Christmas Memories

Christmas is so special to so many because of the memories. For our family, Christmas is usually a year around thing. We love watching holiday movies all year. Which means we are full of the Christmas spirit.

One of my favorite memories is really year or years long. Since my oldest son was 2, we started watching Christmas movies before bed almost every night. My oldest son always sat on my lap and fell asleep. As boring as it may seem, it was really special.

One of the best moments was when he began to sing the song in "The Polar Express," about Christmas coming to town. He would sing his heart out and it was one of the most heart warming things. My second son started singing "Where are You Christmas" around 3, and now my youngest loves Christmas music.

Another fun memory that is still going is, listening to my three boys sing and shout "Little Drummer Boy." The boys love this song and story. Today, my youngest started singing "Up On The House Top." Perhaps, what makes it special, is the fact that they are so full of joy when they sing these songs.

By keeping Christmas around all year, our family gets to experience the joy of listening to children sing and dream. No matter how bad a day has been, once the kids sing a heart warming Christmas tune, all the trouble melts away.

By writing this, I just want to say, some Christmas traditions and memories are seasonal, but many can be year long. Here's to Christmas, and looking forward to a season that brings so much hope and joy to so many.

Favorite Christmas Songs

Here is my top ten favorite Christmas Songs, which are subject to change. Even so, many still remain, along with my favorite singers.

10. Straight No Chaser, "12 Days of Christmas"
9. Andrea Bocelli and Mary J. Blige "What Child Is This"
8. Josh Grobin "Little Drummer Boy"
7. Linda Eder "Do You Hear What I Hear?"
6. David Foster "Carol Of The Bells"
5. Sarah Brightman "Child In A Manger"
4. Andrea Bocelli "God Bless Us Everyone"
3. Bing Crosby "White Christmas"
2. Transiberian Orchestra "Christmas Canon"
1. Il Divo "O Holy Night"

All of these are personal favorites. What are some of yours?

Days Till Christmas

It's 99 days till Christmas, and Christmas items are popping up in stores. Belks has several displays and sales on Christmas items (probably trying to get rid of some leftovers for some new items). Big Lots has an isle of Christmas lights, decorations, and knick knacks. Hallmark has their ornaments and some other items. Yankee Candles has several Christmas scents in store, and online Christmas items are starting to pop up on sites such as Lillian Vernon, Partylite, and of course, Walmart, Target, K-Mart, and more.

With only 99 days to go, getting a head start on the Christmas gifts is important. This is a great time to take advantage of layaway, and it is also a good time to look for discounted items from last year that stores might be trying to get rid of. Most of all, it's just a good idea to get the gifts outta the way so the season can be more enjoyed.

Pecan Pie Recipes For The Holidays

There are many Pecan pie recipes, but the best tend to be the easiest. For years, my family has down a traditional Southern Pecan Pie, which is exactly like Paula Deen's Bourbon Pecan Pie without the bourbon.

Alton Brown introduced a Pecan Pie recipe on the 2011, Thanksgiving special, Alton's Countdown to Thanksgiving. The recipe is almost the same as the recipe on the Karo syrup bottle, but instead of using corn syrup, he uses golden syrup. This is the type of syrup many in England use, and he explains the benefits in the show.

Of course, the no fail, always there for ya recipe is definitely on Karo's dark corn syrup. It's basic, no fuss, and great.

Pecan Pie Recipe Variations

Of course, variations can be made on the recipe. Such as, using caramel instead of corn syrup, or adding a variety of nuts. Here are a few that are great for any holiday meal. Simply follow the directions on the Karo syrup bottle, and add these into the mix.

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries and 1/4 cup dried pomegranate
• Only use 3/4 cup pecans and make the rest 3/4 cup walnuts
• Use 1 cup Macadamia nuts and only 1/2 cup chopped pecans, and light corn syrup instead of dark.
• Use caramel instead of corn syrup
• Add 2 finely chopped Macintosh apples and 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• Use 1 cups pecans, 3/4 cup syrup, 2 finely chopped Macintosh apples and 1 finely chopped pear. Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries, and squeeze half the juice of an orange into the mix.
• Add some nutmeg, cinnamon, and use 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup white sugar instead of all white sugar.

These are simple variations using one easy recipe. The pecan pie recipes are all great, and it one of the best pies to have for the holidays.