I have always enjoyed the Christmas Season, but as I get older and less able to prepare for it, it has been less enjoyable. So, I am wondering, what gets you into the Christmas Spirit? I realized this morning that Christmas music has a lot to do with mine. I love it, and hearing it in commercials, etc. is making me feel like Christmas. That and the lovely snow we had this week. What is your starting point?
Teresa, is it too early for Santa happy faces?
Wilma, I also love the Christmas music. And, the Christmas message. Since our activities mostly revolve around our Church, we look forward to this time of special music, special programs, and the sprit of togetherness as we come together with our different groups to celebrate the birth of Christ. Christmas is a "sentimental" time for me, also. Remembering the days, when our children were all home, and we all had so much fun, going out and cutting down our Christmas tree, decorating the tree, Christmas programs at Church and School, caroling, etc., etc.! What a good life we have had, and continue to have!
I have to get past Thanksgiving first. The giving thanks part always leads me into who we are giving thanks for at Christmas, as well as all the usual reasons. Just my take on it.
I LOVE this time of year!! Thanksgiving is special, since I was born on that day! Love the family dinners and this year will be helping Mom at the church on Thanksgiving Day serve a dinner for anyone that wants to come. We'll have family Thanksgiving on Sunday with everyone that's able to get here.
Hanging of the Greens at Church is the time I really get in the Christmas spirit. There's just something about everyone working together to decorate that gets me fired up. We play Christmas music and eat (of course). The young kids have their tree in the fellowship area that the decorate and there's a tree in the sanctuary with crismons, wreaths and swags with lights and white withgold trim bows, poinsettias for the alter. It's beautiful when everything is done!
I like to decorate inside my house but don't do much on the outside. Ladders and I are not friendly. I've been getting out my snowmen and some other stuff that can stay out all winter.
I LOVE CHRISTMAS !!!!!
I love everything about it, the reason for the season and the season itself. I enjoy decorating, the baking, the family gatherings, the music,
hopefully the ground will be white, but just enough to enjoy, not too much that people must not be with their loved ones.
Thanksgiving is a blessed holiday, but I took my Daddy to the hospital on Thanksgiving day, and didn't get to bring him home alive, so the holiday is not a favorite of mine.
My birthday is the day after Christmas, so I have crammed all of my Yipppeees into Christmas time!
My Christmas hasn't been quite the same since 2003 for the same reason. Daddy collapsed here Christmas morning and died at the hospital January 9th. It's never been quite the same since, but good none the less. He wouldn't have wanted us to have that bad memory, but it's there anyway. Al's birthday is Nov. 25, so sometimes he catches Thanksgiving too. Rhonda, happy birthday early!
I'll get into the Christmas spirit when I finish my birthday, which is Dec. 24. And this year, I'm fully expecting a Jo McDonald chocolate pie with real meringue and itty bitty dark chocolate shavings tossed on the top.
THEN I will experience a real Elk County Christmas!
::) ::) :P :P :'( :'( ;D ;D
Hello? Hello?
Dang it, this thing's not working.
:'(
I usually get into the Christmas spirit the weekend after Thanksgiving. I usually decorate my house that weekend and that really gets me into the spirit. I put my Christmas decor up, as well as the snowflake decor that stays up until the grass greens up in the spring.
I'm kind of in the Christmas Spirit all year long. I buy gifts throughout the year and save some of them for Christmas.
As far as decorating - I really like to wait until after Thanksgiving, don't like the rushing of the seasons. However . . . I was in El Dorado Tuesday and some of the stores are already decorated. The windows displays were absolutely beautiful. I'm ready to enjoy the season.
This is my favorite time of year, it's cooling off outside, deer season is about to open, and the wife is always baking. We usually wait until the wkend after Thanksgiving to put up our tree. In the afternoon the wife and kids will make Christmas cookies while I dig out the decorations from the garage (during that time it is a good thing the kids are in the house, my language tends to be a little non-Christmas). Then in the evening, we put on some Christmas music (I like the older stuff, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Sinatra) and I set up the tree then eat myself stupid on cookies while the wife and kids decorate it. This year I get to cheat a little, we bought a tree with the lights already in it. We decorate the inside of the house up until Christmas eve, and the wife is baking something all the time.
I forgot to mention that while in the garage digging out decorations I also dig out my "holiday pants", they're the ones that are a size to big until march. I realized last year that as I get older the decrease in pant size is pushed back to a later date. Regrettably, this year I think that I will have to buy new "holiday pants". Of course the best thing about this time of year is that my wife is always cooking something. I had actually thought of dieting this year, but as I came home today to the smell of pot roast and apple pie I thought to myself, "she must like me this way" so instead of making her feel bad I have no choice but to eat copious amounts fresh baked pie, cookies, and homemade candy. Oh well, I guess we all have to make sacrifices for the ones we love. That is what the season is about, afterall. Well, that and food.
