Rudy Day

Over at another forum that I belong to, today the 25th of every month is Rudy Day.  Do something that helps Christmas be less stressful.  Of course, I rarely get to do anything on the 25th but some drink hot cocoa (in a Christmas mug), put on some Christmas music and accomplish things.  Make list, crafts, try a new recipe, update card list, try to set a budget and put back for a gift with every pay etc....

I always have a booklet thing in my purse and I jot down things about Christmas and when I buy a gift I put it in it.  I jot down gifts I get for prizes for games, and ideals of games I hear or such to maybe try on Christmas Eve. I buy things for Christmas year round and I am done with 5 people already.  GREAT finds on New Years Day!  Normally spend $20 on each and got all their stuff for under $5.00 each so wasn't even $20.00 for all!  That is 3 gifts each too, I am ALWAYS on the look out for Christmas gifts.

It comes around pretty fast!!!!

Hope all are staying warm!

Summer Punch (AKA my Christmas Punch)

I have probably posted this before on my blog somewhere but will share again because it is worth it!
We usually try to make it up 3-5 days before when it will be served.  We put the batches in gallon size bags and freeze.  I have been making this since back in the early 2000's and is all I serve on Christmas Eve.  Also I have only used the cherry but they say you can use other flavors. It is a slush punch.

1 3 0z. cherry gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1 46 oz. can unsweetened pineapple juice
1 1/2 cup sugar
4 cups cold water


2 quarts ginger ale chilled when serving.

Dissolve gelatin into 1 cup boiling water.  Add pineapple juice, sugar, cold water and stir well.  Freeze.

Set out 2 hours before serving.  Break into chunks. Pour ginger ale over it. Sometimes I get it out when ready to use and have to use a knife to break it up.

For about 19 people I do 3 batches and that is using red solo cups.  If any is left over people like to drink it, 

Your 2017 Christmas!

I would like to thank everybody that took the time to look at the postings I did daily and I hope that maybe you will try a recipe, craft or tip.

Remember the holidays are for being with family and friends and remembering the REAL REASON of the SEASON!!!  Do not stress or worry if not all gets done or isn't how you want.  You will be the ONLY one knowing it.  I know because I have been there!  JUST ENJOY!!!! 

Door Prize

For the last several years on Christmas Eve I mark either a cup, or plate (have been considering a napkin or silverware to try) for a door prize.  The prize is $10 gift card to Wal-Mart.  I put it in a box with candy or with chap stick, lotion, gum something that young and old could use.  Just alittle excitement. 

I am thinking this year to stick scratch off on the bottom of each plate and maybe the one without a ticket would be the gift card.....still thinking.

Santa Picture

I don't know if I have ever taken a picture with Santa!  Don't recall seeing any from my younger days.

For a change why not try to get the family----or just you and the grandkids---together and go to the mall or wherever Santa is and get a family picture taken. 

That might be an ideal for Christmas cards this year!

Never to old for Santa!

New tradition?

At your holiday dinner hand out paper star cut outs (construction paper, brown sacks, etc) and have each person write down what they're the happiest for since last Christmas and date them.  The front could be decorated with paints, words (joy, etc...).  Be sure they sign them.  Punch a hole in them and put ribbon thru and hang on the tree.

Hot Cocoa Nog

1 qt. eggnog
3 cups milk
1/2 cup chocolate syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Combine eggnog, milk and chocolate syrup in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Stir constantly until heated through.  Add vanilla and nutmeg.

Serves 4

 

First picture is of our tree on Christmas morning.

The Elf Names I used on Christmas Eve to make the handing out of gifts alittle more exciting.

The snowman is what Teigan and I made for her parents gift.  I am not a painter!

The last 2 are of Teigan with some gifts.

 

Teigan on Christmas morning at my house.  She loved the rocker we got her.

Christmas 2015

Decoration

This was a decoration one year at a Christmas activity that is open from Thanksgiving to New Years.  It is decorated differently each year and this was were Santa was in his sleigh.  They have a kids corner, crafts, gifts, food, singers and then they have 2 or 3 areas where you can take family pictures.  Also a train for kids to ride.  You drive thru a light display on the fairground before you go into the hall.

 

 

Cute ideal to find your glass

I think kids would even like this to see their picture on a cup.  Make everybody find their own.

Hanging Ball Decoration

My grandma made this MANY years ago.  She did smaller ones for the Christmas tree.  She died in '05 at 93.  I think this was made in late 70's.

Excuse the chair cushion--it is from my great grandparents dining room set for the late '30s and I need to redo them. 

Ornament Display

Thinking if the holder was silver or gold, maybe just some greenery around the bottom and small pincones.

It is time for Christmas In July!!!!

For the last several years I have been doing a craft (most of the time) and a recipe daily for Christmas In July, this year I am hoping to do an appetizer and then some other Christmas related ideal.

I thought this was cute and there are so many themed cupcake liners on the market or even solid ones to go with color theme.  Would be cute on end tables and just placed around the room by where people sit,

 

Pictures from Christmas Eve at our house.  Teigan didn't seem to like Santa--don't know if she knew Allens voice and didn't like him dressed up (she doesn't like a hat on him or his glasses), the doll Santa brought her, the bear she is taking out of the sack my mom made from the dress she wore to my wedding (mom in striped shirt), my sister Kim holding her youngest granddaughter Ava 7 months, Aunt Imogene, and the others are niece and nephew and the dark haired girl is my nephews wife and their 2 girls.

More of Christmas morning at our house!

These are pictures from Christmas morning at out house.  We still have some painting to do and trim to put up.  Teigan pushing their cat around on a gift. Ryan my son with hat on, and then her parents Jaymee and Ryan with her.

Our Goody Trays

I think we did about 14 or 15 this year.

Christmas light display

Some pictures were blurry.  The Santa area is beautiful.  Had my flash on with the Santa picture and could never get another one due to people around.