What's on your Christmas Menu?
Since 1900, there have been only four occasions when the first night of Hanukkah began on Christmas Day: 1910, 1921, 1959, and 2005 with this year being the fifth such occurrence.
Last year, at Wreaths Across America!
Although I couldn't make it this time, my husband is there right now. It's pouring rain, so he's all decked out in his rain gear from head to toe! I remember one year when we had a few snow sprinkles, and it was a blast. I really hope he can take a photo of my parents’ grave and his dad’s grave with the wreaths on them.
Yesterday, as the rain poured down, I decided to venture into Home Goods for a little stroll. Wow! The aisles were packed, with people squeezed in everywhere. Normally, I love to shop when the doors first open, but we had quite a downpour in the morning so when it let up, I sprinted out, joining the crowds. The store had many gift ideas—if you didn't mind standing in the long lines to pay - seriously, it was eye candy overload!
My impromptu visit to Home Goods sparked the desire to bring out some of my cherished Christmas treasures! I crafted these adorable felt stockings when my boys were little, and I can’t wait to bring them out! Plus, last year I created a cute stocking holder using a simple 2x4 and some glued-on pegs. It was so easy.
I went to the garage to get some containers, but I realized it wasn’t safe to use the ladder without anyone there to help me in case I fell. So, I decided to wait until my husband got home.
I know you all know, but it is frustrating to think there was a time I could have done this on my own. I mean I could - but it is wiser to at least have someone here in case I fell.
My Rag Santa has been a cherished part of our Christmas for over 40 years. Its whimsical charm has made it a beloved decoration, evoking memories of family and friends.
I'll be excited to see some of my keepsakes again...
Foodie and Navy crafted these delightful Paper Mache Santa Boots when they were in the First Grade. These charming boots are made from sturdy brown grocery bags, stuffed with newspaper to form adorable boot shapes, all brought to life with vibrant paper mache and then painted - fur around the top and you've got a boot! For the past 35 years, I’ve proudly displayed this festive duo atop my china cabinet, and they never fail to bring a smile to my face!
And each Christmas when my grown sons, come into the house, they always look for them -
Well, that's all from me on this chilly, rainy day! I'm feeling inspired to bake something—just not sure what yet. I’ll whip up whatever I can find in my pantry!
Till next time -
Debby
You MADE those stockings? They are gorgeous!!! And prime rib looks awesome.
ReplyDeleteJust made out of felt - used an old coloring book as a template for the decorations.
DeleteThat sounds like a delicious plan for Christmas dinner! Prime rib is always a festive choice, and it's great that you're treating everyone to something special. The $12.99 per pound deal is definitely a smart splurge for a memorable holiday meal!
ReplyDeleteIt will be a big surprise for my family.
DeleteI have always loved the boots that your sons fashioned. What a wonderful keepsake. It is also wonderful that you get to celebrate two holidays at the same time this year.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Yeah it will be a big evening
DeleteWe're not even having a big meal on Christmas.
ReplyDeleteJust buffet type of food. It will only be us and David and Liz.
That sounds good to me - I always prefer buffet type meals but this is a surprise. My husband knows but my sons do not. They’re expecting something simple or the usually like ham. It was such a good deal. My gift to them.
DeletePrime Rib sounds so good. Would you believe that I have never cooked one before? I don't even know how to buy or to cook it. May need your recipe for cooking one. Christmas will be here before we know it. Such adorable felt stockings and the boot reminds me of some ornaments that I had a long time ago. We have had rain here today as well. Rainy days always make me feel cold so I have had a sweater on all day. You did the right thing by not climbing the ladder with no one else at home. So tempting I know, but one little slip of the foot, and you could be hurt. As of right now, my family will be having finger foods for Christmas even and Fajita's for Christmas day lunch.
ReplyDeleteI’d believe it because this will be my first time, too. I got a pep talk from a friend who said it’s easy - the only hard part is making sure it is a perfect medium rare. If not, it’s still good. You put it in a 500 degree oven for 20-30 minutes then a 300 degree oven to slowly roast. Every year I want to do it and every year I chicken out mainly because of the expense. Oh and you allow one pound per person. So mine is 6 lbs. About $70. It’s their Christmas treat!$$
DeleteI've wanted to cook a prime rib roast, but like you, I keep chickening out. The price for one thing, and what if I mess it up? We are having lasagna this year again, but if the price comes down a bit on the prime rib I might be tempted to try it. We do love ribeye steaks, but our son usually grills them for us. But again, the price hasn't been right lately. I will watch and see and maybe try it. Let us know how yours goes. I love the felt stockings...I remember making those when I was a child, but the glue kind of looked yucky after a lot of years. I love those bag boots your boys made. I'm amazed you've been able to keep them so nice all these years! You must have a special box for them. And yes, you are wise to wait for someone to be there when you climb a ladder. It's just not worth the risk of falling to try it alone. I've learned that my sense of balance isn't what it used to be, and I get off balance so easily when climbing. So not a good idea. Your potato latkes look so good too. I can smell them cooking now. Can you share that recipe sometime? Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOnce the glue dried, I sewed the stockings. However, I noticed that some of the rickrack was coming loose since I had only glued them. Before putting them away, I will re-glue all the decorations. Overall, I'd say they lasted a long time.
DeleteI will share the recipe soon.
Your prime rib has my mouth watering, Shug!
ReplyDeleteI love your rag Santa; and yes, I've more than a little apprehension about climbing on a ladder these days. Hard to believe I'm the same person who used to scramble up trees and even that rope hanging from the gymnasium ceiling. Old bones don't bounce, lol!
