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Let There Be Light: Christmas 2016
I shot this after the first big snow December 4th. Decorations not complete yet. The snow on the trees really caught the area lights.
Ever since I was a child, Christmas lights have cast a magical spell over me. Mood, color, ambiance– combined to create a winter fantasy.
This year Michael and I decided to scale back on the interior decorating and focus primarily on the exterior of the house– since that is what the most people see.
With the unseasonable warm weather we had this year, I was able to work on outdoor projects longer– like repairing and painting stairs and porches, all the way in to November. The trees held their leaves much longer this year, postponing yard clean up as well. So, I didn’t really start decorating until the week after Thanksgiving.
The majority of the decorating took approximately 60 hours over two and a half weeks. I used over 900 feet of garland, 10 artificial trees, 65 bows, thousands of LED lights, 24 egg strobes and 10 laser projectors to complete the effect outside. Every year it’s a little different, depending on time, resources and whatever mood strikes me.
Inside, I didn’t put up any traditional, full-size trees but did decorate 12 ‘stick’ and tabletop trees (3 ft. to 9 ft. tall) along with some mantle and stair garland. In the windows I used 27 LED snowflakes, 28 sets of icicle lights and 36 battery operated candles. I experimented with LED ‘curtain lights’ in 6 windows in place of Christmas trees I’d used in the past.
321 Division St. on a beautiful sunny morning after a good snow.
Garland and bows decorate the fence around 321 Division Street.
The house before dusk.
321 Division Street just before sunset.
Looking across the front yard at our spiral tree with the church in the background.
Trees line both sides of the front driveway.
On the hill behind our house.
One of two light & bead trees I created from scratch.
321 Division from the street.
Christmas at home.
Front porch fully decorated.
The statue of Liberty on the front center porch.
The front parlor at 321 Division St.
In the dining room.
The side of the house.
The lights will be on display through at least New Years’ weekend.
Christmas At Home: Pictures
Merry Christmas Everyone! Here are some pictures of our house decorated for the holidays. 321 Division Street is all lit up. A total of 34 trees lit this year, inside and out.
Our house shot from across the street.
Daytime shot of the front porch.
Our ‘A Christmas Story’ Leg Lamp in the window.
The Front Parlor.
Tree in the Foyer.
Our tree in the front yard with the church in the background.
Front Porch at night.
Dudley looking like the Grinch.
Christmas Snowflakes.
Cash, my old man.
321 Division Street, Christmas 2015.
Belle- Wondering why she couldn’t be Santa.
Dudley and Cash were not amused by the head gear.
The Christmas Day Full Cold Moon. First one since 1977.
Wishing everyone the happiest of holidays and an extra special, peaceful New Year!
Christmas At Home: Finding Christmas
I really haven’t been in the Christmas mood this year. All the evil, hate and violence going on in the world has taken center stage– at least that’s all that is being spewed through the media. It has made me sad, angry and frustrated. What is wrong with people? It has made it really, really hard to find the Christmas spirit.
I’m so sick of Donald Trump… a hypocritical Congress that lies to the American people outright… and an uprising of action, based completely on fear of what might be versus what is. This is a dark moment in our history. Bah humbug!
So this morning I happened to come across the video of Jordan Smith, the recent winner of The Voice, and his version of Mary Did You Know trending in social media.
It’s good. Really good. Just not as good as Donny Osmond’s 1999 version.
I like Donny’s version best, not as much for his technique as for his passion and sincerity. It touches me. I think his rendition is a better fit for the true meaning of the song.
This led me to keep searching through my Christmas music. Actually, aside from the repetitive playlist on the FM station in my car… I haven’t listened to much Christmas music this year. And, I just hadn’t found my Christmas moment.
There’s always a single moment or two that defines Christmas for me each year. It’s usually something quiet and simple… and it’s not usually a moment I share. Mostly, because it’s a feeling, it’s personal– and that’s often just too hard to describe.
Anyway, this search through my playlist brought me to My Grown Up Christmas List one of my favorites of all time. In spite of my fondness for the song, I hadn’t listened to it this year.
So I clicked play on Kelly Clarkson’s version of the song… and there it was. My moment. Unexpected. Simple. Pure. A rush of emotion summing up all that I’d been feeling– melting my anger and frustration and giving way to hope. My Christmas moment.
This song says it all. We claim to be a civilized society. At this time of year, if at no other, I would hope people would search their hearts and find what is truly important.
