5 Ways To Spend Less And Give More This Christmas

1. Buy gifts before Thanksgiving.  Unfortunately there is so much holiday hype around Christmas, that I begin to lose the Christmas Spirit quick.  I try to avoid that by shopping early and intentionally, purchasing gifts that are unique to the recipients.

2. Avoid Credit Card Purchases.  Ask yourself when you are considering using a credit card: "Will I be able to pay this off when I get my next paycheck?" If the answer is no, don't purchase the item.  It has taken me three years once to pay off Christmas credit card purchases.  That's just wrong!  Creating a budget and shopping early and carefully to stay in that budget makes Christmas morning and the whole next year more enjoyable.

3. Avoid overkill.  Have you ever bought your kids too much for Christmas?  I have and I learned that at a certain point, the WOW! factor begins to fizzle out.  It's best to take purchases back before Christmas if you realized you might have over-bought.  Especially if you factor in what relatives are planning to give your children.  Children should be excited about those gifts as well so that relatives can experience your child's joy.

3. Limit expectations ahead of time.  When deciding to have a Christmas where we remember the reason for the season, scaling back the commercialism might be hard for some family members and helping children (and spouses!) prepare for the cutting back requires a little planning.  Begin by planning and emphasizing all the traditions that cost little money but create lovely memories.  Number five has great ideas to help family members appreciate Christmas more and Santa less.

4. It really is "The thought that counts."  Remember less is more--think of tasteful, timeless gifts.  Knowing that someone actually spent time thinking about you and what would truly be meaningful to you is a gift in itself.  It encourages empathy for others--a trait sorely lacking in today's world.

5. Simplify by

• Helping out the less fortunate
• Restoring meaning to the ritual of gift giving
• Make your own traditions.  Identify which are really important.  8 Traditions To Add To Your Bucket List identifies traditions that are more on the "spiritual" side including having a birthday party for Jesus.  It is His birthday for Heaven's sake!

Snow-Couple Bell Ornaments

Snow-Couple Bell Ornaments
2, 6-1/2 inch square pieces cotton batting
1, 4x4 inch piece of black felt
2 tiny jingle bells
2, 1-3/4 inch diameter clay pots
2, 6x1 inch homespun scraps
2, 14 inch long pieces light-weight wire
4, 1 inch cinnamon sticks
4 buttons
2, 1 inch diameter wooden balls
white, black, and orange paint
small brush
scissors
heavy thread
sewing needle and glue
Allow paint to dry after each application.
For each head, paint wooden ball white.  Paint an orange nose on face.  Use marker to draw eyes and mouth on face and add details to nose.  Paint pink cheeks on the snow lady.  Cut two 6-1/2 inch diameter circles from batting for bodies.  Trace patterns, onto tracing paper.  Using patterns, cut one each of hat crown, hat top and hat brim from black felt; and ear muffs from green felt.
For each body, use heavy thread to work running stitches along edge of batting circle.  (A sample of running stitches can be found on my Natural Angels post).  Center bell on circle and place flowerpot over bell.  Pull thread ends to gather batting over flowerpot; knot ends together to secure.
For each set of arms, thread wire through one cinnamon stick and button hole, then back through button and cinnamon stick; continue for opposite arm.  Leaving one inch between arms, twist wire ends to secure.
Glue arms and head to top of body.
For snowman hat, glue short ends of hat crown together.  Center and glue crown on brim; glue top on hat.
Glue hat on snowman, earmuffs on snow lady and remaining buttons on bodies.  Tie a 1x0 inch homespun scarf around each neck.  (Original Source:  Gooseberry Patch Christmas Book 2, pp. 21, 25, and 123)
Snow Couple Bell Ornaments Google Docs Pattern

Peanut Butterscotch Morsels

Had a creative week during Christmas break.  Maybe it was because I was so used to working on Christmas crafts that I started to go through withdrawals and needed a "fix."  So besides coming up with (and maybe someone had already discovered it) Chicken Macaroni Salad, I decided to see what sweets I could quickly create.

I had half a bag of butterscotch chips and half a can of salted peanuts on hand.  That was pretty much it unless I wanted to do some baking--WHICH I DID NOT!  I threw the butterscotchies in a microwave-safe bowl and zapped it for 45 seconds twice, stirring in between.  The bowl was hot so I carefully took it from the microwave and added my peanuts.  Then with a teaspoon I dipped out very small amounts onto wax paper, using a spatula to make sure not one speck of melted butterscotch was left in the bowl.  The spoonfuls set pretty quickly since they were small.  In about 15 minutes the Peanut Butterscotch Morsels were ready.  SERIOUSLY GOOD!

