Holidays
Cookie Exchange
Christmas is a time to eat. And what better way to celebrate the season of endless goodies than by hosting a cookie exchange– my first ever.
For some sad reason I did not take one single picture of this wonderful event, but rest assured I had a good time.
It was quite the cookie feast! Each gal who attended brought 2 dozen freshly baked cookies that were absolutely delectable. Chocolate, chocolate mint, lemon, raspberry, caramel and chocolate… What a spread! We sampled some there and took some home for later. I compiled the recipes into one collection that you can see here, if you’re looking for some tasty cookie ideas.
To make sure we had more to eat than just sugar, I served veggies and hummus, mini quiches (from Costco), herbed goat cheese and crackers, wassail, hot chocolate (that turned into pudding because I forgot to turn the crockpot to low!), and the recipe find of the year: Cranberry-Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip and crackers. Please trust me, you must try this. I know this post is about cookies, but no one should go without trying this dip!
I wanted to have something for the many young children that would accompany their mamas to this event, so I put a table outside with flat gingerbread cookie houses, like this one, that they could decorate with cream cheese frosting (made by my friend, Rebecca, at the last minute as I was scrounging to finish setting up before the party started) and tons of candies. I’m pretty sure that most of the kids just licked the frosting and candies off the cookie, but I think they walked away satisfied.
My goal was to spread Christmas cheer and gorge on eat as many tasty cookies as possible. Mission accomplished, as far as I’m concerned. I loved spending time with friends as we munched on all the fine food the party had to offer.
I think I’ve found a new Christmas tradition.
Christmas Hand Rolls
I’ll admit, this post is a little bit of a tease. Every year we make these special candies for Christmas. Some to give as gifts and some to eat. And every year people ask us for the recipe to which we always answer, “Sorry, it’s a family secret.”
I will tell you this: those are peanuts you see coating that dark chocolate, so if you have a nut allergy we won’t leave them on your doorstep. And the soft candy center has a light fruit flavor, sometimes lemon, sometimes raspberry, and maybe next year orange. But that’s all the hinting you’re going to get.
These treats come from Colin’s dad’s side of the family. “Hand Rolls” are kind of a misnomer, but the process required to make them is somewhat intense. Colin and I have been making them together for the last 4 years and it’s become something I look forward to every Christmas season. It’s really his baby, though. I’m just the eager assistant. Each year we perfect the system even more. This year I’d even call it streamlined.
To those of you who have received these goodies and have tried to crack the recipe, feel free to keep guessing. But we stick to our vow of candy secrecy. Our lips are sealed.
Choosing the Christmas Tree
It was getting dark by the time we made it to Lane Farms to pick out our Christmas tree. But that didn’t stop Warren and Maddie from hopping up on the old tractor. Or from visiting some of the animals in the stable. The farm owners went all out and had a manger with some hay as a reminder of the purpose of this season. It’s not just to buy evergreen trees, believe it or not.
We decided to err on the cheaper side this year and passed over some beautiful Noble Firs for the more cost effective Douglass Fir. The nice guy working the tree area picked up our selection and tied it to our car before we were even done saying goodbye to the pot belly pig.
Our tree decorations are fairly simple. White lights and many memorable ornaments we’ve been given over the years. But it always makes us smile to look at it. Especially at night when it’s all lit up. I love staring at the twinkling lights while I sip something warm and the Christmas music fills our home. Such a peaceful break from the hubbub of the season.
The Eggnog to Beat All Eggnogs
We came upon this treat completely by accident.
On our most recent overnight temple trip we realized we didn’t bring any milk. We made a quick pit stop at Bristol Farms grocery store on Westwood Boulevard and I walked in to buy a half gallon that was sure to be $6.
Glancing at the dairy shelf, I noticed eggnog (a Christmas weakness of ours) in a variety of brands. But the one that caught my eye was in a glass bottle. It just had to be good. I called Colin, who was sitting with the kids in the car, and asked if he agreed that it was worth the extra cash to try this new brand or if we should just stick to the Knudsens that we already liked just fine.
His sensibility almost won out. But when I got to the checkout and saw one more small refrigerator full of the pretty bottles, I couldn’t pass it by again. It must have been fate. Just to be sure, I asked the cashier what he thought of the Broguiere’s Dairy brand. He hadn’t personally tried it (not a nog drinker), but he said it always sold out every Christmas season. Just then another cashier chimed in and then another to emphatically tell me that this is the best eggnog around. Sold.
