tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post6758177212711195823..comments2023-05-10T02:47:51.886-07:00Comments on GOSSELINS DO NOT NEED OUR PITY: HOLIDAY TRADITIONSUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-86915209753632653272008-12-24T21:22:00.000-08:002008-12-24T21:22:00.000-08:00I hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas Ev...I hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas Eve. For me, I'm sitting here knowing that moving it over one night was a wise decision. I felt bad for all the people who worked with me who didn't have that option. One of the ladies kept saying she was sure her kids were ripping into everything without her being there. Since this was only seasonal, it's my last night. Most of my immediate family is out of state and we all make Thanksgiving our get-together so they can be at home with their own families at Christmas. Wishing you all a great Christmas morning. Hope there's lots of smiles.merrywayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15003385150622139910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-41009114062021454872008-12-24T08:29:00.000-08:002008-12-24T08:29:00.000-08:00We really don't have formal traditions, but there ...We really don't have formal traditions, but there are things I try to do every year, such as watching "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" as I decorate the tree. I think it's important to channel your inner Clark Griswold as you haul the boxes out of the basement and decorate the house. Unfortunately, all I can think is "on New Year's Day, I have to clean all this up and put it all away." That must be my inner Kate Gosselin rearing her OCD tendencies.<BR/><BR/>And of course, there's TNT's 24 hour continuous loop of A Christmas Story! That's good for at least three viewings. I also tend to leave it on all night while we sleep! <BR/><BR/>We always go to a friend's house on Christmas Eve and another on Christmas morning for breakfast. But, to tell the truth, I like to just curl up at home on Christmas, enjoying the tree and a warm comforter, and this year, plenty of snow outside.MoreCowbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01740518966343218314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-26716342491365434562008-12-23T23:41:00.000-08:002008-12-23T23:41:00.000-08:00Merry Christmas everyone. Hope everyone has a grea...Merry Christmas everyone. Hope everyone has a great and wonderful holiday.Darlene Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00707107140495194974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-17533300514854997012008-12-23T18:14:00.000-08:002008-12-23T18:14:00.000-08:00Rufus, I love the idea of the boot print. I don't...Rufus, I love the idea of the boot print. I don't have a hearth, but I might do something to the affect. <BR/><BR/>Elf was the first holiday movie I let my little one stay up late for, we did the popcorn curl-up thing. She was very excited because she saw it as the start of the season. <BR/><BR/>Linda, I like the glitter and oatmeal for the reindeer. I'd so like to do it, but I'm going to pass on it because I hate to deal with the glitter and it's one too many. <BR/><BR/>Anya, It is special and that's why I decided better to move it. I have to drive for my parents, last minutes stuff, etc. She is very much focused on the advent calendars and has been diligently counting down. It was a little tricky adding another day. She is one of those who remember everything and can recite, but she is flighty and can be easily distracted by shiny objects. I told her I missed a day when she spent one night at grandma's. It was a while ago, so she wasn't exactly sure she was remembering correctly. Luckily, she's very trusting of her mother and decided to let it slide,<BR/><BR/>Fiona, that's so sweet about the letters to Santa. I never saved any of my kids' lists, just their projects. I did save some drawings my little one did last year. She drew pics for Santa and left them out every night for him for about a week after Christmas.<BR/><BR/>We like to make press cookies, but that old recipe just doesn't do it for me. We made these and they have just the right flavor to remind you of eggnog and they go good with any beverage. We sprinkled sugar on some and pressed the trees into chocolate. They are really good and I wish we had made two batches, but we were already in excess.<BR/><BR/>http://www.christmas-cookies.com/recipes/recipe37.eggnog-spritz.html<BR/><BR/>I bake a lot of the Betty Crocker bag cookies throughout because they are good and inexpensive snack / treat. So here's my helpful hint for the holiday season. <BR/><BR/>To keep cookies fresh or to freshen stale cookies: <BR/>On the bottom of the container or plate for the cookies, place 1 or 2 pieces of bread and lay a couple of paper towels over top of them. Then proceed to put the cookies in the container or lay them in the plate and cover. The moisture that makes the cookies stale will go into the bread first. Your cookies stay fresh and softer much longer.<BR/><BR/>Happy Holidays To All!merrywayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15003385150622139910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-46385102941620681012008-12-23T17:10:00.000-08:002008-12-23T17:10:00.000-08:00Awesome! Thanks Lizabeth!Awesome! Thanks Lizabeth!