Monthly Musings
1. None that I know of at this time. I forgot to RSVP to the one invitation we have received (it's a party that a local business is throwing, not a personal friend (I hope I wouldn't forget to RSVP to that!)).
2. Get as much done before the holiday as you can. Last minute "things" are always going to come up so try to get the non last minute things done as quickly as possible. An example would be to wrap a few presents at a time in the weeks leading up to Christmas. You will likely buy something last minute that by necessity will be wrapped last minute. But if you already have almost all of your presents wrapped, it is not a big deal to have to wrap just one or two last minute purchased gifts.
3. Barbecue glazed meatballs- So easy and good! My mother in law used to make a crock pot full of these every year for either Christmas Eve or Christmas day. My kids liked them so much that I started making them if my MIL did not indicate that she was bringing these.
1 bag (16 ounces) of frozen meatballs
1 twelve ounce jar of grape jelly
1 cup of barbecue sauce
I add everything to a crock pot on low power and serve when heated through.
4. My family celebrates Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas. We also have birthdays in the months but of course they are not holidays!
When I say celebrate Christmas Eve, I mean that we always get together with family on Christmas Eve for a meal after church. Then on Christmas Day, we get together with family again (some of whom are the people we had dinner with on Christmas Eve) for a meal and opening presents. Of course we are celebrating the same thing on both days- Jesus' birth- but the two gatherings are distinct and both looked forward to and enjoyed. We typically don't host the Christmas Eve get together but we almost always host the Christmas Day meal/gathering.
5. I can't think of a single thing that I drink specific to the holiday season- I drink water and pop year round :).
6. The biggest struggle is getting everything done and enjoying lots of moments along the way. This is much easier now that the kids are older...
7. Any type of bottom with an elastic waist. Kidding but not really. Who wants to feel constrained on days devoted to celebration and all things yummy food related?
Bonus if the elastic waist item is festive- here I was last year on Christmas Eve
8. Some years I send out cards and some years I don't. I would like to this year. We will see how getting a good family picture turns out.
9. Black Friday shopping online only!
10. I like to wait until after Thanksgiving to play Christmas music.
I didn't mention Christmas Eve, but I almost enjoy that more than Christmas day. It's kind of a hush before the activity of the day rolls in. I love your skirt! So cute!! I am going to try to do a little wrapping this weekend as I need to send a box up to my mom and think it's about ready to go. I do feel ahead of the game on the out of town gifts this year. My overseas daughter doesn't want us doing a lot since it all has to fit in suitcases when they move back in a couple of months, and they're already so full. She suggested I just Venmo her money and pick out a couple of small things on Amazon UK and she'll order. It doesn't feel super Christmasy but it does make sense. I did take them all Christmas pjs when we went over so that's something I guess. I love the meatball recipe. I make one similar and also sometimes put the little smokies in it instead of meatballs. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteUsing little smokies as the meat is a good idea. I, too, love Christmas Eve due to it being the day before the highly anticipated day, going to church, and eating a great meal together. Definitely less pressure or less stress or something about the day is good! I can see why your daughter doesn't want a lot of gift sent to the family- I can imagine how many things they've picked up along the way that they will want to bring back with them
DeleteI too make a version of those meatballs: sometimes I use regular frozen but Costco sells Aidell's chicken teriyaki ones that work even better, grape jelly, and a jar of Heinz chili sauce instead. SO good.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny you mentioned the chili sauce because I know I have made the meatballs before with chili sauce. I was shocked when I saw the actual recipe said to use barbecue sauce. I don't remember the last time I used barbecue. And I can't figure out where I got the idea to use chili sauce...
DeleteI love that meatball recipe and it is such a comfort food. My extended family has our celebration on Christmas Eve, so Christmas Day has usually been more low key, except for a brunch. I am all about comfort on these days too!
ReplyDeleteThat is interesting that your big celebration is on Christmas Eve. It makes sense though especially as adult kids get married and have their Christmas celebrations with in laws or just with themselves.
DeleteHaving a November birthday, I disagree that birthdays aren't holidays! lol.
ReplyDeleteOf course they are holidays, just not ones on everyone's calendar :). My son was born five days before Christmas, poor child!!
DeleteLove your meatball recipe- that one has been a fave in these parts too, over the years! I laughed out loud at your elastic waist comment- you crack me up! That fam pic is just beautiful XO
ReplyDeleteThank you, Holly! Hoping to get a good one this year as well!!
DeleteThat skirt is beyond adorable. Thanks for joining us today.
ReplyDeleteThank you! And thanks for hosting the link up :).
DeleteI think it's so funny that 3 of you (so far anyway!) have mentioned sweet/spicy meatball appetizers. They really are such a crowd pleaser.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that, too! They are just so easy and tasty!!
DeleteI make those meatballs too! Yum! Christmas Eve is a favorite for me. The anticipation!
ReplyDeleteYes- the anticipation is such a good feeling!
DeleteYou monthly musings are so interesting. And love your cute pictures! We tend to wait until after Thanksgiving to bring out the Christmas decorations and songs, but after that it we go all out for the holidays!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jim! I am sure your decorations are amazing. Somehow I wouldn't be surprised if you guys only have real trees for Christmas trees rather than artificial :).
DeleteMeatballs...YES!!!! AND LOVE your festive outfit! so cute!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Andrea! You're baaaack?? Yah!!
DeleteThat is such a great family photo of you guys last year - just use that one for your cards!!:) And thanks for reminding me about those meatballs. I love those!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jennifer! I was hoping to get a family picture this year at Thanksgiving but did not :(.
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