Now that I have this easy, quick fix for a sweet tooth, I'm going to have to increase my workout time for sure.  I'm writing the recipe for my kiddos who inherited their parent's sweet tooth.

Peanut Butterscotch Morsels
1 cup Hershey butterscotch chips (brand melts the best)
1 cup salted peanuts (I wonder how cashews would taste?)
In a microwavable-safe bowl, melt butterscotch morsels for 45 seconds.  (Start with 20 seconds at a time to see how long your microwave takes--it may need more or less time).  Stir just a bit to loosen; microwave for another 45 seconds (depending on your microwave).  Stir morsels just until nearly melted; stir in peanuts to coat.  Dip out mixture with a teaspoon onto wax paper placed on a flat surface.  Let it set for at least 15 minutes--unless you like to eat them gooey :) like I sometimes do.  Once set, they store very well in a ziploc baggie.  Recipe can be doubled.  This would make a nice candy to place on cookie and candy plates you give out at Christmas time.  They are very pretty and would look nice in a pretty dish at a party.

Christmas Coffee Cake (Biscuit Mix)

As shown, I make Christmas Coffee Cake with pecans on one side because my son doesn't like the nuts.  I use my own homemade baking mix (like Bisquick) that has wheat in it to make this beautiful coffee cake.  This way I can rotate my wheat a little faster and the coffee cake tastes sooo much better.  If you make Wheat Quick Mix, you can use regular shortening (that's what the original recipe from Southern Living magazine called for), but I like it even better with butter-flavored Crisco.  Find a scrumpious pancake recipe using Wheat Quick Mix found near the bottom of Some Favorite Campy Things, camping part 2 post.  For delicious homemade 7 Up Biscuits see Homemaker's Journal post Easy, Perfect Biscuits.

Christmas Coffee Cake (Biscuit Mix)
1, 3-ounce package cream cheese
1/4 cup margarine or butter (I prefer butter)
2 cups biscuit mix or Bisquick
1/4 cup milk
1/2 can pie filling of your choice (I like cherry)
1/4 - 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Cut cream cheese and butter into biscuit mix till crumbly.  Add milk; stir until mixed.  On lightly floured surface, knead dough 10-12 strokes.  On waxed paper, roll or pat dough into a 12 x 8 inch rectangle.

Invert onto greased baking sheet; remove paper.

Spread filling down center of dough.  Make 2-1/2 inches cuts from long sides toward center at 1 inch intervals.

Fold strips over filling and pinch in center.

Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden.  FREEZE at this point if desired.  When thawed, drizzle with Powdered Sugar Glaze.  Yield:  12 servings.

Powdered Sugar Glaze
In a bowl stir together 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla and enough milk to make a drizzling consistency (1-2 teaspoons).  If using peach filling, add 1/4 teaspoon almond flavoring to glaze mix and a little less milk.

Blog Book Index

To the past, the present, and the future, I dedicate this book.  To the past because I came out of it, to the present because I live in it, to the future because my children shall inherit it. ~Ruth May Fox

Create
Sewing
Homemaker's Must-Have Apron
Learn Something New This Summer:  Cross-Stitch in 5 Minutes
Easy Hats to Sew Gift (beginners)
Fruit Basket Liners
Kitty Cross-Stitch Sampler (show and tell)
Retro Yo-Yo Quilts
T-Shirt Quilt Tutorials

Pioneer Crafts
Pioneer Day Posts
Clove-Studded Fruit
Old-Timey Button String and Bracelet
Star-Spangled Shelf Paper
Pioneer Rag Dolls
Corn Husk Dolls
Yarn Dolls
Pioneer Handkerchief Dolls
Pioneer Chick Lit
Children's Pioneer Recipes
Flip Over Old Fashioned Games
Children's Pioneer Day Event
A New Twist on Pioneer Hay Sticks
Achievement Days Book Review: Sarah, Plain and Tall
Achievement Days Country Fair
Pioneer Children
CopyCat Magazine Little House Unit
Pioneer Day Toy
Native American Culture Activities for Kids

Camping Crafts
Swaps:  Some Favorite Campy Things, camping part 2
Fabric Scrap Flip Flops (YW colors):  camping part 1
YW Theme Shelf Sitter:  camping part 1
YW Value (water-proof) Matches:  camping part 1
Young Women's Camp

