Hello December!

Hello December!

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4...

It's time again for Tuesday 4 hosted by Anne from Cottage by the sea. Published each week in memory of Toni Taddeo, it's original author.We keep Toni Taddeo's original idea alive here with 4 questions each week to get you blogging, visiting and  learning about yourself and other bloggers.   The more people join in, the merrier and the better it gets. We are always looking for topics, subjects and ideas so feel free to chime in if you have idea.

Hopefully everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving and you may be looking forward to Chanukah and Christmas both of which are December 25th.  Chanukah is the day the temple, which had been desecrated was rededicated and the huge light within was restored to earth!  That light represented the presence of God on earth with man.  Also winter begins in just a couple of weeks....

1,Do you have plans for the coming holidays? Our plans are pretty much what they always are for holidays. Christmas eve is at our house for clam chowder. Christmas morning is back at our house for cinnamon rolls, then we open gifts and then head down to my inlaws house for the main meal and more gifts. 

We don't really do anything for NYE. We used to, but haven't in quite a few years. Sometimes I stay up by myself and watch the ball drop but I really haven't been impressed with the shows the last few years. 

My birthday is the 9th, but my hubby has a work leadership trip and my oldest will be gone to Texas and I work so it will probably be a quiet evening at home. We are however celebrating somewhat the following week by going to the beach for a few nights. 

2.What foods do you look forward too during these upcoming holidays? Clam chowder for sure. It's so good. I also love making caramel corn and cinnamon rolls. I haven't decided if I'll make any other cookies this year...it just seems like there's not enough time. I also look forward to my MIL's Whoopie Pies. 

3.Are there traditions for the holidays that you look forward to each year?  I love driving around and looking at Christmas lights. I love baking, though this year I don't know how much I'll do. I started a tradition several years ago of getting my daughters an ornament each year and now I also get one for the grandkids, along with Christmas jammies.  Also, how do you spend the days ahead of the holidays.. shopping? Cooking? Listening to Music> Hallmark movies? Do tell!!! It kind of depends on the year. Yes, shopping, sometimes baking, definitely listening to music, and I love watching Christmas movies.

4. What advice can you give for making the holidays memorable and bright? Don't hold on to traditions for the sake of traditions if they don't fit your family, current situation, etc. My mom always made oyster stew on Christmas eve, however, neither my hubby or I are huge fans so I didn't carry on that tradition. Also keep it simple and keep the pressure off of everyone. If you have married kids don't expect them to make it to everyone's houses...you may have to share. Do what you need to do. If baking just seems too stressful this year, don't do it. If money is tight, get creative with gifts. Try to incorporate something personal..last year I wrote a simple affirmation for each person, sharing what we loved about them. 

With Joy Unquenchable,

Kirstin