In A Couple Of Days, Halloween Will All Be Over....
By Darkwing
@Darkwing (21583)
October 30, 2007 11:03pm CST
... and we'll all be planning for our Christmas Festivities, coupled with Thanksgiving if you're in the U.S.A.
I'm about to bake my Christmas Cake, so that it has a little time to mature before I marzipan and ice it. I always make my own Christmas Cakes, and love doing it. I don't like peel in my fruit cakes but plenty of Glace Cherries and Nuts!!! lol.
I'll also be making a few special Christmas Cards for the family and close friends and neighbours. I enjoy craft working as well.:) I've made lots of decorations, some for the tree, some free-standing, and occasionally, I've made my own Christmas Crackers.
Gifts will have to be purchased and wrapped in time to put under the tree, which I normally put up a week before, after the ceiling decorations. All my holiday food is on order, so that's one more thing out of the way. Then hopefully, I will be finished for Christmas Eve, when I will be cooking something special for the family, after which I will unwind with a couple of drinks with friends at the local pub.
On Christmas day, my Mum and immediate family will be joining me at my son's home for the day. We have dinner first, and then hand around and open our gifts. By teatime, we're not really in the mood for much eating, but it will be there on the table! lol. We visit my son every other year, and on th odd years, my daughter-in-law's family visit them.
I primarily celebrate Yule, as I'm pagan but I join in Christmas because my family aren't... they're mainly Christian. I'm quite looking forward to it this year. How will you prepare for and spend your Christmas?
6 people like this
12 responses
@hoghoney (3747)
• United States
31 Oct 07
Well today being Halloween, Happy Boo to you. My boyfriend says that when his girls are here this weekend that he is going to start putting out christmas stuff and lights outside but I told him that I dont want the inside tree up til after Thanksgiving is over and that putting it up now is just to long to have to look at it for me. LOL
Happy Holidays to you and your family
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
31 Oct 07
No, I can understand that with Thanksgiving so close to Christmas, you wouldn't want to merge the two. I love my Christmas Tree but I only put it up the weekend before. I used to wait until Christmas Eve but in these days of rushing and tearing about, that doesn't happen any more. There's something magickal about putting it up on Christmas Eve, and other members of the family helping you. :)
Brightest Blessings and a Happy BOO to you to! ha ha ha.
1 person likes this
@gradyslady (4054)
• United States
31 Oct 07
I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping, I start early so I am prepared before Christmas gets here.
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@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
31 Oct 07
Well my Decorations will be going up the first Weekend in December and as you know I will be going to see the Kids for Christmas
So really I do not have to prepare a lot
I think we are going out for Dinner this year but I am not to sure
I will be leaving here the Morning of Christmas Eve and I will either return on the 31st or the 2nd of January I am not to sure yet
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
31 Oct 07
we will start putting up decorations on the outside this week end as we always start the first of Nov.
I dont bake so none of that and this year not sure what to do about christmas dinner as Son will still be in Iraq and it is a job to go get daughter in law then take her back home but we just might have to do that.
and then again she might want to cook this year lol.
as she is from Panama we get a lot of rice dishes from her altho I wouldnt think rice as a country dish for her.
and we will open presents that day will be very few just for the kids this year.
hugs
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@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
31 Oct 07
hubby and I started years ago for we would decorate where ever we lived then do it again when we went to Tenn for the winter now we are in one place we buy something new every year to go in out town or on the out side and yup will have to do that when he gets home!
@Darkwing (21583)
•
31 Oct 07
I guess you start your holiday period early out there anyway, my friend, what with Thanksgiving and everything. That's a time I have always wanted to spend in America... just once! :) When I went to Oregon, I was out for Halloween but came back on 4th November, so I missed it all. :(
Sweetie, I don't think it matters what the gifts are, or even if you give them, as long as the children's beliefs are kept alive and you enjoy time together as a family unit, that's what counts. When my Mum and Dad were short of money, they used to make things, or buy second-hand and do them up... there were four of us! I still enjoyed receiving a newly painted bike, or doll's pram, and the doll's house my grandad made. It's the love you put into giving the little ones a good Christmas that counts... not the expense. :)
It's sad that your son will be in Iraq, but hey... you'll have to have another Christmas celebration when he comes home... even if it's mid-summer! lol. That would be the most warming thing you could do for him.
Brightest Blessings, love and hugs. xx
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
31 Oct 07
Are you saying you make fruit cake? I love the much mis-aligned fruit cake.
Ihave no idea what I am doing for the holidays..I put in to for a transfer at work a few weeks ago..if I get it. I wil have holidays..If I don't get it..i work on the holidays.
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@Darkwing (21583)
•
31 Oct 07
Yes, I make rich fruit cake, with lots of sherry and brandy in it, and an abundance of fruit and nuts.:)
I make cakes semi-professionally, so I love doing it. I make all sorts of celebration cakes including wedding cakes, so it takes no time at all really, these days. I've put a picture in for you to see.
