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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

A Christmas Tradition Passed Down

When my kids were little we had a Christmas tradition that they just loved. And now my daughter is passing this tradition along to her daughter. Since the kids like it so much, I thought I'd pass it along.

Elf Candy
1. Go to the store and buy a bag of chocolate. It can be any kind of individually wrapped Christmas chocolate, but make sure it is a brand that you don't buy for any other Christmas treat. I usually used Palmer's Christmas balls.

2. Put bag of chocolate in freezer and get it frozen.

3. When the kids are in another room lay a piece of chocolate on the table or counter. Always leave it in the same spot.

4. Ring a bell really loud, then quickly hide the bell.

5. When the kids run out you explain that the elves were here and left them a chocolate treat. It's straight from the North Pole cause it is cold.

It doesn't take but one time ringing that bell and they know what it's for and where the chocolate will be. My daughter also pointed out that if you watch Christmas specials and see the elves with bells on their shoes to point that out to the kids and that is why they hear the bells. I never did that, but it is a good idea. I usually only did this once a day every day until Christmas. It really helps build up the excitement for Christmas (as if they need any help with that) and it is a lot of fun for you and the kids.

It is nice to see Christmas traditions being passed down from generation to generation. Even if it is a silly little thing. It brings excitement and fun.

Merry Christmas
Mae

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Time Change Blues & Icebox Cookies

I don't know why gaining an hour has made me just as tired as when I lost that hour back in the spring, but it has. It seems like I would just wake up at the old time and be ready to go. Maybe it isn't the time change at all, it could just be the season change. This time of year it just seems like a good idea to stay under the cover a little longer. But, the days march on and so must I.

Today was election day so we got up a tad earlier and went into town to a new polling place, cast our votes and were on our way.

I have still been planning for Christmas and doing a little bit of shopping and some crafting. Since we are not going to be home for Thanksgiving, I am going to start taking down the fall decorations and bringing out the Christmas decorations. Last weekend was warm so we did hang the lights on the outside of the house. Just the ones around the top of the house and the roof of the front porch. That way we don't have to worry about it being as cold as it has been in the past when we were hanging them. I plan on doing more decorating this year than have the last few years as both of the grand girls will be here for Christmas.

Here is my recipe for Icebox Cookies. We all really love them.

Icebox Cookies

1 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
3 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla

Soften & cream butter, add sugar and beat until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla mix well. Add dry ingredients that have been sifted together. Mix well, add nuts. Roll into rolls in wax paper & refrigerate. Slice and bake at 315 degrees for 12 minutes.

Enjoy!
Mae