Fresh, creamy, and so, so rich, it’s hard to go back to what we once called good.
You have me Broguiere’s. You have me. I’m yours completely come December 1st. Or late November. But who’s counting? Coupled with Trader Joe’s Triple Ginger Snaps, you’re the finest of the season.
Who knew that poor planning could lead to such joy?
Visiting Old St. Nick
The big kids were excited to see Santa this year. We didn’t wait in line to chat with him at the Christmas Walk, so we made a date to visit him at the outdoor shopping mall, Paseo Nuevo. The setup is nice there because you don’t have to pay to see him and it’s generally not crowded.
Normally, we would stay for the Christmas Parade, but Colin and I wimped out thinking about how much effort it would take to contain Maddie and keep the babies from getting too cold. Instead we took them shopping for their Christmas outfits at Old Navy. Aren’t we fun parents?
But we did also treat them to dinner at Chipotle. We dined outside and watched all the people getting ready for the parade. It was almost as exciting.
Back to the Santa visit… When we arrived there was only one other family attempting to meet Santa. But the little girl, probably no older than two, that was sitting on Santa’s lap was not having it. At all. She was screaming and screaming. Maddie, who previously was bouncing off the walls to see him, shrank back with reservation.
Warren, seasoned Santa visitor and a boy with an agenda, stepped right up to Jolly Old Saint Nick. Really, this Santa was so very nice. He listened to Warren and gave him a candy cane for his efforts. Maddie hung back, still trying to determine if it was safe.
Meanwhile, we took Jake and Joey out of the stroller to have them take a picture with Santa, their first one ever. “Twins!” Santa exclaimed, in a tone that expressed both amusement and fright at the realization that they were coming his way.
“Do you mind if I put them both on you?” Colin asked with a smile. “Oh no, that’s ok, just fine,” he responded as he pleasantly motioned for them to come forward. What a Santa!
Colin placed Jake down on Santa’s right knee. I had the camera ready. As soon as he tried to release Joey so I could take the shot, he began screaming. He did not want to see Santa. Not one bit.
I wish with all my heart that you could see the look on this poor kid’s face. It is absolutely classic. You can kind of tell by his arched back and outstretched hands. But you’ll just have to take my word for it, he was not happy with our plan.
Despite Joey’s reaction, Maddie finally got the nerve to walk up to Santa. Warren stayed close by to make sure she was okay. She never did sit on his lap, or tell him what she wanted for Christmas, but she walked away with a candy cane and a smile. I’d call that a success.
Maybe Joey will think better of Santa next year when he’s able to eat candy canes.
Christmas Wish Lists
Since it’s the beginning of Christmas season, we decided to have the two older kids make wish lists. Helpful for us, fun for them. They’re too young to write the items down themselves so Colin and I acted as scribes as they relayed their ideas.
This is the first year we’ve had them do this. We told them to wish big. The sky’s the limit when it comes to writing down what they want as gifts. However, we also told them that no matter how many things they listed, they’d only be getting a couple of them, and not necessarily in the order they were written, lest they get some grand idea that putting it to paper made it official. From their lips to Santa’s ears, or something. It would just be a fun way to think about what they really wanted.
Warren was as excited as any 6-year-old boy could be to begin the task. Giddy, he paced around the living room, telling me it helped him think better, as he came up with ideas far and wide. The following is his list as strictly dictated, minus the drill, matches, and saw that he also requested:
Warren’s Wish List 2011
- Mountain bike
- Computer
- Watch (digital)
- Spy kit
- Magic Treehouse books
- Beyblades
- Telescope
- Real tools
- Drawing set
- CB radio
- Hot Wheels race track
- Hot Wheels cars
- Emergency candles
- Stereo
- T.V.