I hope you get your transfer at work so that you're able to have the holidays off. I would hate to have to work over Christmas.:(
Brightest Blessings and good luck with your transfer.
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@Darkwing (21583)
•
31 Oct 07
I'm told it is, lol. I get my orders by word of mouth, and I haven't done too badly out of it. That was all thanks to my sister because she had four kids and kept asking me to make them birthday cakes. From there, I became really interested in it, and started making them to order.
I wonder how they would travel between the U.K. and the States? lol.
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
31 Oct 07
That cake is beautiful...if your fruit cake is 1/2 has good as your wedding cakes look..I want one or more.
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@kayrod2 (1304)
• Australia
2 Nov 07
Hi Darkwing. By now, Halloween is over for another year. Each year seems to go faster, even though i know it doesnt. Only a few weeks to christmas. I have started my shopping, but a bit later than usual. I try and pick up things throughout the year, so it isnt as much at the last moment. Over here we have chrisco and castle, which you can buy hampers and pay off during the year. I usually get lots of food ones, but this year i havent, only got a couple but got some gift ones, so i have those being delivered in a couple of weeks. I make my own cake and puddings, and some for my mum. This year we are going down to mum and dads place, which is about 4 hours away. Will go down christmas eve. Will have lunch there. It is also my eldest daughter's 21st birthday. Probably go to my nephews place for a while in the afternoon, then come home on boxing day. Cant go down for long due to the shop. My hubby is going to take the kids to queensland in january and visit his mum and brothers, but i will be working.Will have to get stuck into the chrissy cards soon and also the cake.
Best wishes to you and take care
@Darkwing (21583)
•
5 Nov 07
Hi Kay! Sorry I've been so long coming back to you... busy busy... I'm sure you know how that sounds!!! lol. I haven't even started my Christmas shopping yet. I do most of it online anyway... hate trudging round the shops, although it is kind of cheery being amongst other people, whether you know them or not! :)
Your daughter's 21st is on Christmas Day? WOW!!! That should be some celebration, my friend! I have Yule to come first on the 21st, then I like to wind down a little and relax coming up to Christmas Day... yup, I celebrate both, mainly for the family's sake, as they don't all have the same beliefs as me. I just celebrate for different reasons... the Sun is growing in strength again from 21st on, and the days are getting longer... new growth is stirring underground ready to poke their heads up, in Spring, and we regard it as a time of growth. It's similar in a way, because the Sun God is borne of the Goddess on 21st December... thus it all ties up. I collect stamps from my milkman for meat and food hampers, sweets, etc., but my gifts are a different entity. You sound well organised, anyway!!!
All in all, it would seem you enjoy your Christmas and have it all sorted... the kids should love it too, as well as your Mum and Dad. I hope your Dad is going from strength to strength and am sure he will really enjoy this year's celebrations more than any previously. Congrats to your daughter for her 21st!
Brightest Blessings, love and hugs. x
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@Darkwing (21583)
•
6 Nov 07
No, I haven't heard of that bead product, but I'm sure you'll be able to replace it with something else, should they be recalled.
That's such good news about your Dad. I'm so glad he's getting back to normal, because I know how much he missed doing the things he used to be able to do. I hope the op goes well... I'm sure it will because as you say, keyhole surgery isn't nearly as uncomfortable as the norm.
Brightest Blessings, love and hugs, my dear friend. xx
@kayrod2 (1304)
• Australia
6 Nov 07
I sure do know about busy. I am run off my feet at the moment. It will definately be a celebration with my daughter's 21st. I did a bit more chrissy shopping today, havent got much more now. But when i came home, was reading the news on the computer and found that a toy thing i got has been banned. Have you ever heard of Bindeez? they are a bead thing that uses water to stick together. Well it contains something toxic. So i have to ring the store tomorrow, to find out whats going on. They are on lay-by so hopefully they can take them out of it. Its a shame though.
Thanks for asking about dad. He is going well. Last week he came up to visit which was good. But next week he has to go back into hospital to have his other shoulder operated on, but hopefully they might be able to do key hole surgery on this one as it isnt as bad.
Best wishes darkwing, and take care
@deeeky (3667)
• Edinburgh, Scotland
1 Nov 07
Must be great for you at xmas time having the family around you in the festivities. Its a time when families can get together and discuss all the happenings that have gone on through the year.
Have a good xmas from Deeeky.
@Darkwing (21583)
•
1 Nov 07
It is good for all of us to get together, Deeeky, but unfortunately, there's always somebody who's absent. My brother, for instance, who rarely makes Christmas. The last time I saw him was a year and a half ago, and his family... the last time I went to North Yorkshire, which was just over two years ago. However, it's great to see everybody else, and we always afford a phone call or two, to the absent members.
I think rather than discuss happenings from the previous year, the focus is more on the young ones, who seem to grow so much during the year in which you haven't seen them. My niece's and my nephews' kids are growing up so quickly, as are my grandchildren, and I feel we miss so much. They start school and grow up before we know where we are, but that's life, I suppose. It is, as you say, an opportunity to see them and gift them, and catch up on their achievements.