Peace. Hope. Love. Giving. Sharing.
And perhaps most important of all– living without fear.
Merry Christmas.
Send a Christmas Card & Save the World
Have you mailed your Christmas cards yet? Do you send them out or have you stopped altogether? What if you could actually save the world; or perhaps closer to home- a life — by the simple act of mailing a holiday card? The title of this post may seem a little over dramatic but I stand by the sentiment and I’ll explain why.
No, there is no gimmick or marketing ploy here. I don’t work for a greeting card company and I make this suggestion out of sincere concern for where our society is headed. We are rapidly tossing out traditions in the name of progress and the overused phrase, ‘being more politically correct’. We can say we’re too busy or we’re saving money…. but why not be willing to say you’re too lazy or just don’t care?
I’m not judging anyone here. I realize this just isn’t important to some people. If you choose not to send out cards– for whatever reason; that’s fine by me. BUT– if I can encourage you to just consider participating in this time-old tradition… then it was worth my time.
I just read an opinion piece by someone who is sending out their cards (this year) for the last time. Some of their justifications are: a) not getting enough cards in return, b) thinking the recipient will be disappointed if there isn’t a gift card or cash inside, c) it takes too much effort, and d) it’s easier to just send a message online.
I understand how someone might come to these conclusions but I also think they are shallow assumptions and, well– just plain wrong. I also see some of those excuses as just plain selfishness.
Who doesn’t like receiving Christmas cards? (Unless, it’s because it makes you feel guilty for not mailing them out?) The comments from people attached to the above mentioned story all disagreed with the author’s perceptions and want to receive cards. They like this traditional token of holiday cheer.
So how can a silly thing like sending a card save the world?
Here are a few of my points to consider:
- Communicate, connect, share. Show someone you care. Isolation can be a terrible thing. Your act of thoughtfulness could be the only positive thing someone experiences today. You may be reaching out to someone in desperate need. Someone you know may be feeling completely alone and disenfranchised. You’re card could go a long way to brighten someone’s day.
- So much Conservative emphasis is on the cause of world problems being the fault of the breakdown of the family. One of the ways families stay connected is through holidays and traditions. As society places less value on the family, society starts to fail. Whether it’s a biological family, chosen family or coming together as a community— society needs ways to connect that are positive and unite us– giving us strength. Eliminate traditions… eliminate family and a peaceful society is the next to go.
- Can’t afford to send everyone gifts? Why not a simple, heartfelt note inside a card? This can mean so much more than a gift that will soon be forgotten. A few kind words letting someone know you are thinking of them can go a long way.
- The Christmas card tradition keeps many people in different industries employed. Authors, artists & designers, sales, marketing, transportation… all benefit.
- “It’s easier to say Merry Christmas on Facebook.” Yes, it is easier. It takes no effort at all. I’m not belittling the sentiments– I’m saying it isn’t the same thing. AND– not everyone will see it. If that’s your substitution– it isn’t working.
- “Christmas cards are a waste of money and negatively affect the environment.” Not true. Many cards are made of recycled paper and can be recycled again. The paper industry, by it’s very existence, contributes positively to the environment through replanting and maintaining forests and environmental systems.
- “Christmas cards aren’t PC.” Really? The celebration of Christmas goes far beyond religion. How many people do you believe are really offended by Christmas cards? If this is a concern of yours: How about a generic holiday card? It’s the idea behind the card that counts. It’s letting someone know you are thinking about them.
Sure, a Christmas card can be viewed as a small, meaningless thing. How about parades? Can we get rid of those next? And Fourth of July fireworks? Do we really need to celebrate birthdays anymore? If you take cards, along with many other small, meaningless things away– what are you replacing it with? What do you have left? We are slowly chipping away at many of the elements that have allowed society to connect and to function successfully for many years. Individually, they don’t seem like much but they are a small part of a whole.
It’s all about living and sharing.
Call, write, visit…connect. let someone know you care.
Here’s an idea: I’ll go one better… you can get rid of Christmas cards but throw an annual holiday party for all your family and friends instead. Is there any better way to connect and express your appreciation than in person? Holidays are for sharing. Nothing is better than being there and sharing an experience. Only, you’ll have to make sure they’ll all be able to attend on the date you select.