I am with all of you. It is the music and family and traditions. Many years ago, my wife and I attended a Neil Diamond concert. It was a Christmas concert in which he sang his hits and also some Christmas music. We later bought the CD and around Thanksgiving we start playing the music. Neil's album is always first. We attended a Christmas party one time and the hostess was playing some instrumental music in the background. I was impressed and asked who the group was. It was Mannheim Steamroller and we bought all of their Christmas albums. Other favorites include Barbra Streisand and Johnny Mathis. As our daughter and her husband now have a house, I imagine that our celebrations during the holiday season will be there instead of here. Our son and his wife will still be traveling the world and can't be here which is a bummer, but they will be home soon after the New Year. Just wanting to be with our family, especially our granddaughters is reason enough to be in the spirit.
Larryj
Quote from: Varmit on November 18, 2009, 11:01:44 PM
This is my favorite time of year, it's cooling off outside, deer season is about to open, and the wife is always baking. We usually wait until the wkend after Thanksgiving to put up our tree. In the afternoon the wife and kids will make christmas cookies while I dig out the decorations from the garage (during that time it is a good thing the kids are in the house, my language tends to be a little non-christmas). Then in the evening, we put on some christmas music (I like the older stuff, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Sinatra) and I set up the tree then eat myself stupid on cookies while the wife and kids decorate it. This year I get to cheat a little, we bought a tree with the lights already in it. We decorate the inside of the house up until christmas eve, and the wife is baking something all the time.
I forgot to mention that while in the garage digging out decorations I also dig out my "holiday pants", they're the ones that are a size to big until march. I realized last year that as I get older the decrease in pant size is pushed back to a later date. Regetably, this year I think that I will have to buy new "holiday pants". Of course the best thing about this time of year is that my wife is always cooking something. I had actually thought of dieting this year, but as I came home today to the smell of pot roast and apple pie I thought to myself, "she must like me this way" so instead of making her feel bad I have no choice but to eat copious amounts fresh baked pie, cookies, and homemade candy. Oh well, I guess we all have to make sacrifices for the ones we love. That is what the season is about, afterall. Well, that and food.
Awwee....that's so sweet. And I guarantee, your wife loves you just the way you are!! ;)
I have to admit I'm having trouble getting into the spirit this year. The days got really short, really fast it seems. Usually what gets me in the mood is Christmas music and seeing Christmas stuff in the stores...........I just ignore it until after Halloween. LOL I enjoy how busy Wichita gets around the holidays and seeing all the people with all their packages. And the house there in Howard, across the way from the courthouse with a wreath on every fence post and their porch posts wrapped....that was really cool to see.
I have been stalling --- waiting for many more posts to take me faaaaarrr away from Rudy's post, but heck - I may as well get ready to do his wishful bidding -- he IS NOT going to give it a rest. sighhhhhhhhh
If I bake it, will you pick it up???
( no, I'm not going to bake it NOW -- I will wait until closer to YOUR day )
lol
I don't think about Christmas until AFTER Thanksgiving. It seems retailers have forgotten the day that THEY as well as their customers are the pause and give thanks to our Savior, and THEN comes Christmas. I'll decorate inside and out (altho have cut down on the outside) and wait for family and friends to come enjoy the day together. Many of my inside decorations have special memories that go with them. With so many dinners to attend, I no longer fix a large Christmas dinner. We have a couple kinds of soup, lots of dips for veggies, chips, etc., a couple homemade cheese balls w/crakers, some desserts, condiments, etc., the over abundant homemade candies and goodies, paper plates and bowls, and everyone eats what they want to when they want to and we women get to enjoy visiting also. No large lavish gifts at my house. Everyone has something under the tree and everyone is happy with what they receive. It is a day to be together, enjoy, and reflect. I have plenty of "sad" moments, but don't dwell on them. I will not do anything that will spoil the day for my children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. They are my Christmas. May everyone have a blessed HOLIDAY SEASON.
Oh, Yeah, Christmas Music. I have a favorite record album by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir that I love. It is the traditional carols sung like you can't believe. But sadly, I have not gotten any speakers for my record player yet, so I won't get to hear them again this year. I thought surely someone would be out in their garage, basement, attic, and find some speakers that go with the old stereo that don't work anymore, but :-\ :'( . . .
Quote from: flo on November 19, 2009, 10:35:43 AM
Oh, Yeah, Christmas Music. I have a favorite record album by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir that I love. It is the traditional carols sung like you can't believe. But sadly, I have not gotten any speakers for my record player yet, so I won't get to hear them again this year. I thought surely someone would be out in their garage, basement, attic, and find some speakers that go with the old stereo that don't work anymore, but :-\ :'( . . .
