Since I don’t know when you will be able to get to a computer during the holidays, I am going to post from now until Christmas. Whether you look at each day on the proper day or just skim through them all, I hope you can find something that will make you enjoy the holidays just a little bit more. May God bless you and your family. My Christmas wish for you is that you have a blessed and peaceful holiday—every day. Thank you for sharing the holidays with me.
Wednesday December 22
G Good Mood
How is that “good mood” thing going for you? Have you been trying to take in more of the “joy” of the holiday and less of the mess? It will do you good to keep remembering why we celebrate the holiday in the first place.
We don’t do it so we can look better than our sister-in-laws at the family gatherings. We don’t do it so we can eat like crazy all the cookies and treats. We don’t do it just so we can get presents, or hang up Christmas lights, or go shopping. Some of those things may come into play during the holidays, but in the end, we are glorifying God because he sent His Son to us.
” And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night… 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” (Luke 2:8,10).
”And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12).
”Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).
Great Recipe…easy too.
We call them Graduation Potatoes because my mother made them when I graduated from high school and then she made them for every special occasion. I thought it was some special recipe no one knew about so one day when we had former NFL player Grant Wistrom over for dinner I served them and his eyes lit up: “Oh Cheesy Potatoes! My mom makes these…I LOVE them!” I hope you enjoy them.
Graduation Potatoes
Layer in a 9×12 greased pan.
2 lbs thawed frozen has browns
1/2 c melted butter
1 t salt
1/2 t pepper
1/2 cups onions
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 pint sour cream
2 c grated cheddar.
For the topping:
Mix 2 cups crushed cornflakes with 1/2 cup butter.
Remember what I’ve been saying in this blog…we are not preparing for the “big day.” Hopefully you are spreading it out and having fun along the way.
From “Get Going Girl, Lessons Learned From A Fourth Grader” By Sally Tippett Rains:
Get Together With Old Friends
Today would be a great day to plan a reunion with some old friends. It does not have to be anything big and elaborate—that might stress you out and we are all about having FUN during the holidays. Girlfriends from school, friends from an old job, neighbors you haven’t seen in a while, even out of town friends, or a friend in a nursing home. It could be one person or five, but these small intimate gatherings with friends can really give you something to look forward to. If you are feeling particularly lonely or sorry for yourself, why not find the most needy of all the people you know and do something nice for them.
Don’t Forget The Shut-Ins
I always make it a practice to bring a little Christmas gift (little lighted tree, plate of cookies, bouquet of flowers, or a card) over to my next-door neighbor who is a shut-in. It is always a nice little gift to myself to see the smile on her face and spend the few minutes I do just talking and giving her a little cheer that day.
FOR THE MEN
Rob-One thing you can do to help in the holiday preparations would be help clean the house. Even if you just volunteer to vacuum, often it is just that gesture of helping and vacuuming sometimes is the last thing that needs to be done.
If your wife is one of those people who is picky about things and wants to do everything herself, the best thing you can do is take the kids and get out of her hair. Go somewhere to give her time and space to get what she wants to get done.
For the stressed out wife, hopefully she will read other parts of this blog and learn to accept help and relax a bit.
Now you have to remember most wives are not like that and you need to determine which wife you have because if you have the wife that wants your help and you grab the kids and leave, that might not be a happy home when you get back. Good communication is the key.
O Open Mind
Play Games!
The Reindeer aren’t the only ones who should be playing games this time of year. Playing cards is a wonderful way to bridge the generation gap.
Add Laughter To Your Day
A husband reads an article to his wife about how many words women use a day…30,000 to a man’s 15,000.
The wife replies “The reason has to be because we have to repeat everything to men because you aren’t listening…”
The husband then turns to his wife and says, “What?”
Even the Bible wants us to laugh… Proverbs 15:13-15 (New Revised Standard Version) “A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance but by sorrow of heart, the sprit is broken. The mind of one who has understanding seeks knowledge but the mouths of fools feed on folly. All the days of the poor are hard, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.”
Let’s have a continued feast of cheerfulness today.
G God and Christ-Filled Christmas
Don’t forget about the Advent Services we have on another page on this blog. It’s a real blessing to get our family together and sing, pray, read the Bible or just talk about the true meaning of Christmas.
I Incorporate Exercise
If you are looking for something that is easy to do and gets your heart going, jump rope. It’s a simple, inexpensive way to stay active.