You got it; old bones don't bounce! I've suffered two falls that resulted in orthopedic surgeries. I'm fully recovered now, but I'm very wary of falling again.
DeleteYour Christmas meal sounds really good. We went to Home Goods and Marshalls today and it was wall to wall folks...long lines etc. ANYWAYS, thanks for the smiles.
ReplyDeleteAnd those long lines and wall to walk folks will only get worse. I won’t be going anywhere near these places till after January. I’m done.
DeleteYour menu sounds so good! We haven't planned ours yet so I need to get on with it.
ReplyDeleteWe have the kids coming Christmas Eve and my sister and BIL on Christmas.
I love the stockings. I made some like that for my kids when they were young too but I don't know what happened to them.
I remember the paper mache boots from last year. They are keepsakes!
Thanks to your husband for helping with the wreaths. I'm so glad they do that.
PS - I have a friend who does Prime Rib every year using the recipe you told Shug about. She says it's so easy and so good!
That’s good to hear. Everything I’m reading says it is very easy -
DeleteI had to finally make the decision whether I wanted to do simple or do prime rib, which I have always wanted to do for Christmas. This week I will get what I need and be done with it.
Sounds like a delicious Christmas meal and a beautiful Hanukkah tradition! I love how you’re making the most of both holidays. 😊 You're invited to read my blog posts too—hope you enjoy them!
ReplyDeleteI’ve been reading your blog - I have it on my reader! Thanks Melody.
Deletethe rag Santa is adorable. mother made those loom potholders and every one we knew had many of them, she love to make them and make them, then she stopped because she started to crochet them and Kleenex box covers, TP covers, purses. you name it and she crocheted it.. I make nothing, no looms, no crochet, no sewing no cooking or baking.. Male in female clothing. ha ha.. just like my maternal grandmother. I am a pea from her pod...
ReplyDelete😆. I actually like those loom potholders!
DeleteUMMM, Prime Rib is so yummy. My Mom and Dad used to do that for Christmas Day dinner . Not so expensive those many years ago and there were only us 3 at the table. I always thought it was so special.
ReplyDeleteLove your keepsakes too. the boots are darling and the rag Santa adorable. Love the memories they evoke.
I had to go to Walmart yesterday and oh boy, it was crazy in the store and the parking lot was jammed to overflowing. Fortunately I found everything I needed and got out of there relatively unharmed..haha... I do think I am done shopping and will only have to return for some fresh food items.
It sure was foggy when I got up this morning..true Tully Fog in the Sac. Valley.
Sue
Up here, we seldom encounter the dense valley fog that you all frequently face. I remember one chilling drive over the grapevine when the fog descended like a thick, ghostly shroud. I could barely see a foot in front of me, and when the big rig trucks started pulling over to the side, I followed their lead. For two long hours, I sat there in my vehicle, engulfed by the foggy mist that swallowed everything around me. I was alone. I'm used to Pacifica fog - not that Tule fog.
DeleteThose Santa boots your boys made are priceless, Debby, and I love the rag Santa - I've never seen anything like it. Knowing that Hanukkah begins on Christmas after sundown makes it even more special for you, too. Celebrate it all and enjoy that prime rib!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to it
DeleteEveryone is at my moms house Christmas Eve. We do gifts then. Christmas dinner is a smaller group with some of my family going to the other halfs family. Jim and my dad both passed in December three days apart 3 years ago I said I did not want to do the regular Christmas dinner we usually do. (Ham, potatoes etc.) I suggested we do tacos and Christmas movies instead. This went over well with everyone and we now have that as our annual Christmas dinner.
ReplyDeleteWe usually do Christmas Eve, but that tradition is disappearing unless it falls on everyone's weekend. Traditions are sometimes needed to be changed after death. When my son died, we all elected to change a few things.
DeleteWishing you and your family a most blessed Christmas and Hanukkah, and a wonderful New Year filled with all you desire.
ReplyDeleteI love your Santa.
God bless you all.
Aww, thanks, Victor. I hope you have a joyous and blessed Christmas.
DeleteI believe we are doing prime rib when Adam, Gabby, James and their dogs come over next Sunday. I don't believe I've ever had a Latke. That salad looks delicious. The wreaths across America looks lovely. I understand about the ladder. Sadly things do change and we have to be more careful. Hope you have a lovely week. Take care.
ReplyDeleteYum. I'm very excited for this dinner.
DeleteI am planning to do a backed lunch on Christmas Day as it will just be me and Tim, no idea what my brother is doing for the siblings Sunday 22 and Kathy said Michael is doing ribs when we go there on Boxing Day
ReplyDeleteOn Christmas Eve, it will just be my husband and me. We'll attend a candlelight service at our church and then go to a diner. I love visiting small diners during Christmas; it’s always so much fun meeting new people.
DeleteHi Debby, we enjoyed Prime Rib last Christmas, it was the first time we ever made it. :-)
ReplyDeleteWe plan to do a taco bar this Christmas.
I LOVED all the homemade decorations.
Carla
Taco Bar sounds good!
DeleteI just went to Home Goods, and I loved browsing around. It wasn't crowded at all, cause I got there when they first opened. The stockings you made are creative. And I remember the paper mache boots your sons made in grade school. They're delightful. It's heartwarming that they look around for them when they come over. I enjoyed seeing some of your Christmas decor, Debby.
ReplyDelete~Sheri