Christmas Journaling - Christmas Carols

Keep the traditional or please write some new one?

What's wrong with the traditional songs?  Nothing!  To me the traditional Christmas songs are an important part of the holiday season.  They tell us stories of how and why we celebrate such a joyous ocassion.

Now that being said, I want to also say that I like the new, more hip Christmas songs as well.  I thought I had heard every Christmas song there was, and am always amazed when I hear something new or different.  For a long time I only knew of the songs my parents, aunts and uncles used to play regularly when I was a kid and the songs sung in church.  It wasn't until I got older I began find out about other kinds of Christmas music. 

I start playing Christmas tunes the day after Thanksgiving. I consider myself to be well rounded and will listen to any kind of holiday tunes. It depends on what mood I'm in.  Like when I'm enjoying a nice evening at home just lying around on the sofa, gazing at the Christmas tree and all the decorations, I usually play instrumental tunes.  If I'm sipping on a glass of wine I'll spice up the music with some holiday jazz.  That get's my fingers snapping. 

When I'm cleaning and getting the house ready for decorating, I put on the old R&B Christmas classics: The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, Nat King Cole, etc.  Those songs always remind me of when my family would all gather at my grandma's house.  She lived in a little apartment and one of my uncles and his family lived directly under her in their apartment. Somehow we all fitted in there nice and snugged (counting 8 siblings, their spouses/friends and us kids).  One uncle and one aunt are no longer here, and the family has grown over the years with great grandkids and great-great grandkids.  And now the family gathers at my little apartment. :-)

Now when I'm sitting at the computer (like now) I tune into Merry Christmas Radio and when I'm wrapping gifts, baking cookies or taking a drive around the neighborhood looking at the lights, I usually turn on the radio where the local station plays Christmas music nonstop til New Year's Day.  The radio is where I heard 'Grandma Got Runover By A Reindeer' and Porky Pig's version of 'Blue Christmas'.  That Porky Pig song always crack me up.  I remember the first time I heard it. It was about 2:00 in the morning during the holidays.  I was on the highway on my way home from my second job (it was parttime) when it came on the radio.  I was in tears by the time the song ended. I had never heard such a crazy song before.
Then there's a couple that I tear-up a little whenever they come on the radio.  One is "Christmas Shoes".  The other is actually a narration, when Santa meets a soldier during a war. I don't know the name of it, but everytime I hear it, I just sigh and begin to think about all those soldiers fighting in wars, not being home with their families for the holidays. 

I have quite a few favorite holiday songs: "Let It Snow," by Boys II Men; "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas," by Burl Ives; "Winter Wonderland," by The Eurythmics - to name a few.  "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas", by James Taylor, has become one of my favorite Christmas songs (I like Taylor anyway and have several of his cd's).  His version of the song gives me a warm feeling inside and I especially love the video.  It makes me think about my family coming altogether Christmas Eve. A new tradition I started about 7 or 8 years ago. It's the only time everyone gets to see everyone all at once.  A few months ago I finally broke down and downloaded the entire album  and have been playing it ever since.

A Fun Rudy Day

On Dasher, on Dancer, on...  Oh darn, my mind just went blank. - Hahahaha.  

Sitting at the computer listening to Merry Christmas Radio on live365.com.  RadioJonD's show is now playing.

Wednesday I decided to have an impromptu Rudy Day.  It turned out to be a very productive day.  First I signed and address Christmas cards.  These cards will be given out to my office associates.  After signing what seemed my life away, I went on line and ordered some dvd's for two uncles at Barnes & Noble.  I know they are going to really love these movies.  I ordered the first season of Hogan's Heros and the first season of Gomer Pyle.  I used to love watching these shows with my dad when I was a little girl.  And I know that my uncles used to watch them also.  (Woohoo, just received an email that my movies have been shipped).  Can you say "Excitement".  Now, I've lost my train of thought.  Better end it here. 

Christmas Is Coming

Know how I know?  I saw it with my own eyes.  Heehee.

