Wednesday, December 23, 2009

More Christmas ponderings


I don't know what is different about this year but I'll be sorry to see the Season go.  I haven't felt this way in years.  I suppose it is because I've been enjoying such a quiet Christmas and my soul is full of beautiful things... books, music, decorations, pondering... that which leaves a richness behind and does not take away.

Circumstances (as you are well aware if you have been reading long) are more difficult this year than in the past.  Helping to organize the garage was my gift to my husband, the party was our present to our son, and I have an I.O.U. out to the New England Contingent.  We're still awaiting a promised annual financial gift from an elderly aunt which will be used to purchase the grandchildren a few gifts.

But it has still been a good Christmas season.  Expectations were replaced with a thankful heart for anything and everything, perhaps that is why it has been full.

Now... to answer a few questions from this past week's posts...


Lallee left a comment that what I thought were red and white dish cloths (in the bowl) were actually pot holders!  They're still going to be annual Christmas decorations.  :)

No, I didn't make the pot holders that are hanging, all three are vintage and aren't they cute?  I had purchased one at an antique mall long ago and a friend of mine gave me two others from her collection.

That adorable shortbread mold was purchased (brand new) at Goodwill  this past year.  I recently saw the exact same mold in the King Arthur flour catalog for around $36.00. 



This is my easy "go to" recipe for peppermint bark.  Just melt one package of white chocolate (I used the CandiQuick white dipping chocolate), pour onto wax paper, sprinkle crushed candy canes over all of it immediately, and press into the chocolate.

When hardened (I put it in the frig to hurry the process) just break into smaller pieces. 

By the way, I recently posted a new (to me) recipe for quick pumpkin muffins on my recipe blog.  I couldn't believe how good they were and all they call for is a package of yellow cake mix, pumpkin, and spices.  Although my sister and I both agreed they would be even better with chopped pecans!

7 comments:

Lallee said...

My season has been slower paced than usual, and that has allowed me to do the things I really want to do, and to contact the people who really need to hear from me. It has made a difference!

What a wonderful party display you had for Christopher. It sounds like the younger ones had a wonderful time in your home.

I love making the peppermint bark too, and eating it of course ;-) I also like chopped dried cherries (or cranberries) and almonds in the white chocolate. I'm going to check out the pumpkin muffin recipe now. I love simple!

Merry Christmas, Brenda. You are such a joy!
XO,
Lallee

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

Merry Christmas Brenda!

What a blessing to give the gift of yourself!

Scrappy quilter said...

I was telling a friend a couple days ago this has been the best Christmas in a long time. I decorated our home Nov. 15th so all the stress was gone. I didn't do any baking (buying it), spent one full day by myself shopping and enjoying the experience and have just relaxed this month. It's been wonderful.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas. Hugs and love!!

Unknown said...

I've been enjoying Christmas more since we started cutting back. I didn't have a lot of energy this year and so paced myself, but seemed to get more done. It feels like Christmas came so fast this year. I can't believe it's almost here, but I'm ready. Linda

Sharon Goemaere said...

What oven temp. for the pumpkin muffins Brenda??? :)I think we have all the ingredients here given by local food bank :)and I would love to make them for breakfast tomorrow or Friday>Thanks for your reply.:)Love and Blessings~Sharon

Marie said...

Brenda, I had hoped that you had done the granny square pot holders. I have looked on line for a pattern but have not found one. I found one done round but not square. Yours are so pretty. We have been blessed with homemade gifts from some friends. I did no shopping. Our son and his wife are flying in from CA late Christmas day. We are not exchanging gifts. Our daughter-in-law wants me to teach her to crochet and we are going to do things to help each other rather than exchange gifts. I have the house all decorated and we have been enjoying that just as you have. My wish is that everyone would get back to the true meaning of Christmas. I wish you a wonderful Christmas and a great New Year.
Love from Marie in NC

Kelly said...

Our Christmas season has also been slower, calmer and more peaceful this year. I, too, have been really enjoying it and will be sad to see it go, and I, too, have not felt that way in years.