Seasonal
Winter
Christmas
  Snowman Soup Gift:  Christmas traditions, part 4
  Pinecone Fire Starters Gift: Christmas traditions, part 3
  Wrapping Gifts and Making Bows
  Paper Snowflakes Decorations: Christmas traditions, part 3
  Wooly Sheep Ornament: Christmas traditions, part 3
  Santa's List Ornament: Christmas traditions, part 3
  Rudolph the Paper Reindeer Decoration: Christmas traditions, part 3
  Countdown to Christmas Craft
  Applesauce Cinnamon Cutout Ornaments
  Christmas Pageant
  Cookie Tea (Exchange)
  Red-Hots Crock Pot Cider
  SpaRific Bath Mixes to Give
  Candy Cane Reindeer Ornaments
  Retro Christmas Stockings
  Fragrant Vintage Ornaments
  Festive Fruit Basket Liners
  Natural Angel Ornaments
  Christmas Coffee Cake
  Snow-Couple Bell Ornament
  Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries
  Quick and Easy Piping Bag for Gingerbread Cookies (White Frosting)
St. Patrick's Day
  St. Patty's Day Family Night

Spring
Easter
  Bird's Nests and Jelly Bean Poem
  Boo Boo Easter Bunnies
  Easter Games
  Resurrection Eggs
Senior Tea
Mother's Day
  Bath Potpourri "Tea" Bags
  Mom Mix

Summer
Relaxation
  Active Meditation for Serious Relaxation
  Spirit Soothers
  Scents that Soothe
  Aromatherapy Bath Potpourri "Tea" Bags
  Meditation Made Easy
Big Fish Book Review (commemorate Dad by
reading the book or watching the movie on Father's Day)
Favorite Fourth of July Traditions
Origami Earrings
Chick Lit for July
Crystal Garden
Old Fashioned Travel Games
Jello Popsicles and Kool-Aid Playdough

Autumn
Trick or Treat Family Night Idea
October Traditions: Fun with Cookies
October Traditions: Chicklit, Songs, Activities
October Traditions: Autumn Days
Boys Like to Dress Up Too!
Better Than Potpourri Brew
November Traditions
Simple Oktoberfest Family Meal (foil cooking)
Fall Fun
When There's Nothing Else to Eat (leftover turkey salad)

Emergency Lunch Kit

I found this neat idea in Gifts That Taste Good, p. 103 (ISBN 0942237099).  This made a great gift for a college Christmas care package.  I just used a scrapbooking tag maker to make my tag, although the book includes a pattern for the tag and cross.  I also used a strip of cheese cloth to make my bandage.  Here are the soup and crackers recipe that go in the box.  You can also include a red mug.

Potato Soup Mix
1-3/4 cups instant mashed potatoes
1-1/2 cups nonfat dry milk
2 tablespoons instant chicken bouillon
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
1-1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon dried whole thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/8 teaspoon turmeric
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, mixing until completely blended.  Store in airtight container.  Yield:  about 2-1/2 cups of mix.  To serve:  Place 1/4 cup soup mix in a soup bowl or mug.  Add 1 cup boiling water and stir until smooth.  Let soup sit 1 to 2 minutes to thicken slightly.

Parmesan-Herb Nibbles
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon Fine Herbes (in grocery spice section)
1/3 cup butter or margarine
2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 egg yolks
2 teaspoons water
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  In a large bowl, sift together first 4 ingredients.  Stir in herbs.  With a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter and cheese until mixture resembles a course meal.  Stir in egg yolks and water.  Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 2 minutes.  Roll out dough to 1/8-inch thickness.  With a paring knife, cut dough vertically into 1-inch wide strips; cut 1-inch wide strips horizontally to make small squares.  Carefully lift squares from surface with flat side of knife and place on greased baking sheets.  Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned.  Cool completely before storing in airtight container.  Yield:  about 6 dozen squares.
Tip:  I didn't have the patience to roll out the dough to make the nibbles.  I formed the dough into a log and put in the freezer for about an hour, long enough for the butter to get solid again.  Then I sliced the log into 1/8 inch slices and baked as mentioned.


Here's the instructions from the book on how to wrap the package (p. 123).