Of course, you’ll also have to send out invitations…. which is a card…
Beautiful Christmas: What It Means To Me
Christmas Eve Today
It was hot and uncomfortable where we sat, in folding chairs, on a dimly lit stage. We were all turned upstage, facing an old, out-of-tune piano. Our music teacher, Mrs. Blanchard, came in– carrying her usual load of music and instruments. She was followed by the scent of her trademark perfume, Tabu– choking us all, within minutes of her arrival.
She asked one of my classmates to help pass out the freshly mimeographed copies of the Christmas medley she’d put together for us to perform at our Christmas concert, in just a few weeks. Us, sing? In a concert? We were quite a motley crew. While most of us tried to sing, my friend Alex was busy trying to distract everyone. Always the class clown.
Mrs. Blanchard would try to ignore him. Often she’d grab him by the ear or the arm and make him sit on the bench next to her– which usually only made things worse.
She’d give him the evil eye and turn her back to us, facing the piano. Her long, manicured nails would click and clack on the keys of the piano as she would bang out the notes, trying to teach us harmony:
Spinning the dial from station to station,
We hear Christmas songs old,
And some that are new…
Mrs. Blanchard, would stop and look at us, usually grimacing; her painted on eyebrows raised. It was a look that put fear into us. A look, that would sometimes melt into a smile, sending audible sighs of relief around the room. At times, she reminded us of the witch in the Wizard of Oz; but we loved her and wanted to please her.
Somehow, we did managed to put on a Christmas concert that year. I played the drum for The Little Drummer Boy. And it was magical.
This picture says it all. (And I used to be cute.)
One year– I think it was kindergarten, I was a toy soldier. Years later, I played Joseph in the nativity. Christmas concerts, church cantatas and pageants were a big part of my growing up.
I can still remember believing in Santa and the anticipation of gifts on Christmas morning. I remember my sister and I sneaking into my parents’ closet— trying to steal a peak at our hidden gifts.
But, what I remember most about Christmas— was the lights. I still have vivid memories of seeing the amazing Christmas lights and giant Christmas cards that surrounded the Indiana War Memorial Plaza, in the heart of Indianapolis, with my parents.
I remember riding in the car, either coming home from Christmas shopping or visiting relatives– trying to look out the window and see all the Christmas lights along the way.
I remember pulling out boxes of old Christmas decorations with my Dad and spending hours— trying to untangle lights and replace burned out bulbs.
As a child, snow and Christmas lights were magic to me.
So there should be little wonder as to why I decorate as much as I do today.
Christmas is magical.
It’s the one time of year that it’s okay for us all to be kids again.
My wonderful Grandma.
Every Christmas I feel especially close to my Grandmother, who passed away when I was a senior in college. She taught me so many things without really intending to, I imagine. She brought out a lot of my creativity through the many hours we spent baking and crafting together when I was young. My grandparents weren’t rich— but the Christmases we shared with them were always magical.
My parents were always careful to balance all the different aspects of the holidays, careful to keep the emphasis on the real reason for the season. We didn’t have a lot growing up– but we had everything.
To me, more than anything, Christmas is a feeling. Sometimes I feel it in my heart and sometimes in my gut. Sometimes it’s magical and sometimes it’s bittersweet. It’s a time to look ahead– and a time of remembrance.
My sister and I re-enacting the Nativity.
Christmas is a time of wonder and awe– that the birth of an innocent child so many centuries ago, could ignite generation after generation with promise– and lead the world on a journey towards the eternal search for light and truth. The miracle of birth and rebirth.
Christmas is the time for us all to take a step back and view the world through the eyes and heart of a child. The eyes of innocence. The heart that can still believe. Where a world can still be guided by love and peace. A world where there is still hope. A world full of magic. A world where dreams and miracle can come true.
Christmas really is for children.
May this Christmas reawaken the child in all of us.
Beautiful Christmas: 321 Division Street – A Peek Inside
As promised, here are a few Christmas pictures inside our house. We’re currently celebrating the house’s 125th Anniversary.
I finally finished my Department 56 Christmas in the City village yesterday even though it was the first thing I started back in November. There are approximately 80 houses and 200 accessories.
I tried to include a variety of pictures featuring some of our 12 indoor trees.
A view of the basement man cave.
A corner of our kitchen.
The Foyer from the front door.
The Department 56, Christmas in the City village.
Looking up at the Foyer Christmas Tree.
The Foyer Christmas tree from the second floor.
The dining room, originally the second or family parlor.
The front parlor.
The front parlor during the day.
Front Parlor- Night view.
Smaller Foyer tree by the front door.
Mercury Glass Ornaments in the front Parlor.