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-5308269407587693282008-12-23T16:32:00.000-08:002008-12-23T16:32:00.000-08:00Theresa, I will be on the lookout for that iron th...Theresa, I will be on the lookout for that iron then :).<BR/><BR/>The recipe for homemade cinnamon rolls is posted in the Christmas cookie post here:<BR/>http://gosselinsdonotneedourpity.blogspot.com/2008/12/c-is-for-christmas-cookies-cookie.html<BR/><BR/>Enjoy!Lizzyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07466216446332311525noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-86605560967769659102008-12-23T16:27:00.000-08:002008-12-23T16:27:00.000-08:00Lizabeth--I bought mom's latest one at the local I...Lizabeth--I bought mom's latest one at the local Italian store, but I believe you can get them at any specialty store (Williams Sonoma, any kitchenwares store, maybe even Kohl's). The iron I bought her is a Palmer. Her original one (which lasted for about 35 years)was a Dolce. We can't find those anywhere and the hubby tried online and couldn't find any. But, the Palmer works just fine. It was about $30 when we bought it ten years ago.<BR/><BR/>Mmm homemade cinnamon rolls! I'll be on the lookout for that! Cinnamon is big with the men in this house.<BR/><BR/>Merry Christmas!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-84223474743870187552008-12-23T16:24:00.000-08:002008-12-23T16:24:00.000-08:00nc resident:Safe travels. We just had a weird thre...nc resident:<BR/>Safe travels. We just had a weird three-hour ice event so the roads are very slick in Ky and southern Ohio. Hope you're driving Christmas Even. You should be good, then.<BR/><BR/>Happy holidays everyone. I enjoyed sharing some time with you via this site.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-2735266154614114422008-12-23T15:33:00.000-08:002008-12-23T15:33:00.000-08:00Going out of town for Christmas so didn't even bot...Going out of town for Christmas so didn't even bother with a tree.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-59495778251746965842008-12-23T14:28:00.000-08:002008-12-23T14:28:00.000-08:00Theresa thank you so much for the recipe! My mom ...Theresa thank you so much for the recipe! My mom just made homemade cinnamon rolls (from a recipe a friend sent me-- I'll post it on the recipe thread :)!) and these sound great as well. Where is the best place to get a Pizzelle iron?Lizzyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07466216446332311525noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-65430290259549703942008-12-23T14:13:00.000-08:002008-12-23T14:13:00.000-08:00Lizabeth-here's the Pizzelle recipe we use:makes 3...Lizabeth-here's the Pizzelle recipe we use:<BR/><BR/>makes 3 dozen (we double dose, and triple dose this basic recipe)<BR/><BR/>1/2 cup shortening<BR/>2/3 cup sugar<BR/>3 egs <BR/>1 and 3/4 cups flour<BR/>2 tsp vanilla extract <BR/>1 tsp anise extract <BR/>1 teaspoon baking powder<BR/>pinch of salt<BR/><BR/>Cream the shortening and sugar. Add eggs and mix til smooth. A little at at time, add flour, baking powder, salt, vanilla, and anise. Mix til the texture is similar to that of a drop cookie.<BR/><BR/>Spray your pizzelle iron with a bit of Pam and you're good to go.<BR/><BR/>Good luck! Hope they turn out as good as my Mom's!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-33653368350024249712008-12-23T09:39:00.000-08:002008-12-23T09:39:00.000-08:00OH MY GOSH! I totally forgot!We always take one o...OH MY GOSH! I totally forgot!<BR/><BR/>We always take one of my husband's boots and cover it in ashes from the fireplace. Then we "stamp" it onto the hearth so the kids can see Santa's footprint in the morning. They LOVE it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-35900636561879113052008-12-23T08:36:00.000-08:002008-12-23T08:36:00.000-08:00This thread has kept me thinking about past Christ...This thread has kept me thinking about past Christmas memories.<BR/><BR/>I remember one year my daughter, age 5 or 6, left Santa a note asking him for a picture! We left the camera out and took a pic of just the red on the stocking.<BR/><BR/>When we got it developed, she was sure that Santa had taken a picture of himself.<BR/><BR/>We also have kept all of her old letters to Santa in her stocking and reread them each year.<BR/><BR/>Fun!FIONAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03027241302948571151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-4086578533243764432008-12-23T08:33:00.000-08:002008-12-23T08:33:00.000-08:00We LOVE Elf. We have added it to our holiday list...We LOVE Elf. We have added it to our holiday list, too. My husband and I always watch the Chevy Chase Christmas movie and laugh every time. The kids are welcome to join us, but are not necessary for the tradition to be met.<BR/>We never miss the one with Ralphy the BB gun kid, either. Obviously I prefer the comedies. <I>It's a Wonderful Life</I> is OK, but it can't hold a candle to the three mentioned abve, IMO.Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05884219068017641778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-26015751804449852432008-12-23T07:58:00.000-08:002008-12-23T07:58:00.000-08:00Our kids are grown so no tree here even. Yeah its ...Our kids are grown so no tree here even. Yeah its sucks. I find myself 50 yrs old and without some family members each year. If you can cherish your family set a tradition and keep it, nothing except memories last forever. <BR/>----<BR/><BR/>Why no tree?<BR/><BR/>I have to admit I am curious about you.<BR/><BR/>Hope you have a wonderful holiday.FIONAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03027241302948571151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-66233294808116473352008-12-22T21:39:00.000-08:002008-12-22T21:39:00.000-08:00Merryway, sorry you have to work!I think having a ...Merryway, sorry you have to work!<BR/><BR/>I think having a five-year-old in the house just about guarantees a very special and fun Christmas. I remember the days of advent calendars with my little one.... <BR/><BR/>Enjoy!Anya@IWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10277215288731619588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-19417926481819697292008-12-22T21:15:00.000-08:002008-12-22T21:15:00.000-08:00I'm not working Christmas, it's Christmas Eve that...I'm not working Christmas, it's Christmas Eve that I have to work. I don't mind. We were all glad to have one more day. :)merrywayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15003385150622139910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-46675874539098308782008-12-22T21:06:00.000-08:002008-12-22T21:06:00.000-08:00What a fun read to get in the holiday spirit!Becau...What a fun read to get in the holiday spirit!<BR/><BR/>Because we're all so busy on Christmas some of my friends always get together on Yule for a dinner and an exchange. That way we can get to all the kids in time instead of running all over. That was yesterday, had duck with apple glaze. Yum Yum. It's always a nice break from the rush.<BR/><BR/>We do advent calendars. The chocolate kind and the Avon mouse calendar.<BR/><BR/>We make gingerbread houses and go look at lights. <BR/><BR/>Pics with Santa of course. <BR/><BR/>The kids pick out a donation for Toys for Tots.<BR/><BR/>We do the one present on Christmas Eve.<BR/><BR/>Santa always takes the time to write a thank you note for the cookies. <BR/><BR/>You guys have made me so hungry. I love the steak and lobster idea. We snack on all our goodies and watch Christmas shows throughout the eve. We always read The Night Before Christmas and check the radar. On Christmas morning everyone can come in as soon as the camera is on. We do stockings after presents. After the morning, we have an easy breakfast but the highlight is that we're eating mom's biscuits and gravy. We do the traditional ham, etc. for dinner. In younger days we all played board games. Now we just all play with the last little kid until some grandchildren come along.<BR/><BR/>Up until about five years ago, my dad played Christmas songs and hymns on the guitar in the background all day. He's not able to play anymore and it's missed.<BR/><BR/>I found out I have to work this Christmas, with the little one being five we are able to pull a fast one and magically Christmas Eve has changed to the 25th.merrywayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15003385150622139910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-48843469346805083182008-12-22T19:53:00.000-08:002008-12-22T19:53:00.000-08:00If can say yall have some very wonderful ways of c...If can say yall have some very wonderful ways of celebrating. Heading to Cincinnati myself so Cincimom hold the snow till Christmas.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-18956665761920454952008-12-22T19:01:00.000-08:002008-12-22T19:01:00.000-08:00It's fun reading about everyone's traditions for t...It's fun reading about everyone's traditions for the holidays.<BR/><BR/>Early on Christmas Eve, we have a simple supper with a birthday cake for Baby Jesus. We read the Christmas story from the Bible at the table. Then we go to the Christmas service at our church. On the way home, we drive around and look at Christmas lights. <BR/><BR/>At home, each child gets to open one present. Then we put out cookies and milk and toss the reindeer food on the lawn for fun.<BR/><BR/>After the kids are asleep, my husband and I get out the stockings and any last minute presents we have to wrap. The last thing we do is put the Baby Jesus in the manger of our nativity scene so he "arrives" on Christmas morning. <BR/><BR/>At some ridiculous hour of the morning, my son wakes us up to open presents. We send him to get his stocking to tide him over and sleep for another half an hour or so. Happens every year so I guess it's now a tradition.<BR/><BR/>We take our time opening presents, then eat a late breakfast. At some point, we head over to my parents or my in-laws for more presents and merry making. :)<BR/><BR/><BR/>I hope everyone has a wonderful time celebrating the holidays this year.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-61399339412351864672008-12-22T18:53:00.000-08:002008-12-22T18:53:00.000-08:00Saint that is adorable how Santa puts the baby in ...Saint that is adorable how Santa puts the baby in the manger so when you awaken Christmas morning, Jesus is there. What a neat idea :).