R Really enjoy the season
Do A Puzzle
Every year we set up a special table and buy a new puzzle. It’s the “family puzzle” and throughout the few days before and after Christmas we take time to sit and work the puzzle. A puzzle is also good as an “ice breaker” if you have guests or relatives over.
FOR MEN ONLY
Rob- I think people make too big a deal out of gifts–other than the gifts for the kids. This sets a precedence for our teenage kids who think they need to buy the best gift for their boyfriend and girlfriend. I think we can teach our kids to value the person and the holiday, but not place so much value on the gift.. It’s all about your expectations. If someone is not happy unless they get something big like a car each year then that sets a precedent that most people can’t live up to.
But having said that, it’s important to keep the fires burning by taking the time to get a really cool gift every once in a while. Send away for something she has mentioned or make an exception to your rule. Some years there is just going to be a “perfect gift” but that does not happen each year, so don’t be so worried. As long as you spend some time with your family, they will appreciate whatever they get—and if they don’t then something is wrong.
If you make the holiday special then that is the gift they will remember, not the physical gift.
SET A BEAUTIFUL TABLE
Look around and you will find decorations you can incorporate into your table. Kids love it when you use wine glasses to serve drinks. You can make a festive non-alcoholic punch or just a lemonade and add food coloring to add to the holiday appearance of your dinner table.
L Learn to Eat right…
…But this week is Christmas week…so have fun!
Hopefully you have been fairly sensible about not overeating too much. Now that it’s this close, there will be all sorts of cookies and treats. My advice now is have fun—don’t go too crazy but do have fun!
OUT AND ABOUT
Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis
*Florissant Fine Arts Council Presents: “AWAY IN THE BASEMENT – A CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES CHRISTMAS”
Dec. 21 – 2:00 & 8:00 p.m. Dec. 22 – 2:00 & 8:00 p.m. Dec. 23 – 2:00 & 8:00 p.m.
It’s 1959 and the day of the Sunday School Christmas program. As the children rehearse in the sanctuary, the ladies of the kitchen are finishing up the goodie bags and putting final touches on the nativity pieces. Little do they know what surprises are in store for them as they are called upon to, once again, save the day.
ADMISSION: $27.00 Adults; $25.00 Seniors/Students; Group rates available, receive on free group ticket with every 15 purchased.
Phone information and reservations 314-921-5678
MOVIE TIME
ABC FAMILY
8pm/7c the Santa Clause
8:30pm/7:30c Santa Clause3: The Escape Clause
Thursday December 23
Make S’Mores In The Fireplace
The other night my husband and I were watching a movie by the fire and suddenly I got the idea to make S’Mores! It was so fun. We sat on the carpet next to the fireplace while watching our Christmas movie and used wooden skewers to hold the marshmallows. Pretty romantic too.
From “Get Going Girl, Lessons Learned From A Fourth Grader” By Sally Tippett Rains
Bad Customer Service Is Flat Out Rude, But Don’t Let It Bother You
Bad customer service is all around us. This time of the year it seems to be a lot worse. Here is something to try–the next time you have bad customer service, try not to lose your temper.
Rudeness is abundant in this society. Many store clerks are rude to their customers, and many customers treat store clerks or waitresses like they are there for the sole purpose of making them happy. It works both ways folks–I’ve worked in stores and restaurants and have been treated badly, and I’ve also been a customer and experienced poor attitude by the workers. Here’s a clue about workers, they are there to make money. It’s their job. They should be there to provide great customer service while making money but it does not always happen. But in the end, they may have a family to feed, a mother to support, or a son to put through college just like you do, so if you encounter a person with a bad mood, maybe you could help improve their day by being cheerful back to them.
The next time you find yourself about to be rude (bless your heart) think about the other person as if he or she were your loved one and give her a break. And the next time you area about to be crabby or rude to a family member, ask yourself—”Would I treat a friend like that?” Let’s try to be kind to each other.
Beef tenderloin is a healthy dish fit for your holiday dinner table. (Article at end of this blog)
OUT AND ABOUT
Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis
*Florissant Fine Arts Council Presents: “AWAY IN THE BASEMENT – A CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES CHRISTMAS”
Dec. 21 – 2:00 & 8:00 p.m. Dec. 22 – 2:00 & 8:00 p.m. Dec. 23 – 2:00 & 8:00 p.m.