Cherubs on the Foyer tree.
Mantle decor.
Beautiful Christmas: 321 Division Street – A Look Outside
The front gate at 321 Division Street, December 2014.
It’s the 125th Christmas here at 321 Division Street and no snow… yet. With Christmas only a few days away, I wanted to post some pictures to help you get in the holiday spirit.
Here’s what the house looks like on the outside, tomorrow I’ll share some pictures from the inside.
Just before sunset.
Front entrance before sunset.
321 Division Street, from the front corner.
Christmas at 321 Division Street.
Wreath above the main entrance.
Garland and red bow drape the wrought iron fence surrounding the house.
Colorful star in the side yard.
The porte cochere from the back.
Trees in the yard from the front porch.
A view of the house from across the street.
Color changing lollipops line the front walk.
Trumpeting Angel.
Window view.
Large LED snowflake in the dining room window.
Glimpse inside from the porch.
Front porch from the side.
Savory Sweets for the Season
My first day of holiday baking. I wanted to share my new versions of a couple of favorites. Both are super easy to make.
Cranberry-Cashew Shortbread Cookies
Cranberry-Cashew Shortbread Cookies
Makes about 2 dozen medium-sized cookies.
Here’s a recipe I adapted that is quite easy and decadent. It has a rich, refined taste that isn’t overly sweet. It makes a perfect dough for cookie cutters too.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut parchment paper to fit two large cookie sheets.
Ingredients
2 cups flour, sifted
2 sticks salted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
1/4 cup finely chopped cashews
Using a mixer, cream together the butter and sugar, then add vanilla. Add the sifted flour a little at a time until completely blended. Last, add the finely chopped cranberries and cashews. Remove from mixer and form into a ball and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. This helps to firm the dough for rolling and cutting into shapes.
Note: It’s important that your dried cranberries and cashews are chopped up fine so that the pieces don’t hinder your ability to cut cookies into shapes.
Take the chilled dough and place on a large sheet of parchment paper and flatten a bit with the palm of your hand. Place another sheet of parchment on top on the dough and roll out until about a quarter-inch thick.
Note: Using parchment paper is an easy mess-free alternative to rolling on a lightly floured surface. It also keeps the cookie dough from becoming too dry.
Use a flour-coated cookie cutter to cut shapes, placing them on the prepared cookie sheet. After first shapes are cut, re-form the excess dough in a ball, flatten, roll and cut more shapes, repeat until dough is used up.
Note: You can also make the dough ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator until about 30 minutes before you’re ready to shape and bake.
Bake about ten minutes. Or only until the edges show slight signs of browning.
Let cool and enjoy!
Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Makes approximately 100 cluster pieces.
This recipe is a variation of the crock pot candy recipe that has been circulating. It’s really easy to make and highly addictive! The perfect treat for all those chocolate-peanut butter fanatics.
Set up your crock pot and set on low heat. Roll out parchment paper on your counter or on cookie sheets.
Ingredients
2 pounds white almond bark or Vanilla CandiQuik
1 package of milk chocolate chips (approx. 12 ounces)
1 package of semisweet chocolate chips (approx. 12 ounces)
32 ounces of dry roasted peanuts
1 package of peanut butter chips (like Reeses’ Baking Chips) added last
Dump all the ingredients except the peanut butter chips into the crock pot and let cook (melt) for about an hour without stirring. After an hour, stir briefly, to combine– every 10-15 minutes for about another hour. Turn off the crock pot and just before you are ready to spoon out the clusters, add the bag of peanut butter chips and stir just enough to combine without completely melting the peanut butter chips. Don’t over stir at this point.
Drop spoonfuls on to the parchment, smaller or larger depending on the size you prefer. Let cool completely (to prevent sticking) before storing in a closed container.
Ten Christmas Mysteries Unsolved
The origins of most Christmas traditions can be easily researched on the computer. Some are quite interesting and the variations of traditions in different countries and cultures are fascinating as well.
But what about those confusing lyrics of Christmas songs?
Have you ever listened to a song and wondered, exactly what they were thinking?
Here are ten questions that came up as I was listening over the past week.
- Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree…. Seriously? Does anyone do this? I don’t even own a rocker. Am I missing out?
- Can someone tell my why Julie Andrews ate a big bowls of prunes (instead of a spoonful of sugar) before recording Silent Night? Was all that puckering really necessary? AND– with all those verses–exactly how silent could it really have been?