Natural Angels Ornaments

I made the natural angels ornaments after seeing them in Gooseberry Patch Christmas, Book 2.  I also taught a mini class on how to make them.  By doing some of the work ahead of time, it made a nice 30 minute class.  You need white felt--I chose ecru (creamy off-white).  Other materials include a little polyester fiberfill and 4-inch tall wooden doll clothespin, country print fabric, hot glue gun, dried bay leaves, and dried apple slices.  See below on how to dry the apples and seal them and the bay leaves so they'll last a good while.

running stitch

1. For each angel, cut one 2-1/2-inch square from felt.  Place a small amount of fiberfill at center of felt square.  Gather felt around top of clothespin; wrap and tie thread around gathers to secure.
2. Tear a 3-1/2"x9" piece of fabric for dress.  Work running stitches along one long edge of dress.  Pull ends of thread to gather dress around neck of angel; tie thread to secure.  (Running Stitch:  a series of straight stitches with stitch length equal to the space between stitches).
3. Glue 2 bay leaves to angel for wings and an apple slice over bay leaves for halo.

Dried Fruit Slices
Dry apples the day before you plan to use them.  Begin by slicing apples vertically to make 1/4-in.-thick heart shaped slices.  Soak slices in mixture of 1/2 cup lemon juice and 1/2 tablespoon salt for 3-4 minutes.  Drain and place apples on oven rack (wire, oven-proof cooling rack works well since apples will eventually shrink up some); bake at 150 degrees (not above 200 degrees) with door ajar for 5 to 6 hours or until they feel leathery.  When apples are cool, spray with 2 coats matte clear acrylic spray sealer to retain color (allowing to dry between coats).  This can be done with oranges and grapefruit slices as well but you don't have to soak them in the lemon juice mixture.  (Country Woman Magazine, May/June 1992, p. 21)

Feels Like Christmas Pecan Mocha Fudge

This is my favorite fudge recipe (recipe follows tutorial).  I'm pretty sure I found it in Southern Living Magazine,  (when they used to have real people submitting recipes).  I like using mini loaf pans so that I can cut the fudge in slabs to give as delicious gifts.  I also prefer to use decaffeinated instant coffee.  I've tried caffeinated and it didn't taste as good.  But I'm not a coffee drinker, (just love the aroma)!

*First line 2 mini aluminum pans with foil (as shown) and butter them (or you can spray with vegetable spray).  Lining the pans as shown helps you to lift the fudge out of the pan easily. 

*This is the time you want to roast 1 cup of chopped pecans (1/2 cup if you want one loaf to be without nuts).  Roast pecans in a 350 degree oven for about 5 minutes.

FYI:  I have kids who refuse to eat nuts in their fudge!  (And some folks can't eat nuts).  So my first pan is filled completely with the fudge mixture before I add the toasted, chopped pecans.  Then I add the pecans to the remaining fudge mixture and pour it into the second pan which will be filled completely also.  

*Combine (5-ounce) can of evaporated milk, 2 cups sugar, 1/2 cup butter--cut into pieces, 2 tablespoons decaffeinated coffee granules, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 12 marshmallows in a 4-quart, heavy saucepan.
*Cook over medium heat, STIRRING CONSTANTLY, 10-15 minutes or until sugar dissolves and marshmallows melt.  (If your stove cooks a little hot, you can adjust the temperature to a little lower).
*Bring to a boil.  Cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer registers 234 degrees (soft ball stage).  If you don't have a thermometer, you can keep a glass of water nearby and drip some of the mixture into the water.  If it balls up into a soft little ball, the mixture is ready.
*Remove from heat.  Stir in 1 c. semisweet chocolate morsels until melted.  Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 c. toasted, chopped pecans, (if desired).  Spread immediately into pans.

Cool completely.

Lift fudge from pans.  Slice fudge into 1/2-inch slabs.  Yield:  1-1/3 pounds. Delicious!

Coffee-Pecan Fudge

2 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter, cut into pieces
2 T. instant coffee granules
1/8 t. salt
1 (5-oz.) can evaporated milk
12 large marshmallows
1 c. semisweet chocolate morsels
1 c. chopped pecans, toasted
1 t. vanilla extract
Combine first 6 ingredients in a 4-qt. heavy saucepan.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 10-15 min. or until sugar dissolves and marshmallows melt.  Bring to a boil.  Cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer registers 234 degrees (soft ball stage).  Remove from heat.
Stir in chocolate morsels until melted.  Stir in pecans and vanilla.  Spread fudge immediately into 2 aluminum foil-lined, buttered 5-3/4 x 3-1/2 inch mini loaf pans.  Cool completely.  Remove fudge from pans.  Slice fudge into 1/2 inch slabs.  Yield: 1-1/3 lbs.
Note: Lining the loaf pans with aluminum foil and buttering them makes it easy to remove uncut fudge from the pans in one piece to slice it.