It’s 1959 and the day of the Sunday School Christmas program. As the children rehearse in the sanctuary, the ladies of the kitchen are finishing up the goodie bags and putting final touches on the nativity pieces. Little do they know what surprises are in store for them as they are called upon to, once again, save the day.
ADMISSION: $27.00 Adults; $25.00 Seniors/Students; Group rates available, receive on free group ticket Phone information and reservations 314-921-5678
MOVIE TIME
ABC FAMILY 8:30pm/7:30c Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
FOR THE MEN
Rob-You want a simple solution to Christmas problems? Get out of town. Or…let your wife do everything. No I’m just kidding.
There are different approaches depending on what age it is.
The biggest thing is remember Christmas is for kids. Work out a deal with your significant other that if you don’t have enough money, you will do a delayed celebration. Maybe say “we’ll go out for diner and that will be our present to each other.”’
The kids don’t have an idea about money problems and they shouldn’t. They will see that the other kids get presents and if you suddenly say “we can’t have as many presents due to money problems” that could give worries to the kids. Why worry your kids over things you can’t control.
Now if the kids are older, it is fine to discuss ways you can tone things down this year. While I know I probably won’t be making any presents, there are definitely things that can be made. I have a friend who is a leather crafter and he might make some nice gifts if he already has the supplies. There are always ways to make people happy on a shoe-string budget. Believe me I know this. We’ve lived through tough financial situations but we’ve never let lack of money ruin our life.
Make A Great Beef Tenderloin–By Suzanne Corbett
I’m always looking for ways to save a buck on those traditional luxury pricy foods I seldom can afford. Case in point, beef tenderloin.
While beef tenderloin costs more, buying awhole tenderloin and knowing how to cut it can actually you save you money. Yes, it can save you money and make the indulgent filet mignon more affordable. By mastering a few home meat cutting techniques, a whole beef tenderloin can turn into three- to four-meal options such as kabobs, stir fry, steaks and a roast. Learning how to cut whole tenderloins, as with those value-priced and cryovaced (airs-sealed in plastic) at warehouse stores, can provide big savings. Just think slice and save.
Dave Zino, executive chef with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association shares his tips on cutting tenderloin to give you more for the money:
An entire tenderloin roast can be cut crosswise into steaks, with the best steaks coming from the center of the roast.
Keep all steaks the same thickness for consistency when cooking. It’s easier to control doneness if steaks are at least 1-inch thick. Thinner steaks can go from medium rare to overdone in a very short time.
Cutting your own steaks can save at least $2 per pound, even more when you compare it to the cost of eating out.
Kabob cubes and stir-fry strips can be cut from the tip of the tenderloin.
The larger end of the tenderloin roast can be used for a small roast or steaks.
Visit BeefItsWhatsforDinner.com for beef recipes, the latest nutrition information and tips for shopping for and cooking with beef so you can start savoring, slicing and saving.
Moroccan-Style Beef Kabobs with Spiced Bulgur
1 pound boneless beef tenderloin steaks, cut 1-inch thick
Marinade:
1/4 cup molasses
3 tablespoons orange juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Spiced Bulgur:
1/2 cup uncooked quick-cooking bulgur
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Preparation
Cut beef steak into 1-1/4-inch pieces. Whisk marinade ingredients in large bowl until smooth. Add beef; toss to coat. Cover and marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Meanwhile prepare Spiced Bulgur. Combine bulgur, water, raisins, orange juice, pumpkin pie spice, cumin, garlic and salt in small saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 15 minutes or until bulgur is tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with fork; stir in parsley. Keep warm.
Soak eight 6-inch bamboo skewers in water 10 minutes; drain. Remove beef from marinade; discard marinade. Thread beef pieces onto skewers, leaving small space between pieces.
Place kabobs on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, uncovered, 6 to 8 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 7 to 9 minutes) for medium rare (145ºF) to medium (160ºF) doneness, turning occasionally.
Serve kabobs with Spiced Bulgur.
Cook’s Tip: If pumpkin pie spice is not available, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg and dash ground cloves maybe be substituted for 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Combine seasonings in small bowl.
