacocks.
- 1811 Christmas – 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- December 10 12:00 p.m. – LaPettis Chanteurs concert
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Dancing with Deborah Hyland and music by Traveler’s Dream.
1861 Christmas – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- December 17 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – Dance Workshop
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Dancing with Deborah Hyland and music by the Independent Silver Band.
1772 Twelfth Afternoon Ball – 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- January 7 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Dancing with Deborah Hyland and music by
Dennis Stroughmatt’s et L’Esprit Creole.
- Contact: Douglas Harding, 314.655.1636 Cost: Free
The Botanical Garden is always pretty at the holidays
Local floral designers are showing off their best work at the annual holiday wreath exhibit at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The wreaths are on display each day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit is included with the cost of Garden admission. You also have the chance to own one of the featured wreaths by making a bid during the silent auction. Proceeds from the auction benefit Garden programs.
Now through – December 28, 2011
Missouri Botanical Garden
It’s all aboard for some holiday fun at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The Garden is kicking off its holiday season with its “Gardenland Express” annual flower and train show. The show features model trains that wind their way though a miniature landscape filled with winter scenes and surrounded by poinsettias and other flowering plants. The display is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $13 for adults and $5 for children. Garden members get in free.
Now through – January 2, 2012
Missouri Botanical Garden
The Edward Jones Dome will turn into a Christmas wonderland for Holiday Magic 2011. There will be shopping, decorations, food and fun at this three day event. The highlight of the show is an indoor Main Street where vendors will be selling local goods, Christmas decorations and more. When you’re tired of shopping, you can take a spin on a carnival ride or enjoy some holiday entertainment. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children.
December 3-4, 2011 Downtown St. Louis
St. Charles, Mo. Is Fun At The Holidays
Christmas sparkles each year in historic St. Charles, Missouri during our one-of-a-kind Christmas Traditions festival. While you’re making holiday plans, escape to an old-fashioned Christmas with storybook characters, Victorian Carolers, andSantas from around the world.
There’s no better place than Main Street during a Christmas festival for a holiday stroll with your loved ones. Underneath a canopy of twinkling lights, stroll a while. Duck into a shop or two for a little holiday shopping. Then, take a break at one of the many restaurants, dessert cafes or coffee houses. And if it happens to start snowing – even better!
Learn more about Christmas Traditions and start planning your visit by viewing our 2011 Calendar or the browsing the entire 2011 Festival Guide now. As you’ll see, there are so many Things To Do.
Santa has taken time out of his busy schedule so you can have your picture taken with him! Stop by the Tourism Center at 230 S. Main each weekend to visit with Victorian Santa (order your photo reprints here
For more on St. Charles for the Holidays: http://www.stcharleschristmas.com/
Christmas in Kimmswick
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas in Kimmswick. The shops will be decked out in their Holiday Splendor. At certain times Carolers will be strolling the streets, and Horse Drawn carriage Rides will carry you back to a time gone by.
Luminaries will line the streets on Kimmswick starting at highway 61/67 and going down Highway K into Kimmswick. Historic building tours will be offered in candlelight provided by the Kimmswick Historical Society.
With over 25 unique shops, Kimmswick will make your holiday shopping easy and stress free. You will be sure to find something for everyone on your list, even the hard to please person will delight in a gift from Kimmswick.
So, bring the whole family and enjoy an Old Fashioned Christmas in Kimmswick!
This is a picture of the National Hanukkah Menora in Washington, D.C. There is a special one in St. Louis you could go see at "LightFest".
Hanukkah in St. Louis
Dec. 6
LightFest Transforms JCC Facade Into Giant MenorahLightFest Transforms JCC Facade Into Giant Menorah
St. Louis: Home of the Arch and… World-Class Menorah?
Menorah-lighting culminates historic Jewish community event, Sunday, Dec. 6
This gigantic feat is creating a lot of buzz as our community makes plans to gather for the historic LightFest event. “The Menorah is symbolic of the reason for this event –to bring light into the lives of those in our community who need help in these tough times. Food, new hats and gloves, toys for needy kids at holiday time and donations to the 2009 Jewish Community Campaign will be collected and distributed throughout our St. Louis community – where the needs are greatest,” said Co-Chair Alper.On Sunday, Dec. 6 at 6:00pm, the St. Louis Jewish community’s groundbreaking LightFest event will conclude in a big way- when the community lights up one of … if not the world’s largest replica of a Hanukah Menorah. Conceived by Keith Alper, LightFest co-chair and Creative Producers Group CEO, the front of the new JCC Staenberg Family Complex will be transformed into one giant Menorah.
The piece de résistance will be the dramatic “lighting” of the Menorah at 6 p.m. the day of LightFest when the St. Louis Jewish community will experience a jolt of awe as the giant structure lights up the sky.
St. Louis: Home of the Arch and… World-Class Menorah?