The Best Banana Bread Recipe

No really--It Is The Best!  The recipe makes that really good crust, but then it's all moist inside.  For easy slicing, once it is cooled, wrap loaf in plastic food wrap and refrigerate overnight.  This allows the crust to soften.  However, we can't wait that long!  I prefer the crust fresh from the oven and I've never had trouble slicing.  Makes great mini loaves for gifts--just cook for less time.

The Best Banana Bread Recipe

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 eggs

2 medium (1 cup) ripe bananas, mashed

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (may be omitted)

1/2 teaspoon baking soda (change your soda out often so that it's always fresh--use discarded baking soda to clean fridge and sink

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (secret ingredient)

Heat oven to 350 degrees (325 degrees for a glass loaf pan--may have to cook slightly longer so be sure to check often).  Grease and flour 8x4-inch loaf pan; set aside.

Combine sugar and butter in large bowl.  Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy.  Add eggs; continue beating until well mixed.  Stir in all remaining ingredients.

Spoon batter into prepared pan.  Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, (loosely cover with foil, shiny side down, when the loaf begins to get brown).  Cool in pan 10 minutes.  Remove from pan; place onto wire cooling rack.  Cool completely.  .

Festive Fruit Basket Liners

When I was a teenager we made larger versions of this cute little basket liner for church fruit baskets we helped deliver (using Christmas material of course).  I have given many, many cookie plates and gift baskets throughout the years.  The cookie plates are something my extended family did for each other.  My favorite thing to receive on a cookie plate was Aunt Janice's divinity.

I like to fill my gift baskets with things like homemade mocha fudge, freezer cookies, banana bread, and candy, fruit, and nuts.  Baskets can be found at stores like Hobby Lobby.  The dimensions for making a pattern of a small basket are 15 x 12.5 inch rectangle, with corners cut out so that you have a long flap of 8 x 4 inches and a shorter flap that is 5 x 3.5 inches.  Happy Giving :0)

Fragrant Vintage Ornaments

Satisfy your handcrafting urge by making Fragrant Vintage Ornaments.  Though mostly made from items in your pantry, these ornaments are not edible.  This recipe makes about 12 ornaments.  They can be used for tree and package decorations, bookmarks, necklaces, pins, and/or drawer fresheners.

First combine 1 cup of cinnamon, 1 tablespoon ground cloves and 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg with a whisk in a medium size bowl.  With hands, work 3/4 cup applesauce and 2 tablespoons of Aleene's Tacky Glue and mix with hands 2 to 3 minutes to make a mildly wet dough.  If it is too dry and another tablespoon of applesauce.  If it is too wet add a little more cinnamon.

Divide ball into four balls and knead dough like Play Doe.  Keep the other balls of dough covered with a damp cloth until you work with it.  This is a good time to pass out dough to as many as 8 children by dividing into 8 pieces.

Placing the dough between two pieces of plastic wrap, roll or pat to 1/4 inch.

Take off the top plastic and cut dough with cookie cutters.  When doing this project with children, cookie cutters with few corners works best.

As long as the dough has been well kneaded and not rolled too thin, the dough should be easy to peel away and reused.  The cutouts can be gently peeled off the plastic and placed on a cookie sheet.  I like to line my sheet with parchment.

Using a straw, make a hole at the top of the ornament, but not too close to the edge.  Place in an oven no more than 200 degrees for 2-4 hours, turning over halfway through.  Or place in a sunny window on a cooling rack turning over time to time to ensure even drying.  This could take up to 4 or 5 days.

When ornaments dry, you can insert ribbon--cut to 22-inch lengths--through hole and tie ends into a knot.  Tie another length into a bow around first ribbon near ornament top.  Ornaments can be decorated with opaque paint markers found in arts and crafts stores, if desired.  I used white Puffy Paint to make it look like royal icing.