<BR/><BR/>My older brother spent a few tours overseas and was always very homesick at Christmas especially. This spring he and his family are moving from upstate NY to Kentucky (or Kentuckeney as my 4 year old niece calls it) so we hope they will be able to join us next Christmas. I am so glad for you that your nephew will be home soon, even for a little while!Lizzyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07466216446332311525noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-55020165401509837432008-12-22T18:48:00.000-08:002008-12-22T18:48:00.000-08:00This year, my nephew, now in the US after a tour i...This year, my nephew, now in the US after a tour in Iraq, will be arriving at the airport on Christmas Eve. Most of the family will be greeting him there. Can't wait!<BR/><BR/>My little family goes to midnight Mass together...so peaceful...so beautiful, on Christmas Eve. Sometimes we have a special dinner before, but sometimes we have hoagies! Santa sneaks in after we've all gone to bed and he always leaves too much. We think he also puts the baby in the manger when he comes. He never cleans up after himself, and he prefers the oatmeal raisin cookis at our house. This will be our first Christmas without a "true believer" but we're not acknowledging it.<BR/><BR/>We open presents in the morning and I get to eat Hershey Kisses with my coffee. Later, we go to Bethlehem for Christmas! Bethlehem, PA that is, where my parents live, as does other family. Mom makes a ham and all the fixings, and we all eat far too many cookies and play board games with the aunts, uncles, cousins, and Nan and Pop. It is crowded and loud and a bit of a madhouse with present exchanges there. Wine dulls the noise. Most of the in-laws end up staring into space all lined up on the "in-law couch." That's when we know it's time to go. ;)<BR/><BR/>Thanks for sharing your special traditions. I was a little teary-eyed reading them. <BR/><BR/>Happy Hannukah and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays for all.Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05884219068017641778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-84224797103409584102008-12-22T18:38:00.000-08:002008-12-22T18:38:00.000-08:00Guin,My daugher's watching Elf right now.We go...Guin,<BR/><BR/>My daugher's watching Elf right now.<BR/><BR/>We go to our church's Christmas Eve service at 5:00. We come home to a prime rib that has been cooking on the rotissire and have that with garlic potatoes and popovers. Dinner is served on my special Christmas dishes. My parents will join us this year.<BR/><BR/>My kids both asked for new Bibles with their names on them for Christmas and my husband and I were happy to comply and overjoyed that they asked for that.<BR/><BR/>Christmas morning we open our presents and spend the morning together. I recently had a hot fruit dish with with a syrup made from brown sugar,butter, cinnamon & cloves smelled and tasted wonderful. We'll be adding that to our traditional stollen. In the afternoon we will go to my sister's and have ham. I'm bringing the ham this year.<BR/><BR/>Two days after Christmas we will drive to my husband's family. They live 3 hours away. Most of them are elderly. This year we'll be exchaning ornaments (thanks Nina!). We drive home the same day.<BR/><BR/>We'll be going back 3 weeks later for my mother in law's 90th birthday.Daisyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09355406490953716133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-44462717919932637782008-12-22T18:31:00.000-08:002008-12-22T18:31:00.000-08:00On Christmas eve e go to our church's candlelight ...On Christmas eve e go to our church's candlelight service and my daughter and I make cookies for Santa and food for the reindeer (it kind of looks like monkey munch!)she opens one gift- and begs to open "just one more". We sped Christmas morning with my husbands family (my family is 6 hrs. away) and Christmas evening we have a huge bash with my father in law's side of the family. On the 26th we get together with my mother in law's side of the family and on the 27th we travel 6 hrs. to spend a week with my family! My husband's birthday is the 28th so it's a busy few days!Samantha@IWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11277929176284771513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-875099505545555742.post-41827480617914185012008-12-22T18:22:00.000-08:002008-12-22T18:22:00.000-08:00One of our pre-Christmas traditions is to ring the...One of our pre-Christmas traditions is to ring the bell with the kids for the Salvation Army. Each year the kids seem to understand why more and more. Especially in these rough economic times, the importance of thinking of other less fortunate is even more important. <BR/><BR/>We also have the kids throw some oats mixed with glitter on the lawn which is "Reindeer Food" and set out a plate of cookies for Santa. <BR/><BR/>Then the weekend after Christmas, we have a party with my side of the family. Over 30 people come and it is a great time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com