- Why was only one whore soaping the sleigh? Wouldn’t it have gotten done faster if they all pitched in? Is this like a sleigh (car) wash or something? Is it a euphemism? And how did she jingle bells with a sponge and a hose in her hands? Jingle pasties?
- What if Santa Claus doesn’t get your letter? AND- you were good… really good. Does that give you an excuse to turn bad?
- Was the guy that wrote The First Noel, kind of like the Sheldon of the 18th century? (knocking– “Noel, Noel, Noel Noel…Noel, Noel Noel…”) And how was he so sure there weren’t other Noel’s he just hadn’t met?
- Why wasn’t Susie Snowflake arrested for stalking? Obviously, she was a white girl. #blacklivesmatter Too soon? Why did she tap on the window instead of sending a text?
- Did anyone ever think that just maybe Santa was feeding Rudolph GMO feed and that’s why his nose glowed?
- Exactly how much Rum-pum-pum-pum did Bing Crosby and David Bowie consume when recording The Little Drummer Boy?
- Does Adeste Fideles have the same side effects as Cialis?
- After the 12 Days of Christmas— Did My True Love ask for half back in the divorce settlement?
And finally… a comment:
Let It Go is NOT a Christmas song! So, please– Let. It. Go.
Now you know why I don’t do comedy.
Christmas Gift Idea: Things Every House Should Have
Holiday gift buying gets more and more difficult each year. I HATE gift cards. Even though some people may love getting them– they just seem so impersonal. I don’t like to spend a lot on potentially unwanted tchotchkes either.
What is the point of exchanging gift cards? I give you a $20 gift card and you give me one back. Okay. What was accomplished? Why not just pass the $20 bill back and forth and call it a day? Giving a gift card to someone is not the same as exchanging gift cards. Understand?
Gift cards or E-certificates are great to send to people miles away; or a last minute gift. I’m just not a fan of them when their are other alternatives.
So what do you get the person that is impossible to buy for?
While I was decorating this weekend, it struck me– how many little things I kept needing that you normally might not think about. It’s great if you already have them and extremely annoying if you don’t.
That gave me the idea for a perfect, inexpensive Christmas gift that everyone can use: Things That Every House Should Have. This is a gift you could put together for any occasion! It’s a gift that will last throughout the year.
Now this isn’t an emergency kit (which could also be a possible gift solution) and it’s also not a crafter’s kit (another good one). How about a collection of simple items that everyone needs and you could use everyday?
If you make up several of these gifts, you can buy multi-packs of items and break them up.
Here are some suggestions you might want to include:
- Transparent tape ( I prefer invisible archive- safe tape)
- Electrical tape (available in many colors)
- Wire (I like Ook 18mm gauge- there’s a wire cutter on the package!)
- Twist ties
- Scissors
- Utility knife,
- Pen
- Pencil
- Sharpie or permanent marker
- Small screwdriver
- Thumb tacks and/or nails
- Plastic cable ties (come in many colors)
- Safety pins,
- Sponge (I like Scotch Brite)
- Microfiber cloth
- Thick rubber bands…
You might also add:
- Batteries (AA are the most common and I’d recommend including four, if any)
- Hammer
- Spool of ribbon or string
- Duct or masking tape (both do leave a residue)
- Chalk
- Felt pads (for the bottoms of furniture or bottoms of deco items that can scratch surfaces)
- Velcro
- Needle and thread
- Goof Off: Heavy Duty Spot Remover and Degreaser (can clean most anything)
- Dawn Dish-Washing Liquid (best eco-safe, grease remover)
- Wet Wipes
- Lens wipes (good for any glass, computer & phone screen, etc.)
- Aspirin… the list could go on and on.
I don’t recommend those little picture hanging kits– they are usually cheaply made and hard to work with; nails are too tiny and bend, usually not enough wire to be useful.
I’m also not a fan of those adhesive “easy release” hooks and hangers. I’ve tried them and they don’t usually hold the claimed weight (if they stick at all), can be affected by temperature, and do often leave marks.
Use your imagination.
Whether you fill a stocking, a gift bag, a box or a tool kit– this is a gift that: shows some thought, gives you some room for a little creativity; and is something that everyone can use for months to come.
You might want to include a poem or a “thinking of you every day”- type note to personalize it.
This little kit could also make a great birthday, anniversary, graduation, open house, or friendship gift.
AND — you can always add that gift card. If you really must.
Happy Gifting!
How Do You Measure 525600 Minutes? 