Retro-Christmas Stockings

The first time I saw this idea was when my Aunt Phala brought one for each family at my Grandma's annual Christmas party.  These are what I call Retro-Christmas Stockings.  When I was still a newlywed, my husband's mom gave each of her children's family's one of these stockings. Growing up, he and the other siblings got at stocking each year and his mom would put their name on a slip of paper at the bottom of it so that they wouldn't get mixed up (seven children in the family).  I'm not sure of the actual history, but it seems they come from the Depression Era.  If you're thrifty, you use old, (clean) knee-hi pantyhose (stockings as we called them), however, I buy the cheapo new ones.  Then in each "stocking" you place

• about a cup of mixed nuts (in their shells--very pretty)
• an orange, couple of tangerines, and a red and green apple (I like the smaller apples)
• Christmas candy (something that won't melt!)
• and a small gift or two (could be a handmade ornament for the family tree, or for an individual, socks, gloves--a tie for men or missionaries, scarf for a woman, small toy for a child)

Distribute the items evenly throughout the stocking.  Then tie with curling ribbon.  They can be made assembly line fashion and generic so that each family gets the same thing, or you can make them by males and females each sex getting the same items.  Or if you do them for your own family members like I do (five in all), I make the small gift a little more personal.  This is also a nice gift for visiting and home teaching families and employees or coworkers.

Candy Cane Reindeer Ornaments

Reindeer Ornaments would make cute table centerpieces for parties or to decorate side and coffee tables.  I like to decorate my tree with them and then give the reindeer out to visitors (especially children).  You need mini red poms for the nose, mini googly eyes (I could have gone up one size on both), and brown pipe cleaners.  Also Aleene's fast drying craft glue keeps the eyes from sliding, and don't forget the box of candy canes!  This is a pretty good project for kids.

First cut a pipe cleaner in half (unless you want really big antlers).  Making sure the candy cane is in the middle of the pipe cleaner half, twist the pipe cleaner around the top of the candy cane crook.  Then fold the pipe cleaner in 45 degree angles about two or three times (more for larger antlers).  Put a bead of glue on the back of the antlers behind the twist so that the antlers stay on tight.

Next glue a pair of googly eyes to the candy cane making sure they touch each other.

Add a red pom for a nose.

Setting each into a cup is a good way to help them dry safely.  If you made your antlers large, they can lay flat on a table.  Now read Imogene's Antlers by David Small (hilarious!  He also wrote George Shrinks):

Steve's Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

2 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
1/2 c. butter or margarine
3 large eggs
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. sweetened condensed milk
1/2 c. evaporated milk
1 t. ground nutmeg
1 t. vanilla extract
1 t. lemon extract
1 (12-oz) package frozen deep-dish piecrusts, thawed
Garnishes:  whipped cream, grated nutmeg
Cook sweet potato in boiling water to cover 30 minutes or until tender; drain.  Beat sweet potato and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until really smooth.  Add eggs and next 6 ingredients, beating well.  Pour mixture evenly into each piecrust.  Bake 350 degrees on lower oven rack for 45 to 50 minutes or until set.  Garnish, if desired.  Yield:  2 9-inch pies.

Clove-Studded Fruit

"Aunt Eliza had brought Ma a large red apple stuck full of cloves.  How good it smelled!  And it would not spoil, for so many cloves would keep it sound and sweet."  Little House In The Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Little House In The Big Woods is my most favorite of the Little House books.  I love the descriptions given of daily pioneer life.  Clove apples are a very simple craft to make with children.  They don't have to make a pattern at all, but some will want to and they smell wonderful!  They also taste very good too (after cloves have been removed).  I found a small bottle of cloves for little more than a dollar at the local store, though they can be quite costly--I had to shop around.  The number of cloves per child can be limited if necessary.  Handi-wipes would be good to have on hand since the fruit is very juicy.

Press the sharp point of each clove into the apple.  Push it in until only the head of the clove shows.  you may need a toothpick to help you get started.  Continue until the whole apple is covered with cloves, (you can limit the amount of cloves if necessary).  To display your apple, place it on a dish or in a bowl out of direct sunlight.  You can also make clove oranges and clove lemons the same way you make clove apples.  These taste great in hot cider!  (instructions from My Little House Party Crafts Book, ISBN 0439060052)

Our family hosted a Library Story Time and we did this fun craft.  To see the lesson plan go to my Christmas Traditions, part 3 post.

Yarn Dolls

The first time I ever saw a yarn doll was when I was in the first grade and my mom and sister and I went to a friend of my mom's for a Christmas get-together.  She had made these little dolls as Christmas tree ornaments in Christmas colors and crocheted little matching skirts for them.  She gave my sister and I a little doll and these adorned our tree for many years.  My mom probably still has these ornaments.