I had Columbus day off so I decided to do some Christmas shopping.  I started my day at 5:00 a.m. First I took my boyfriend to work (his car is in the shop), then headed to the 24-hour Super Walmart. I love shopping in Walmart in the wee hours of the morning. So quiet and peaceful. You can take your time and really look around. Also it's when the workers are stocking the shelves with all the new goodies. I was in there for hours.  I was looking for Christmas decorations but nothing has been put up yet. They do have boxes of Christmas trees stacked on high shelves in the garden center section, but that's all. I was also hunting for the new holiday scented candles by Air Wick. No such luck on that either.

After leaving Walmart I stopped in Kmart and what should mine eyes see?....  An assortment of Christmas trees.  Not just trees - outdoor decorations, gift wrap, lights, ornaments, pretty bows, Santas and snowmen.  Tableware..... Oh I could just go on and on. 

I was scared to take more pictures.  I didn't want the people thinking I was a competitor from another store.  (wink)

Shopping for Christmas Gifts

Yesterday was Columbus Day here in the USA and all government offices were closed.  I took advantage of the time off by having a Rudy Day and went shopping for Christmas gifts.  I'm happy to say that after months of putting off this task, I have about half of my list done. Woohoo! 

I got my step-dad a new MP3 player with FM radio so he can listen to his music when he does his exercises at the VA gym.  I got my mom a couple pairs of pajamas (something she mentioned last year).  My mom is the only person each year, I have difficulty shopping for.  I'm still not done with her though.  I bought my 11 yr old niece Diary of a Whimpy kid movie. I'm doing a craft basket for her and will put the movie with everything.   For my two old high-school friends I'm putting together  "white" theme baskets for them.  So far I got them cute robes with hoods and a pair of slippers. Just a few more bath items (bubble bath, body lotion, etc.) and they will be done.

For the guys/boys in my family I bought a Dallas Cowboy shirt, a sweater, a polo shirt,  2 crew-neck thermal henley shirts, a graphic t-shirt and graphic hoody, 2 race track sets, a sweat suit, and a cute toddler outfit.  For the ladies/girls I bought a fleece vest with coordinate pants, 2 'Down' quilted vests, satin pajamas, fleece pajamas, 4 hat/scarf/glove sets, a bath robe, 2 sweaters and a pair of jeans.

By the time I got home I was exhausted, tired and hungry - but happy. 

Hmmm

I haven't had a Rudy Day moment in quite some time.  I'm changing that starting tomorrow. I have the day off  for Columbus Day and I am finally going to start my Christmas shopping.  I have my list printed and in my purse ready to go.  Just set the alarm clock to get up early in the morning.

Butter Pecan Cookies

Earlier this week the ladies and I at MHH were just talking about our day when my friend Lana  mentioned that she and her husband were picking pecans. There's a picture of the pecan tree  on her blog.  I have never seen an actual pecan tree myself.  I like to use pecans when I bake "butter pecan cookies". I only make them at Christmastime. 

Here's how I do mine.

1 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped pecan

Directions
In a medium bowl mix flour and salt together. Set aside.  In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, vanilla and egg. Mix until well blended.

Slowly add the flour and salt. Mix well.   Add chopped pecans. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Roll dough in to 1" balls and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. Flatten balls with the bottom of a glass dipped in flour.  Bake 10 to 12 minutes until lightly colored.
 
I get my pecans from the grocery store - already chopped.   If you have fresh pecans, like my friend Lana, toast them in the oven for a few minutes first. Then proceed with baking.

Christmas Journaling - Candy Canes

Like? Chew? or Throw Away?

I don't eat candy canes like I did when I was a kid and every year I continue to buy them - mainly for the kids.  I used to put them on the tree but got tired of that so I just keep them in a decorative container.  Last year I bought the fruity flavored candy canes by Life Savors (in addition to buying the peppermint ones).  I really enjoyed the Life Savors and will buy more this year.  The kids didn't even touch the peppermint ones.  As a matter of fact, back in August I finally threw them out.