Countdown To Christmas
First, I want to start by sending prayers to all affected by Hurricane Sandy. This incident has proven tragic and startling for so many. I sincerely hope those who were affected will be helped, find some comfort and know that there are many who are helping and are willing to help.
There has been so much happening and now the Christmas season is about to get underway! This weekend, the Hallmark channel will be previewing upcoming Christmas specials and doing a rerun of Hallmark Christmas favorites. Starting November 9th, they will do a countdown.
As so many have noticed, Christmas commercials have begin to pop up. Some favorites have been the Home Shopping Network and the Target commercial for myself. Even so, try not to get into the commercialization of the season this year. Instead of trying to find the perfect gift, realize the perfect gifts that you already have and be thankful this season. Rather than trying to spend money on material things reiterate the importance of the season and the fact that it is a time to focus on blessings and also the chance to start a New Year with loved ones, friends, new found friends, and families.
Most of all, this Christmas, cherish those who add joy and reason to your life, and enjoy some time together listening to the loved carols of the season and watching some wonderful Christmas movies and just be filled with joy and hope.
Christmas Decorations and Candy
While walking through the stores this evening I noticed fruit cakes in the grocery store and isles of Christmas items in Wal-Mart. While in the grocery store I noticed the Halloween candy had been moved to one side and the Christmas candy is taking over! Wal-Mart had over five isles full of Christmas items and still stocking! Talk about a sign that Christmas is near.
ABC Family Countdown to Christmas
ABC Family has released their countdown to the countdown to Christmas. This countdown is possibly the most anticipated television event (next to the 24 Days of Christmas) to occur during the holiday season. Some of the shows and movies on the countdown include:
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| Savannah, GA |
- Christmas Cupid
- Snowglobe
- Holiday in Handcuffs
- 12 Dates of Christmas
- Miracles on 34th Street
- Eloise at Christmas Time
- Home Alone
- Home Alone Heist (Premiere)
- Mickey's Christmas Carol
- Christmas List
These are some of the fun movies that wll be showing. The station will also be airing Christmas episodes of popular shows. It's going to be a very Merry Christmas, and what better way to get pumped for the season than by watching the countdown?
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.