Directions:
Light-weight yarn, any color
4 x 4 inch piece of cardboard
Scissors 
Wind the yarn around the cardboard 12 to 20 times, depending on how thick you want your tassel to be.
Cut the yarn, and slip the end under the loops on the card.
Cut at 12 inch piece of yarn, and slip it between the loops and the card.  Tie the yarn in a tight knot to pull and hold the loops together.
Slide the loops off the card.
Tightly wind another 12 inch piece of yarn several times around the tassel, about one third of the way down from the top where your first piece of yarn is tied.  Tie in a firm knot.  This is the yarn doll's head.
Cut the loops of yarn at the bottom of the bundle, and trim the ends evenly.
Shake the yarn to fluff it.
Separate a few strands from each side of the doll to make arms by tying each arm with yarn about half-way down (wrap yarn around several times).  Trim each arm below where they are tied off.

Christmas DVDs and Chick Lit

Movies:

Elf  

It’s a Wonderful Life

Frosty the Snowman

Home Alone

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Merry Christmas Charlie Brown!

Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer

The Santa Claus

While You Were Sleeping

White Christmas

Winter and CHRISTMAS Books:

A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Robert L. May 1557091390 (authentic reproduction of the original edition)
The Night Before Christmas, Clement C. Moore 0439289742
Auntie Claus, Elise Primavera 0439218861
Santa's Secret Helper, Andrew Clements 0590472690
Little Tree, E.E. Cummings 0439259673
Christmas in the Big Woods, adapted from The Little House Books, Laura Ingalls Wilder 0590928880
Georgie's Christmas Carol, Robert Bright 0385023448
Jingle the Christmas Clown, Tomie dePaola 0590472720
The Wild Christmas Reindeer, Jan Brett 0590449087
The Mitten 0590440152
Trouble with Trolls 0590472844
Owl Moon, Jane Yolen 0590420445
The Snowy Day, Ezra Jack Keats 0590030310
Little Penguin's Tale, Audrey Wood 059047085X

Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day. ~Helen Steiner Rice

Keeping Christmas All Year Long

JANUARY—While putting away Christmas items, take photographs of special ornaments or decorations you would like to scrapbook.

FEBRUARY—Take a Paper Crafts Class and make handmade Valentines for family and friends.  Use this skill to get a start on handmade Christmas Cards.

MARCH—These dreary wintry days are a good time to get the Christmas sewing done.

APRIL—This month prepare a Family Night to help explain Christmas traditions and symbols.  Put this away where you will find it and give it at Christmas time.

MAY AND JUNE—Still haven’t put last year’s Christmas photos in an album?  Get those pictures printed, placed in the album and journaled before your memories slip away!

JULY—Kids getting bored?  Do Christmas in July!  Make ornaments for this year’s tree while there's extra free time.

AUGUST—This month, take a minute to schedule any Christmas gatherings you plan to host.  Try the weekends soon after Thanksgiving for the best attendance.

SEPTEMBER—Gather a basketful of pinecones to make Pinecone Fire Starters to give as gifts or keep by the fireplace, and be prepared for the cooler evenings.

OCTOBER—Decide now what the Christmas Menu will be.  Keep a list of ingredients handy to be ready to purchase items as they go on holiday sales.

NOVEMBER—Make plans now to keep Christmas focused on Jesus.  Do your shopping this month, for a more peaceful December.

DECEMBER—Remember to send out the Christmas cards you made last February.  Try to keep the list of recipients to folks who truly need a lift, (like widows, and shut-ins).  Take out the Family Night lesson on Christmas traditions and symbols, and do this activity early in the month to set the tone for the holiday season.  As you decorate the house and tree, take pictures of homemade or special decorations and ornaments, or even foods to put in the family album or scrapbook. 

Christmas Entertaining

Achievement Day Girls' Christmas Party, 2002

Christmas Party GameCookie and Ornament Swaps Holiday Recipes And Gift Instructions

Persons sit in a circle and pass gifts right and left according to directions in the following story

Once upon a time there was a little boy named Tommy Wright.  He lived with his mother, Mrs. Wright and his father, Dr. Wright and his sister Sara Wright.

He had four shiny quarters left from some birthday money Grandma Wright had sent him besides the $8.12 left in his piggy bank.  Now it was time to buy the right present for each member of the Wright family.  So one morning he hopped right out of bed and quietly left home and went carefully down the street to the big store on the left side of Main Street.  The store was decorated with lights and Christmas ornaments.  Tommy Wright thought and thought about Christmas presents and he looked at all the things for sale. 