- Picture frames (for his artwork)
- A box of wood
- A box of metal
- Yarn (red)
- Pumpkin carving kit
- Chapter books
- Roll of stickers (Star Wars)
- Drawing journal
- How To Draw books
- Treasure chest
- Pretend gold and diamonds (for the chest)
- Lego police station
- Lego fire station
- Lego X-Wing fighter
- Clay for sculpting
- Sculpting tools
- Black lights
- Police badge (real looking)
- Sand buckets
- Long metal shovel
- Dice
- Chess game
- Wall paper/stickers (Star Wars or fire trucks)
- New sneakers with laces
- Calvin and Hobbes books
- Weaving materials
- Rope/lasso
- Chandelier
- Wall clock
- Ceramic water pitcher (blue and green)
- Jeans
- Giant blanket
- Money (“Like pennies,” he said)
- Droid phone
- Floor tiles
- Beyblade stadium
- Gold/silver paper
- Art from scrap materials
- Backpack
- Basket for toys
- Bureau drawers
- String
- Measuring tape
- Scotch tape/duct tape/blue painter’s tape
- Cardboard boxes
- Stuffed animals
- Watercolors
- Flossers
- Glass bottles
- Paper cups
- Air fresheners (fruit scented)
- Hair spray
We explained the same rules to Maddie. This was her chance to tell us what she most desired for Christmas. Colin got the pad of paper and pen ready and asked her what presents she wanted. Her list was a tad different from Warren’s:
Madeline’s Wish List 2011
- Pink
Perhaps she is wise leaving it up to interpretation. A quick search in Amazon’s toy section yielded approximately 5,200 suggestions in the “2-4 Years” category. Obviously, she’s found the loophole.
Christmas Walk
Like last year, we went to La Arcada to wander through the Christmas Walk. But unlike last year, I didn’t spend the whole time taking pictures. I only snapped a few, not very good ones either, but somehow they disappeared. Luckily, it looked much like it did the year before, so the 2010 post will suffice for imagery.
This year’s trip was short. It was a chilly night and very windy, so we quickly made our way through the throng of people to pick up our free popcorn, candy canes, hot chocolate, and tamales. The last one sounds random, but it was the sample item offered by this year’s sponsoring restaurant and they were good. A true Santa Barbara style Christmas treat.
Again, we did not wait in line to see Santa on State Street. The line was too ridiculously long for our almost-ready-for-bedtime-children to handle. Instead, we walked past and waved hello from the sidewalk.
Despite the crowded nature of this event, we enjoy getting in the Christmas Spirit by attending. I actually like the hustle and bustle of it all. The fun of window shopping past brightly lit stores in beautiful decor without giving into the commercialism of needing to buy it all. The live caroling and jazz ensembles playing Christmas music, lovely decorations, and festive shops remind us that the Christmas season has arrived.
Going To Thanksgiving
When we woke up this Thanksgiving morning, I started the day by saying, “Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!” Maddie looked at me eagerly and asked, “When are we going to Thanksgiving?” I tried to explain that the day was it. The holiday was here. Today was Thanksgiving, all day. No travel necessary.
I reminded her that soon Nana, Hotda, and Kakya (Grandpa, Grandma, and Uncle in Zuni) would arrive and we would eat and talk and eat some more and that was Thanksgiving.
She didn’t quite grasp it. Wasn’t it like Halloween where we went to the Trunk-or-Treat or went to knock on doors trick-or-treating? All day long she continued to ask when we were going to get to Thanksgiving. I don’t think she ever was convinced that the time was upon us, but we had a great day anyway.
Besides being together as a family, with my parents and brother joining us, the highlight of the day was the food. It never fails to satisfy, though we seem to have the same menu every year. What can I say? I like tradition.
I did mix a few things up this Thanksgiving, just to keep it interesting.
Like this veggie platter in the shape of a turkey with sour cream, mayo, a sprinkle of onion powder, and fresh dill dressing for dipping.
And mini pumpkin pies. Every year I make the Libby’s can recipe which calls for two 9-inch pie crusts, and every year the pans are filled to overflow with some remaining custard left without a crust to fill. Not so this time. Using a mason jar lid, I cut pre-made roll out pie crust into small circles, gently pushed them into greased muffin tins, and poured in the remaining pumpkin mix. They were a big hit.
Plus I made an apple pie cake that was absolutely fantastic. It looks pretty too. (If you’re going to make it, I highly suggest baking it at least 1 day before serving. Maybe even 2 days. It’s too dry the first day but gets gooey and delicious by the second day.)
