1700 Posts By Christmas 2011

[CandyKane]

Noel- It sounds like you had a wonderful day. Spending time with family is always great, but it's extra special at Christmas time.

[CandyKane]

I spent a great day with family and friends and even got in a little Christmas shopping.

[CandyKane]

The 1954 movie “White Christmas” which starred Bing Crosby was the first film to be created in Vista Vision. Vista Vision is a deep focus process.

[CandyKane]

Of the 2000 Christmas trees planted in one acre, an average of only 1000-1500 will survive. The life of Christmas tree can be very harsh. Almost all the trees require regular pruning to keep shape and they need to reach 6-7 feet. This can take up to 10 years of fighting harsh weather and drought.

[CandyKane]

Many people use Christmas Club savings accounts to make sure the money is there for christmas. This kind of account came around in approximately 1905.

[kiwidogy_max]

I hope Santa is getting plenty of rest for next weekend.
I am very much looking forward to the family time together.

[Jolly O'Leary]

Just had a marvelous 4th Advent/midwinter dinner of roast beef, yorkshire pudding, veggies, and salad. We bought an apple pie too, but I am thinking we will save that for new year.

Next year I am thinking of having american thanksgiving on swedish thanksgiving day and starting prep time in November. We are never ready for 1st Advent. I found out that Jul i November (christmas in November) is a regular feature on Scandinavian Cartoon Network, they even have a facebook page for it.

Also, below is a link for making your own christmas crackers. Anders said his mother used to make them for them as kids. I think that would be fun to do next year for each other, or in a group of friends. I do not care if the "snap" or not. Swedes open presents on Christmas eve and as it is just the two of us, I miss having something to "open" on Christmas day. Christmas crackers might just fill the bill!

http://rubberstamping.about.com/od/proj ... ackers.htm

[Noel+]

Noel- It sounds like you had a wonderful day. Spending time with family is always great, but it's extra special at Christmas time.

Yes, CK, I so agree! Today was a beautiful Christmas church service! Tonight we have a free concert!

[Noel+]

Time to start the Christmas baking this afternoon. I decided to skip the fruit cake this year but am making one of Jodie's Christmas puddings! Cookies and pies are scheduled after work later this week. Christmas is so close now!

[Noel+]

Today it is nice and cloudy, in the 60's and that's great Christmastime weather in Arizona! I sure miss Indiana snow.........and cold.........but am grateful for a cooler day. Last year it was in the high 80's.

[kiwidogy_max]

I am very much looking forward to the 3 day work week at school! Then all of next week off! Playtime!!!

[kiwidogy_max]

Thank you for the homemade Christmas Cracker link! My sister-in-law is from England and she introduced us to that tradition. That reminds me...I have to pick some up! We have some very funny videos of us playing Christmas carols from whistles we received in our Christmas Crackers!!!!

[kiwidogy_max]

My girlfriend commented today that we definitely have to watch Home Alone sometime this week before Christmas. I like her thinking.

[kiwidogy_max]

National Lampoons Christmas Vacation is also in order this week when we meet and exchange gifts with friends.

[Jolly O'Leary]

Thank you for the homemade Christmas Cracker link! My sister-in-law is from England and she introduced us to that tradition. That reminds me...I have to pick some up! We have some very funny videos of us playing Christmas carols from whistles we received in our Christmas Crackers!!!!

You are welcome! It is something I have only seen on tv and I am looking forward to them. I did not know that Swedes also had the tradition until Anders told me about his mother´s homemade ones. It might be a post war thing. We saw some at the church bazaar (sp) but I did not recognize them. Next year we will look a bit closer and arrive earlier. I never saw them while I was in the US. In Sweden, you open eveything on Christmas eve and hubby´s family had the tradition of saving one gift until New Year´s, but it still felt "empty" on Christmas morning. I think this is just the thing.

I saw kits onine that contain the snaps if you want to make your own, but to me that is not so important.

Enjoy!

[Jolly O'Leary]

Light snow in Stockholm this morning on the way to work. Unfortunately, it is supposed to be gone by Christmas. Looking forward to a short work week, followed by our christmas lunch cruise on Thursday.

The Lebanese Pizza restaurant is having a lebanese christmas buffet tuesday evening. That is my late night at work so it will be nice to just get off the bus and step across the seat to dinner. They had one my first christmas in Sweden, but not since. I am looking forward to it. :-)

[Noel+]

Its an early rise Monday-before work morning. Just wanted to stop by and say Merry Christmas! to all my CAY friends. Wishing each of you a bright & cherry day preparing for Christmas Sunday.

[Noel+]

Oh, my DH tells me there are no new Christmas movies/specials slated for tonight on tv. Time for dvds!

[kiwidogy_max]

Noel, I will be enjoying some Christmas FVD's as well tonight...along with some eggnog with a bit of rum and nutmeg.

[kiwidogy_max]

In all of the excitement, don't forget the reason for the season. I love you Jesus!!