Oh I love the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I have some of their music. My favourite Christmas song is "Carol Of The Bells" and they really do an awesome job on it.
I'm bringin the speakers Thanksgiving Ma....if you ain't home I'll leave em for ya. I swear I won't forget em this time :P
The smell of cedar, Christmas music, Christmas Vacation and It's a Wonderful Life, chili, a pot of water with cinnamon,cloves and orange peels settin on the wood stove, thinkin about all the kids and grandkids comin, that's what gets me in the mood for Christmas. Oh and Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer...watched it every year since I can remember.....it's a tradition lol
I know this is evil, but on Thanksgiving we try to watch Chevy Chase's "Christmas Vacation". Just rolls me on the floor every time I see it.
We watch that every year also sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sometimes more than once. That is the funniest movie ever!!
Oh yes, I forgot about the most important part of Christmas season... watching THE GRINCH! Both versions (cartoon and Jim Carrey).
My kids get me in the Christmas spirit. I also wait until after Thanksgiving to do any decorating, cause I do it at the house and at the daycare and usually by Christmas it don't look as good. But kids just love the decorations and usually can't keep their hands off of them. But back to the post, yes my kids have been asking and asking how long it is until Christmas already!! I keep tellling them that its a month after Thanksgiving. Doesn't work, they still ask the next day!! LOL!!
Jo, are you kidding?
Would a modest, quiet, selfless guy like me beg for a pie then not be willing to come and get it?
Of course! Yes! And if you have hot coffee, I'll stay for a while and sing the first three verses to the Hallelujah Chorus for you.
OK, OK, I'll knock off the singing. But your pie will make me WANT to sing hallelujah.
Jo, I think he is almost begging. Amazing what food will make a man do.
QuoteOf course! Yes! And if you have hot coffee, I'll stay for a while and sing the first three verses to the Hallelujah Chorus for you
So, is there going to be a Rudy Party and a Rudy Concert??
;) :D ;)
Tell us when and we'll be sure to be there! :)
Oh my Gosh ---- Bake a pie and then have a "celebrity" sing to the baker?? How much better can it get
NOW --- back to the original question ???... Yep, I am as serious as a heart attack. Tell me when you will be here to claim your pie, and I will have it ready and waiting. And Yes...we can have hot coffee too. Now I guess that means I make two pies, one for eating and one for taking.
You've got a deal -- let me know the date!!!
I love the Rudolph, Frosty and Little Drummer boy cartoons. The family got me the videos a few years ago and I like to play them in the background while I'm cooking family dinners ~ which also puts me in a good mood.
Jo, I don't care so much for chocolate pie (I'm sure it's good, but I'm a fruit pie kind of gal)... but I'd really love to hear that Rudy concert. HA! Maybe he should make it to the Christmas tree lighting on December 5th and join the Cantata folks. Christmas carols help put me in the Christmas spirit too :D
Well, I'm serious, too, Jo. I've never had an opportunity to really visit with you in person, other than meeting you at the Elk River Festival.
So, we'll get our dates together as the holidays grow closer. I'm serious as a heart attack about loving chocolate pie with real meringue. Few cooks really know how to do it.
Maybe I could bring Kathy, too?
That would be fun ... and we'd love just visiting with you guys.
It even would be OK if Teresa crashes the party. She's one of my favorite people. We agree SO much on politics!! LOL (I think I scare that poor girl to death with my thinking.)
Well, if this isn't something --- I just finished watching MY Jayhawks win the game, and came in here to post a note to you, Rudy, and request that you bring your Kathy with you to the "singing pie get together" (lol) and you had one-upped me. Yes BY ALL MEANS Kathy is expected to accompany you to our home.
Sounds good -- we will set the date later. I have no idea how old you will be, but I sure know how old I will be, so maybe we can have a guessing game and the winner gets the pie, and the loser gets to cry....how about that? We'll ask Ask Teresa and Kjell too.
Hope you all do get together and have a good time.
Didn't at one time the host and hostess suggest that we start meeting annually
in Howard?
I know everyone is terribly busy right now. I would be in favor of having a get-together for those who can come.
Just a thought. ( Maybe in the spring when we haven't a lot to do)
When I have to be in Howard, I look for those who I know live there.........but, except seeing Jo once and maybe Teresa at Cookson's...did not know for sure if they were who I thought they were. (was shy enough, not to ask)
Maybe we can meet at the Pizza Place or even the back room of the bar?????I am joking.
Think about it.
On Rudy's birthday he will become the age I am now.
Diane --- how do we stop this train?
Turn the hands back on the clock, somebody! Please!
WHAT ?? stop the train?? And miss the coffee and pie?? What is going on here?