{All these ideas came from Pinterest. Yes, I am completely obsessed, but look at all the good stuff my obsession yields!}
The old faithfuls were also in fine form. The 23-lbs. turkey, buttered and stuffed with fresh herbs, smelled absolutely heavenly and came out golden and crispy to perfection. The stuffing, which Warren informed us was his favorite (a kid after my own heart), was moist and delectable. Hotda’s cranberry sauces (one strained and one with whole cranberries and orange zest) were the perfect amount of tangy. Nana’s gravy was liquid gold. The green bean casserole and mashed potatoes hit the spot. And Colin’s layered jello salad looked as fabulous as it tasted. Good eats all around.
How could we not be thankful this Thanksgiving Day?
Thankful Tree
Just like last year, we spent this Family Home Evening discussing gratitude and the things we’re thankful for right now. We all took a moment to write down some of these things on paper leaves that I later placed on our Thankful Tree. Renny used inventive spelling and finished the task unassisted while I helped the younger kids by transcribing their ideas.
It’s interesting the things that come to mind.
For Warren: famle (family), cpeiwtrs (computers), me (it’s good to love yourself, no?)
For Maddie: candy (can you tell Halloween had an influence on this girl?) and future husband (sparked by our discussion of the temple and Maddie’s opportunity to one day marry there)
For Jake and Joey: milk (this was, of course, interpreted by Mom based on their excitement after receiving said item during this activity)
For Colin: Jeannie (but he used my full name– so sweet), twins, and potty training (Maddie is in the thick of it…)
For Jeannie: the ability to taste and smell (I was just getting over a nasty cold), my sweet family– Colin, Warren, Maddie, Jake, and Joey, and that I can be home with my children every day
There are others, of course, but these were the ones that made it onto our allocated three leaves.
Truly we are blessed. The tree doesn’t lie.
Halloween Festivities
The Costumes:
A dress-up piece that I purchased in the after Halloween sale last year. The outfit was completed by the rain boots I bought him in anticipation of a heavy rain season this winter. And because I love kids in rain boots.
On loan from Ani via her mom, Christy. The absolute CUTEST sheep costume in the entire world! Thanks again, Christy and Ani, for letting Maddie borrow it. She definitely made it work in her favor.
This year’s Pièce de résistance. If only you could see their adorable little faces! This costume was Colin’s answer to the question: “What’s a good twin costume?” Since this would be the only year we could utilize the stroller prop, it had to be this Halloween. Colin’s amazing mother took the design and sewed this winner together, complete with knitted hats. IT IS TOO MUCH! Definitely the highlight of this Halloween. Thanks again, Grandma Tuki for the fantastic work!
The Activities:
As it’s been in the last couple of years, Halloween turned out to be a three-day weekend event.
On Saturday night, we attended the church Trunk-or-Treat. The next day proved once and for all that kids are indeed highly affected by large amounts of sugar consumption. Just ask Maddie who over dosed and spent much of the day in a state of tantrum. Fun for all.
On Monday, the actual Halloween day, we picked Colin up from work and headed over to the local shopping strip mall where we let the kids get just a few pieces of candy. Warren bounced in the jumpy house and rode with me on the kiddie train, but Maddie didn’t care for either. All she wanted was to rifle through her loot and dig in.
We came home, ate spiderweb pizza, and took the kids to the street where our good friends from church live. Since the candy haul from the Trunk-or-Treat was so ridiculous we decided to only go up one side of their street and then back down the other. Period. That was about all Jake and Joey could take anyway. They were good sports, cruising around in their stroller, but when they were done, they were done.
I love Halloween. From the moment the calendar turns to October 1st, we start playing “The Nightmare Before Christmas” soundtrack, I put up our many decorations, and we eat our fair share of Halloween-themed treats. It’s a magical time full of golden sunsets with long shadows, harvest moons, and pumpkin patches scattered with orange.
This year was particularly special because it was the first time our kids went trick or treating door to door. I hope I never forget the joy I felt watching Maddie and Warren run up the sidewalk, giddy with excitement. Or how sweet and polite they were saying, “Trick-or-treat,” and “Happy Halloween!” to all who answered the door, though Maddie did try to go inside every single house. (How confusing that we shouldn’t considering every time we knock on anyone else’s door it’s someone we know who gladly lets us in!) I love how proud she was as she would drop the candy in her bag all by herself and chase off after Warren who was practically at the next doorstep. And how Warren took care of his little sister to make sure she got her share.
True, there’s not much to the holiday. It’s pretty straightforward: dress up and get candy. A silly tradition that came alive for them this year. And I loved watching every minute of it.
I hope your Halloween was as happy as ours.
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