Thank you for your wishes, which are returned threefold to you, my dear friend. x
@raijin (10345)
• Philippines
31 Oct 07
Christmas here in the Philippines is a good time to celebrate a family get-together, as most would like to see this as a yearly reunion!;)
Pastas, rice noodles and roast pork called "lechon" are the most foods served, as for westerners they serve turkey and bake cakes!;)
I'll be spending Christmas the usual, give gifts and share blessing with others. I am also looking forward for my godchildren, since it's only once a year that they'd be receiving gifts to me as well.
@Darkwing (21583)
•
31 Oct 07
Oh yum, they look so delicious... I think I might change my Christmas lunch habits! I love all those spicy foods and pork is my favourite meat, suckling being really tender and tasty. You're making me hungry but thank you so much for posting the picture and making the vision more clear.
Brightest Blessings.
1 person likes this
@PurpleTeddyBear (6685)
• Canada
31 Oct 07
Hi Hun!
Sounds like your going to be quite busy until Christmas rolls around. I love to bake so I'm sure I will bake some Christmas goodies to take with me to my friends mom in law's house. I won't be decorating the house as we won't be here for Christmas this year. My friends mom in law lives in a small town about an hour and a half away. We will leave on the 23rd and come back either the 26 or 27th not sure yet. My friend, her hubby, and her 2 kids are also going so it should be a ton of fun! My family lives far away and I miss them the most at Christmas, but it will be nice to visit with my friend, her family, and her hubbys mom.
Love & Hugzz, PurpleTeddyBear.
@Darkwing (21583)
•
31 Oct 07
Awwwwww, yes, it's a shame you can't be with your family at Christmas time... it IS the time when you miss them the most. Last year, my little sister hired a church hall, and the whole family went there for the day. We had Christmas Dinner, which was self service, and the desserts were brought round on a trolley by my two sisters. It was great fun, and my Mum, at 81 years of age, was really happy to have all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren there with her. We put all our gifts under the huge tree in the hall and they were handed out by the kids after dinner. Then we played games and had a whole heap of fun.
Sorry... I'm being selfish here, hogging the response! lol. I'm sure you will have a lovely time with your friend's family and it will be nice to get away for the break, I would think. Go enjoy it my friend.
Brightest Blessings. x
2 people like this
@PurpleTeddyBear (6685)
• Canada
1 Nov 07
I definitely will enjoy it hun! Sounds like your Christmas at the hall was awesome! I'd love to get the family together and do something like that!
Luv & Hugzz, PurpleTeddyBear.
@jla45772 (67)
• United States
31 Oct 07
Sounds like you have alot of work ahead of you..lol Its always good to get an headstart so when the time comes you can have one less thing to do. For Christmas I make tons of candy and give as presents to my family. Its lots of time and hard work. Its Usually Me and my Family and My parents.
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@Darkwing (21583)
•
31 Oct 07
Yes, making candy can be quite a fiddly job. My Mum likes marzipan fruits and marzipan-stuffed dates, which I used to do every year but time doesn't really allow now, what with all the other stuff. Christmas seems to be upon you before you know where you are, and I also have to have a day out for my Yule celebrations, lol.
It's nice to get together with your close family, isn't it? I don't think you can beat the warm, homely feeling and the happy mood of everybody.
Brightest Blessings.
1 person likes this
@blueunicorn (2401)
• United States
31 Oct 07
Is it really time to start thinking about Christmas already? I guess it is since I have started my shopping, but it just doesn't seem like it should be that time yet.
This year we will be spending the day with my mom and dad. We will probably go over there about mid-morning and spend the day. It is a tradition in my family that we have ham in the crock-pot and sandwhich fixings on Christmas day so that no one has to spend time cooking. Our big feast may come on New Year's instead. We will spend the day taking the kids to the park, playing board games, watching movies or whatever else pops into our heads. I don't do a lot of decorating as I can't stand the clean up at the end of the season, and I can't stand clutter so my house has very little decoration to begin with. We will, of course, listen to Christmas carols- probably starting on Thanksgiving.
@Darkwing (21583)
•
31 Oct 07
There's nothing wrong with avoiding the "big cook" on Christmas Day. In fact, that's a relatively modern thing because in the olden days, they used to feast on Christmas Eve of their turkey and all the usual bits and pieces related to Christmas. I've been talking with my family about reverting to just that practice because it IS a very tough and tiring job for my daughter-in-law when the kids have had her out of bed at four in the morning!
It would be really nice to feast on the Eve, and open just one, special gift, leaving the rest until the following day, wouldn't it? I like your ideas... they sound to me to be a very simple chain of events, but events which bring the family together and which have more meaning than all the razz-a-ma-tazz. I think I'm living out of my time!!! ha ha ha.
Brightest Blessings.
1 person likes this
@blueunicorn (2401)
• United States
31 Oct 07
I think that is exactly why it became tradition for my family not to have a big dinner on Christmas day. My parents were trying to enjoy the day and not be too overly exhausted themselves!
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