Tag Archives: christmas

Good stuff

27 December 2010 – 5:05 pm

You know, I like those countries that allow an extra day or two for the Christmas holiday. They know a thing or two. We are, after all, celebrating the birth of the greatest life that ever lived. You can’t expect the frivolity to end in one day. Please.

Though we did manage to pack a lot in that one day. We ate entirely too much food, lounged about, and took a stroll in the park. We had us a visit from Santa; young and old—we were spoiled beyond measure; and we loved every minute.

You know me, I could go on—and, more than likely, I will. But for now, I must turn leftover ham into Asparagus Ham dinner, give Barefoot’s new Sweet Red a try, and nibble Christmas treats.

In other words, I’ve got to keep the Christmas cheer going just a bit longer.

Hope the same might be said of you …

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Life of greatness

A merry little Christmas

25 December 2010 – 1:00 am

{The Nativity, by Gerard van Honthorst (1590-1656)}

Another Christmas is upon us. There are gifts to give and those to unwrap, meals to prepare and share. As we celebrate, let us not forget to find a quiet moment or two to remember the true meaning of Christmas…

Let us fall in line with the shepherds and wise men, following that great and shining star; let us smell the dusty road, hear their tales of wonder, and see the angels sing; let us join this odd gathering as they tiptoe through the straw, kneel at a musty manager, and offer precious gifts to a newborn king. What will we give? What will we take away? These things let us treasure, and ponder them in our hearts.

Merry Christmas, my friends.

xoxo

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My life

And here we are

24 December 2010 – 1:00 am

Here we are on the Eve of Christmas. Presents have been wrapped, stockings hung, sugar cookies await frosting. Though I cannot promise they will turn out to be works of art, they should, at the very least, be good for a laugh. It’s tradition.

We’ll bring finger-foods and presents to my grandma’s … before coming home and opening gifts of our own. Tomorrow we’ll awake to full stockings; we’ll eat cherry glazed ham and eggnog pie, and sip coffee while chatting. We’ll read the Christmas story. We’ll make new memories … maybe even a new tradition or two. Because that’s tradition too.

If you’re reading this during the holidays, chances are good it’s before your festivities commence, after you’ve laid them to rest–or you’re simply having yourself a quiet little celebration. Whatever the case, thanks for including Mapgie & Muttonfly in your holiday activities. I am constantly amazed that you take time out of your day to pay me a little visit–all the more so on holiday. It does so warm my heart.

And as you set out toward festivities I pray for moments to bask in traditions of old, and the making of new …

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Miscellany

Sing it

23 December 2010 – 2:12 pm

{a table side serenade}

The other evening, as we drove to my dad’s for dinner, my sister suddenly exclaimed, “No … no, no, oh no!” I nearly drove off the road looking for the police car, near collision, or body along side the road. Alas, it was none other than Last Christmas playing on the radio.

I feel her pain.

Said radio station began playing Christmas music a week before Thanksgiving. Yes, you read that correctly. A week … before Thanksgiving. Needless to say, if I hear “Grandma Got Ran Over By a Reindeer”one more time, someone is going down. And let’s face it–there are better places to spend your holidays than a jail cell.

Perhaps it best I stick with a few favorites; songs like …

It is His Birthday | The Oak Ridge Boys–The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas was a staple growing up. To this day, I can’t hear It is His Birthday without feeling a mite giddy …

Worship the King | Sandy Patti–the same goes for Sandy Patti; the first time I heard this song I imagined it what the angels and shepherds sang on that night so long ago

White Christms | Bing Crosby–please; this one goes without saying …

The First Noel | Al Green–oh how I love me some Al Green. sigh.

Music Box Christmas–as a teenager, my aunt and uncle owned the most magical Christmas store; one of the CDs they played was A Music Box Christmas; now, whenever I hear one of the songs I swear I smell the scent of pine and cinnamon, and glimpse the twinkling of lights, the intricate natvity displays and the festive trees

The Twelve Days of Christmas | John Denver & The Muppets–one word: Beeker

Sleigh Ride | Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops–the next best thing to actually taking a sleigh ride … and you stay warm!

Peace on Earth/Silent Night | Dean Martin–personally, I believe you cannot go wrong with the rat pack … and this one is a favorite

Santa Baby | Eartha Kitt–I cannot believe anyone would even attempt to re-record this song. Please.

Away in a Manager | Orla Fallon–I’ve always felt this song one more for children … until I heard this

Silent Night | Enya–a version that actually puts the peace back in the season …

Might you have a few favorites; or do you prefer the sound of silence to any sort of Christmas music?

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Photo stories

A tuba Christmas

6 December 2010 – 1:00 am

Well? Did you have a lovely weekend—filled with festivity and what-not?

My weekend was quite full, actually. And—as all years—I now recall why, exactly, I want to get preparations finished by the first of December. After that, I just haven’t the time!

All the same, I had plenty to warm my heart … including the Tuba Christmas. It takes place each year, at our capital’s rotunda. A Christmas tradition, we go to cheer on my dad, snap photos, and take in the deep, boom of tuba’s at play. It’s a grand affair … though, I must admit, this year I missed the little old man, who played his little old tuba, festooned with lights.

Now with another weekend behind us, I’m looking forward to the arrival of family. In just a few short days I’ll be able to attack my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew with hugs and kisses–I’m so excited! Seriously. It’s a bit insane.

They, on the other hand, may not be so very, very thrilled. The idea of traveling with a toddler for 22 hours has a funny way of putting a damper on the excitement. That said, you may want to send up a prayer … or twenty.

And with that, I’m off to take inventory; but I leave you a few snapshots from Tuba Christmas, Boise-style …