Day 357 - Give the gift of life

Christmas is a time of giving and we all have our different ways of giving. Yes, the most obvious may be gifts for loved ones but gifts can come in all shapes and sizes and can be given to people we don't even know. At school we have a food drive to help create Christmas hampers for those less fortunate than us. Some people donate money to various organizations. Well, today, I was reminded of another important gift and that is blood, the gift of life. I was at the neighbourhood mall getting a couple of last minute items and saw that there was a blood drive set up. I haven't donated since this summer and know that blood banks are often low at this time of year. I was surprised to find out that today was my 25th donation. The pin is pictured above (not the best picture but I was focused on the message.). When I got home I told Peg and she and her brother decided to go up to the mall and give as well. Many lives can be saved with just one pint of blood so if you can, take a moment and head to the nearest blood bank. I'm sure they'll be happy to see you and you can spend Christmas knowing you have given one of the best gifts ever to a stranger (or strangers) and his/her family.

Day 356 Peanuts Christmas

A little reminder that Christmas is about being with friends and family not having a fancy tree and lots of presents. I guess Linus was right when he answered Charlie Brown's question, "Doesn't anyone know what Christmas is about?" Here's his answer:

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them,

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:8-14

Day 353 -You Know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Dexter?

As we were going through the Christmas decorations I found these antlers. We bought two pair for the dogs last year but didn't manage to get any pictures with them on. They were both slightly more cooperative this year. I managed to get a few inside but outside was a no go. Dexter doesn't look too impressed here and shortly after I snapped this picture he decided the photo session was over. Maybe I'll try some more during the holidays. I'd love to get some good ones to use as Christmas cards.

Day 351 - Family Traditions

Continued to work on the Christmas decorating this evening. One of the decorations we put up each year are Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus latch-hook projects. These were done by my mother almost 30 years ago. She had a stroke and couldn't knit as well as she used to so she decided to take up latch-hooking. My mom passed away 25 years ago at this time of the year. I am grateful to have these as part of our family tradition. Thanks Mom.

Day 349 - Rudolph it's not

Today we made little candy cane reindeer for our PreK buddies. They're very easy and inexpensive to make and the little guys love getting edible gifts. We also made some Christmas cards. We'll give them to our buddies next Tuesday.
Students are also working on gifts of writing. They are to write a poem, letter or recipe for someone and present it to him/her for Christmas. It's a nice idea I got from Nancie Atwell's Lessons that Change Writers.

Day 345 - Christmas Cookies

Well, Christmas is officially close. I know this because we bought our tree today AND we did the Christmas baking. Peg and I (well, I assisted) made nuts and bolts, gingersnaps, chocolate almond bark, butter tarts, shortbread cookies and the festive cherry pecan cookies pictured above. A busy and productive day with delicious results. I've included the recipe for the cherry pecan cookies (also called candied fruit slices) below in case you'd like to try making some. I warn you, they are definitely NOT low calorie. Enjoy!

Candied Fruit Slices (Cherry Pecan Cookies)
Cream 1 cup of butter. Add 1 cup sifted icing sugar, creaming well.
Blend in 1 egg and 1 tsp of vanilla.
Add 2 1/4 cups of flour (sifted).
Stir in 1/2 to 3/4 cup of cut pecans and 2 cups of cut green and red cherries.
Chill for one hour.
Divide dough in thirds. Shape each third into 12 inch rolls.
Chill for at least 3 hours.
Cut into evenly thin slices.
Bake on ungreased cookie sheet (Trust me. You don't need to grease it.) and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until edges are delicately brown. (approximately 13 - 15 minutes)