Just a Little Note

Is there someone who has had a positive influence in your life? Someone who invested time in helping you be who you are today.

In the spirit of the season, why not write them a note of thanks and tell them how much they mean to you?

I popped a card in the mail today to a special person who has encouraged me.

Wassail

Welcome guests with a festive mug of steaming hot cider. Traditional wassail was made from mulled ale, and served to toast a person's good health.

5 Cups Apple cider
1 c. fresh Orange juice
1/2 teas. ground Nutmeg
1/4 teas. ground Cloves
1/4 teas. Cinnamon
1 Cinnamon stick

Simmer 30 minutes, remove cinnamon stick, & serve.

Winter Fun & Games

Each January, we get together with family and friends that we weren't able to see during the holidays. If there's someone you missed on your list, invite them over for "Game Night."

We have a blast playing Scrabble, Taboo, Dominoes, and Rummikub. What's your favorite game?

Ask each person to bring a plate
of delectable, finger foods, and
let the party begin.

"God has two dwellings; one in heaven, and the other in a meek and thankful heart."
-- Izaak Walton

Tales Told

Whether you gather with friends or family this season, ask each person present to share a favorite holiday memory. This is sure to entertain your guests, providing smiles and laughter.

Christmastime

Don't have time to bake, but you want the scent of fresh gingerbread wafting throughout your home. Keep a batch of this simmering on the stove to add that spicy aroma.

4 Cups Water
1/2 teas. Cardamom seed
3 Cinnamon sticks
3 Bay leaves
2 tab. Whole Cloves
3 Lemon slices
2-3 Oranges slices

* Add more water as needed

Tis the Season for Stress Relief

Enjoy a brisk walk in the fresh air - even if this is from your parked car to the Mall.

Leave 15 minutes early for appointments.

Drive the speed limit.

Eat a protein-rich breakfast.

Carry a healthy snack, a bottle of water, and something FUN to read, in your car.

Shop with a list and stay within your budget.

If you have a number of people to buy for, break your shopping into two or three pleasant trips. (This helps me. I shop for 7 grandchildren, as well as their parents, a son, my husband and my mother.)

Give yourself permission to not do every activity - Instead, choose the two or three that are most important to you. Then thoroughly enjoy yourself.

Treat yourself. When I shop for gifts, I start early in the morning and take a break at noon for lunch and a movie. Then I'm ready to brave the stores for another couple of hours.

Don't forget to LAUGH!

Thank you dear reader for taking time to stop by. May you have a fresh encounter with Jesus, and experience the peace only He can give. I pray you have a blessed Christmas and joy-filled New Year.