Menorah-lighting culminates historic Jewish community event, Sunday, Dec. 6
On Sunday, Dec. 6 at 6:00pm, the St. Louis Jewish community’s groundbreaking LightFest event will conclude in a big way- when the community lights up one of … if not the world’s largest replica of a Hanukah Menorah. Conceived by Keith Alper, LightFest co-chair and Creative Producers Group CEO, the front of the new JCC Staenberg Family Complex will be transformed into one giant Menorah.
This gigantic feat is creating a lot of buzz as our community makes plans to gather for the historic LightFest event. “The Menorah is symbolic of the reason for this event –to bring light into the lives of those in our community who need help in these tough times. Food, new hats and gloves, toys for needy kids at holiday time and donations to the 2009 Jewish Community Campaign will be collected and distributed throughout our St. Louis community – where the needs are greatest,” said Co-Chair Alper.
The piece de résistance will be the dramatic “lighting” of the Menorah at 6 p.m. the day of LightFest when the St. Louis Jewish community will experience a jolt of awe as the giant structure lights up the sky.
Dec. 11
Chabad Menorah Workshop @ Home Depot
Sunday, December 11, 2011 | 10:30 AM to 01:00 PM
Chabad of Greater St. Louis will be partnering with The Home Depot to offer a Pre- Chanukah Menorah Workshop at its Brentwood location at 1603 S. Hanley Rd., on Sunday, December 11th from 10:30 am -1:00 pm. The event will unite children and their families from across the spectrum of the community in a joyous and interactive celebration of Chanukah.
Participants will receive a workers hat and then craft their own unique Menorah from wood and a host of other supplies available at The Home Depot. There will also be an opportunity to enjoy a balloon sculpting demonstration, meet ‘Mr. Dreidel’, enjoy hot latkes and enter a raffle. Parents accompany their children and there is no charge for attending. Families are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for JF&CS’s Hanukkah Hugs toy drive.
This workshop is sponsored by The Home Depot and coordinated by Chabad of Greater St. Louis. Reservations are appreciated but not required. RSVP to Levi@showmechabad.com. For more information call Chabad at 314.725.0400 or visit ShowMeChabad.com/homedepot.
Time:
10:30 AM to 01:00 PM
Expected Attendance: 250
Location:
The Home Depot,
1603 S. Hanley Rd.,
St. Louis, MO, 63144
Contact:
Rabbi Levi Landa,
Phone: 314-725-0400
Levi@showmechabad.com
http://showmechabad.com/homedepot
Dec. 18
Experience the traditions of Chanukah at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The Garden will host “Chanukah: Festival of Lights” from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 18. The celebration begins with the symbolic lighting of the menorah, followed by Jewish music and dancing. There is also a traditional marketplace where shoppers can buy Chanukah items. The festival will be held in the Ridgway Visitor Center. Admission is included with a regular Garden ticket.
December 18, 2011
Missouri Botanical Garden
Sunday Dec. 25 10-1
CELEBRATE ‘HANUKKAH HOOPLAH’ AT THE J!
When there is little open on Christmas Day, come to the J for fun Hanukkah activities with your family! Menorah and candle making, stories, music, games, open gym and swim and more.
The JCC is proud to offer a family Hanukkah extravaganza – Hanukkah Hooplah! Join other young Jewish families in a myriad of fun and interactive Hanukkah activities at the Staenberg Family Complex in Creve Coeur. Come to decorate 3-D wooden Judaic pieces, make your own Hanukkah candles, see an ancient olive press in action, take family photos with our special Hanukkah green screen backdrop, listen to Hanukkah stories and songs, participate in a Dreidel Probability Lab, join in on the Jewish and Muslim Day of Service’s “Little Projects for Little Hands”, and more. The registration cost is $10 per family for JCC members and $15 per family for the public in advance, or $15 and $20 at the door. Latkes, jelly donuts and a hot dog lunch will be available for purchase. For more information, or to register, please contact Marianne Chervitz at 314-442-3454 or mchervitz@jccstl.org
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Sally’s Christmas Blog by Sally Tippett Rains: Sally is an author, charity volunteer, and content manager for TheStLSportsPage. If you are a sports fan, please “LIKE” TheStLSportsPage.com (also known as RobRains.com) on Facebook. Click here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/RobRainscom/125268200879975
Last year I got a lot of comments about my blog and the biggest one was, they liked it but it was too much to read and became overwhelming, so this year I shortened it. Please let me know if you liked it better this way or if there is any way I can improve it for next year. Thanks! It has been my pleasure and great joy to take the time out and write this for you.
*Try to think less of what people will think of you and just do something you want to do, especially if it will help someone or help you. I wondered what people would think of me going “out there” with this Sally’s Christmas Blog, but I felt God giving me a gentle tug to do it and it has been a blessing to me these past two years. You can find your own blessings if you take the time to act on those gentle nudgings you get.
“We’re standing at the same spot where Adolf Hitler announced his plan to annihilate European Jewry,” said Chabad Rabbi Yehuda Tiectel. “In this same spot we’ll be lighting the menorah with German officials, leaders, and ambassadors.” (Photo by: Courtesy of Chabad- Lubavitch)