“Let’s see,” said Tommy.  “I know.  I’ll get Mother Wright some warm gloves.  Here is the right one but where is the left one?”  “Here it is, right under the right one.  They cost $3.06 so I have $6.06 left to spend.  Now for Daddy Wright.  Would he like a truck or maybe a ball or a left-handed catcher’s mitt?  I know.  I’ll get him a football so we can play catch right in our own backyard when he comes home from work.”

“That was $5.06 so now I have $1.00 left for Sara’s present.  Here is what she wants.  A pretty new purse and I think I have just enough money left.”  Tommy Wright clutched his presents happily and went running right up to the lady at the counter and gave her all the money from his left pocket and his right pocket.  “Is that right?” he asked as he gave his money.  “It will be $1.05 with tax,” she said.  “Oh no,” said Tommy Wright.  “I forgot about tax.”  Tommy started crying.  Tears streamed right and left down his little face.  Right then the door burst open and in came Santa Claus who had left the North Pole and had come right to Tommy Wright’s town to take orders from children for Christmas.  “Ho! Ho! Ho!” said Santa.  “We can’t have Santa’s helpers sad like this.  Let’s see now, I bet I have five pennies right here in my left pocket.”  Santa Clause checked his left pocket and found nothing.

“Oh no,” said Santa, “I must have put them into my right pocket instead of my left.”

“Here they are right here, Tommy, Ho! Ho! Ho! and a Merry Christmas to all the Wrights from Santa Claus and his helpers.”  Tommy Wright left the store and ran home to tell Sara Wright that he had seen and talked to Santa.

He was so happy that he wrapped his presents right away and put them under the Christmas tree.  Mr. and Mrs. Wright and Sara Wright were thrilled with the presents Tommy had purchased and Christmas morning left nothing to want. 

I hope your Christmases will be wonderful and full of the love we all feel for one another!  Merry Christmas!

Cookie Swaps

Because of the ease of preparation for the hostess, cookie swaps are very popular.   Some are for adults; others just for children.  Some invite only a few friends, while others accommodate a large church group. 

The Invitations:  Invite guests three to four weeks in advance.  Eight people is the ideal number—manageable, with enough for a good variety of cookies.  Have each person bring along copies of her recipe as well as some supplies for pretty packaging, such as ribbons, tags, or boxes.

The Cookies:  Ask each guest to make a dozen cookies for every person in attendance, plus an extra dozen for sampling; you do the same.  this way, everybody will go home with several dozen in different flavors to give as gifts.  If that seems daunting, scale back; if eight of you have six dozen to swap, you will take a few less of each kind but will still have an ample number.  Decide for, or with, everyone who will make what, coordinating ahead of time to avoid duplicates.  Sturdy cookies are best (very thin or delicate varieties won’t pack well).

The Swap:  On the day of the party, clear a few tables for sampling, swapping, and packaging cookies.  Provide several platters and cake stands, and have each guest put out a plate of cookies for tasting, with stacks of recipes alongside if you like.  Let everyone sample the treats—and maybe even take a vote on the best one.  When it’s time to trade, set out the remaining cookies and let each person walk around the table to pick up their share of each.  Or have people take only what they need to package one gift at a time, and return to the table for more as they wish.

The Display:  At the swap, it helps to know which cookie is which.  Use folding place cards that set in front of each variety as a label.  Write or print the name of the cookie and the contributor on the card:  “Chocolate-Drizzled Spice Cookies, from Laura.”  It’s also helpful to wrote or print a cookie menu that lists each of the different types displayed.

The Packaging Station:  Ask guests to bring wrapping materials; you might also keep some on hand in case any are overlooked.  Set everything out on large worktables.

Further Ideas:  This is a great mother/daughter activity.  Add a few appetizers to the menu and then serve the cookies as dessert.  Vote on awards such as fanciest cookie, funniest cookie, most original cookie, cookie with the best history behind it, etc.  When staging a cookie swap for a large group, ask each participant to bake as many cookies as they’d like to swap.  Have them package the cookies in zip-top plastic bags by the half dozen, and set out groupings of each on a large table.  Have everyone collect as many cookies as they have brought.

Ornament Swap

The same idea can be used to swap homemade ornaments.  Here's a picture of the ornament swap we did for Achievement Girls one Christmas when my younger daughter was eight.  She's the one with the pigtails next to the leader (name has escaped me)!  I was the assistant since we had so many girls.  (I've gotten a better camera since)!

Holiday Recipes And Gift Instructions