What train? I don't see a train? Do You see a train?
Well---- guess it was a scare tactic.................
I'm gonna' go back in the house and eat pie and drink coffee....... See ya'~~~~~~~~
Rudy, don't stop to worry about how to stop the train, or it will run you over! Just keep running full steam forward and enjoying all the pie and coffee you can handle, and don't look back!
:-* :-* :-*
I am about ready to put the last of the beef into the dehydrator for jerky. I have trimmed out 25.65 # of lean beef and sliced and marinaded it for jerky. That really doesn't come out to a lot of jerky, but each one of the kids and grandkids get a sack of Grandma's jerky in their Christmas stocking each year. My 10-year old Grandson tells me "It makes his day" to get the jerky. It is a lot of work, but well worth the effort since they all look forward to it.
Myrna
Now, it's time to start making goodies for Thanksgiving, as our son from East Texas and his family will be here for the weekend. We are really looking forward to seeing them!
Now, I'm in the Holiday Spirit!!!!!
That first batch of peaut brittle.
This got me into the Christmas spirit! Figured we better wear the outfit before Christmas!
Now that is adorable, is what that is! :-*
Josie has grown, hasn't she! :-*
Ohhhhhhhhh isn't she just "Christmas-E precious" ?
Thanks for sharing with all of us.
Hopefully I will get into the Christmas spirit the day after Thanksgiving when Kjell and I go to the casino, ;D
Then I have informed him that on Saturday we are going to decorate for Christmas all day long .. inside and out.. and get it done and out of our hair.. or I mean.. ahhhh ~~~get it done so we can enjoy it for the remaining of the month.. Yeah.. thats what I really meant.. ::)
Hope it is half way warm so my fingers don't freeze as I'm testing the reindeer's lights and dragging extension cords..
It seems like a good place to put this--------
From my local paper--------by Frank Girardot, senior editor of the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper Group.
GPS CAN'T FIND REAL MEANING OF HOLIDAY
A new sport has been added to the Thanksgiving lineup this year -- shopping.
Loads of big box retailers like Wal-Mart, Kmart and Toys "R" Us will open their doors today to bargain hunters hoping to get an even earlier jump on Christmas shopping.
What's the rush?
Do folks really need to stand in line outside Wal-Mart on Thursday to by a cheap GPS unit that tells them they are standing in a line outside Best Buy on Friday?
Low prices do more than make cheap Blu-Ray boxes available to the masses who haven't worn out their DVD players yet. They cheapen the holiday.
I don't know about you, but it sickens me to think that the greed-heads of corporate America have already turned Christmas into a secular celebration of nothing. What is it that drives us to buy things that will be broken, forgotten or obsolete by next year?
Certainly, there's nothing that matches the joy on the face of a child opening gifts on Christmas morning.
But, on the other hand, there's something poisonous about the pressure most folks feel this time of year. It's that unconscious urge that screams out, "Buy something -- anything -- to get into the spirit of the season."
And for what?
Is there anything worse than waiting in line while the person ahead of you fumbles with his credit card before deciding to write a check?
Or, even worse, standing behind the fat guy who suddenly starts spewing out a spray of swine flu germs, because for some reason, it is more important to get that George Foreman grill for a $1 less in November than to wait until the virus has passed?
And what's to say those swine flu germs -- and a host of others -- aren't all over the shopping carts and half-priced merchandise that's been handled by hundreds of other mystery shoppers?
In my opinion what makes the holidays special has nothing to do with fighting over parking spaces, or worrying about the gangbanger you just cut off in the parking lot, or whether or not some jerk is going to break into your car and steal that new 32-inch, high-def TV to feed his dope habit.
The special part, the part that makes Thanksgiving and Christmas magical, are those things that can't be bought at a midnight price blowout, or on Black Friday and Cyber Monday for that matter.
It's what I believe we are all really seeking -- and that $170 Garmin GPS from Kmart won't be any help in finding it.
It's family. It's food cooked at home and not bought over a crackly speaker at a drive-through window. It's about loving each other and caring about the plight of those less fortunate than us.
Happy Thanksgiving!
_________________________
Larryj
You said it all, Larry. My Christmas spirit does not depend on how much I spend or give or receive. I do enjoy the Christmas decorations, but not on store shelves with price tags. I love driving around and seeing all the pretties, but I don't put up any of my own anymore. To look at my home a person would think that Scrooge lives here, but the outside appearance isn't what counts. I sure do want to see Teresa's, though. I think that probably her spirit could carry this whole town through the season.
Home made Eggnog and Jack Daniel's Black usually gets me in the Christmas Spirit!
yeah, Warph, adding the eggnog brings on the Christmas spirit. Any other time the Jack Daniels just brings on the spirit/s ;D
Larryj