Smoky Paprika Rubbed Beef Tenderloin
1 well-trimmed center-cut beef tenderloin roast (2 to 3 pounds)
1-1/2 pounds baby red potatoes, cut in half
1-1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-1/2 x 1-inch pieces
1 pound small yellow onions, trimmed, blanched, peeled
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Salt
Seasoning rub:
1 cup tightly packed parsley leaves
4 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup olive oil
Preparation
Heat oven to 425°F. Place seasoning ingredients except olive oil in food processor; cover and process until parsley is chopped, stopping and scraping side of container as needed. With the motor running, slowly add oil through the opening in cover, processing just until combined.
Press 3 tablespoons seasoning mixture evenly onto all surfaces of beef roast. Reserve remaining seasoning mixture. Place roast on rack in shallow roasting pan.
Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is centered in thickest part of beef, not resting in fat. Do not add water or cover. Roast in 425°F oven 35 to 40 minutes for medium rare; 45 to 50 minutes for medium doneness.
Meanwhile combine remaining seasoning mixture, red potatoes, sweet potatoes and cipollini in large bowl; toss to coat. Transfer vegetables to metal baking pan. Place in oven with beef roast. Roast 35 to 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender and lightly browned. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon parsley and salt, as desired.
Remove roast when meat thermometer registers 135°F for medium rare; 150°F for medium. Transfer roast to carving board and immediately sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon parsley. Tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let stand 15 to 20 minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise about 10°F to reach 145°F for medium rare; 160°F for medium.)
Carve roast into slices; season with salt, as desired. Serve with vegetables. Serves 6-8
Friday December 24- Christmas Eve
On this night our Savior was born.
I hope you are having a great day, but if you are missing someone today, just know that I am praying for you. It’s hard to celebrate a holiday when someone you love is not there (either due to long distance, death, or divorce). The one thing I hope you can remember is when we lose someone, it is not “Christmas’ fault.” If you allow yourself to have a terrible holiday then you are just hurting yourself.
Yes, you may miss someone—I miss someone each Christmas—but it’s a whole lot more fun if you just try to see the fun in the holiday. (See “Are You Missing Someone” page) There are ways you can keep that person in your holiday, but then you can also do something a little different that will add some joy to your holiday. Remember, you are never really alone. God saw to that on that starry night so long ago in Bethlehem when he sent his Son to save us all. God bless you on this special day.
From a famous editorial called, “Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus” in the New York Sun 1897
“…Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias (or Sallys or Barbs or whatever your name is) There would be no child-like faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies…The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that aren’t out there…”
MOVIE TIME
ABC FAMILY Holiday Classics Marathon All Day
TURNER CLASSIC (TCM)
8 pm/7c Bishop’s Wife, The (1947)
An angel helps set an ambitious bishop on the right track.
Cast: Cary Grant, Loretta Young, David Niven, Monty Woolley Dir: Henry Koster BW-109 mins, TV-G
Saturday December 25
Merry Christmas! May you have a blessed day. Relax and enjoy what the holiday means. If you are with family, take the time to be thankful you are together. If you are not with your family, find things to do to occupy your time and make it a special day anyway. There are some great Christmas movies you can watch. Check your local listings.
“ And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the LORD hath made known unto us. 1And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger” (Luke 2:15-16).
Christmas does not always have to be the same every year. Why not think of something out of the ordinary to do? What if it is a pretty day outside? Why not go to a park. We don’t have to stay in the house all day.
MOVIE TIME
ABC FAMILY 7pm/6c Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas
TURNER CLASSIC (TCM)
11:45a.m./ 10:45c Christmas Carol, A (1938)
In this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, an elderly miser learns the error of his ways on Christmas Eve.
Cast: Reginald Owen, Gene Lockhart, Kathleen Lockhart, Terry Kilburn Dir: Edwin L. Marin BW-69 mins, TV-G
I have written enough information for the Christmas Blog to run through New Years Day. I hope you will check back. Also feel free to scroll through the entire blog. We’ve really got a lot of information on here. Right now I ma saying a prayer for you and your family:
Dear Lord, Thank you for all the wonderful blessings you have given us. I thank you for my friends and family and those reading this blog right now. May their hearts be light today and no matter what their circumstances are, may You bless them with good health and fill them with that peace that passes understanding and let them have a happy Christmas. Thank you for sending us Your Son.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
————
Check back Dec. 26th. Thanks, Sally Tippett Rains
Another entry by my friend Maria Rodgers O’Rourke (www.GreatChristmasBook.com)
