The New Year

We have a rule at our house that I cannot buy anything for myself from about October on because, I am told, I am so hard to buy for at Christmas. This year, I broke this rule because I was seeing a client in San Clemente and his office is on a street with the coolest boutique

shops. This plaque was in the window and really spoke to me. I knew I had to have it!

We all try and make resolutions this time of year; some are lofty and unrealistic and some actually hold the possibility of keeping them. One of my resolutions is to remember this saying throughout the year and not let things get me down. Yes, life has bumps in the road for all of us. You can count on it. We control so little of it, really. What we do control is our reaction and how much we let it upset us or eat away at us. It isn't easy to let things roll off our back, especially for a perfectionist like me, but I am going to really work at it.

Other resolutions: to run a 10k in 2010, to go to the movies more....stay tuned to see which resolutions become realities in 2010.

Happy New Year, All!!

Christmas Morning

It was, to state the obvious, a really great Christmas. We tend to overdo the gifts in a big way, but I have decided it is not in a greedy, gluttonous way; it is out of love and wanting to please each other.
This is the first Christmas in many, many years that my son, Tyler, has been here. He said it best when he said he was happy to be the "giver" and not the "receiver" this year. I think we all have mastered the art of being the "giver". We really like to give each other gifts that we know (hope) will be enjoyed. Some are spendy and some are priceless. They are all expressions of the love we feel for each other. Oh, there were a few missteps, duplicates or wrong sizes, but it still does not diminish the spirit in which they were given.
Amber has the added burden of not only her own shopping, but she acts as her dad's "personal shopper" for his gifts to me as well. She always does a great job, some from a "wish list" and some "go out on a limb" gifts. Her efforts are truly appreciated.
When you look at all the gifts you may see them wrapped in paper and bows, I see them wrapped in love - kinda doesn't matter what's inside...

Last Minute Doubts

Every year, I have this moment, right before Christmas, when I have a panic that I have not gotten enough gifts or the right gifts or big enough gifts or whatever!!! We have always gone all out at Christmas. I love the holiday and I love giving gifts to people. I have always said that I would make a good rich person as I love to give, give, give. It makes me happy to see others happy.
My husband, on the other hand, does not love Christmas so much. He says that every day is Christmas at our house. We have been blessed with the ability to get or buy pretty much whatever we want or need any time of the year. He thinks the panic or worry I feel is a big waste of time and energy. On a logical level, I know he is right, but in my heart, I still want it to be wonderful and perfect and joyful for all. We discuss the merits of practical gifts over fun gifts. Guess which side he is on in that one?!?!
In the end, it has always turned out just right with smiles on every one's face Christmas morning. I have to remind myself of that fact. Maddy's preschool teacher last year had a great saying...
"You get what you get and you don't throw a fit!" I think I will borrow that saying for the rest of this week!

Christmas Cards

I love mail. Oh, I know, it is mostly bills and ads, but at this time of year, it also brings cards. I have been making my Christmas cards for 30 years; some years they have been elaborate and some years simple. I get a kick out of incorporating a silly saying into each one and it MUST have a picture. People have told me they have saved all my cards because they enjoy them. It gives me such pleasure to hear this!
When our kids were growing up, getting this special picture (often with props) was never easy. They would complain, moan and just make it difficult. My "darling" idea was not what a pre-teen kid wanted to do. My husband was not much more cooperative, but he knew the force of my ideas and that I would not settle until I had just what I had pictured in my mind. One year, he said to the kids, "Let's just do what she wants so we can get the hell out of here!" Ahhh, I love that Christmas spirit, don't you?
Now, I have three other beautiful creatures to incorporate into my card ideas. I'm not going to lie to you, getting three kids to do what you want, under ANY circumstances, is not easy, let alone for a photo shoot. No matter, I will not give up! As long as I am able, I will continue to think up the silly saying and add the props to make the card. If it brings a smile to your face when you see it, it was worth all the grief!
In case you haven't seen it, here is this year's efforts.

Songs = Memories

I have been listening to Christmas songs pretty much non stop since XM satellite radio started playing them mid Novemeber. I drive a lot for work so I am in the car more than most people. I never get tired of listening to them, whereas, the minute my husband gets in the car, he can't change the channel fast enough! It drives him crazy (Bah Humbug!).

Some of the Christmas music I can do without - barking dogs doing Jingle Bells, but mostly it puts me in good spirits. I sing along in the safety of my car and hope that people who see me, think I am talking on my Bluetooth!

Music has a way of reminding you of moments in your life. Many can probably name the song that was playing the first time they slow danced with someone or at their wedding. Songs remind us of people as well. Each generation has felt some sort of tie to music even as their parents cringed and called it nothing more than "noise". Having grandchildren, I have been lucky enough to revisit some of the oldies but goodies I sang with my own children. I mean, really, who doesn't love "The Wheels on the Bus"?!?!

What's your favorite Christmas song? Is it religious (O Holy Night) or fun (Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer) or something else? No matter, enjoy the season and the joy it offers, even in song.

Angels in Disguise

Angels are everywhere. So often we are too busy to notice or realize their presence, but rest assured, they are still there. Three of my angels are pictured here. They can be loud and messy and very demanding, but they give the best "hug, kiss, lick" you can imagine.

Even if you don't have little angels like these in your life, I bet you have some type of angel. Maybe it's that friend who calls out of the blue just to say hello and it happens to be a really bad day for you. Their voice is just what you needed and you didn't even know it. Or it's the person who let's you jump ahead in line because you only have a few items. It's the smile of a stranger as they hold the door open for you.

Angels don't usually yell; they whisper. They don't come crashing in; their wings flutter lightly. Pay attention so you don't miss the next one.

Kettle Corn

As much as I like to bake, I really am not much of a sweets fan. I am more savory; red wine, smelly olives, salty snacks. I have always enjoyed the combination of sweet and salty you get from kettle corn and I decided to find out how it is made and if I could duplicate it in my own kitchen.

What I discovered is that it is amazingly easy!! It only has 3 ingredients. After a few test runs, I packaged it with my own special flair (thanks to adorable Madeline). Here's the recipe for you to try. You'll have to find your own adorable grand daughter for the label!!!

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup white sugar ( if you use brown sugar, it will taste like caramel corn)

1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, stir in the sugar & popcorn. Cover, and shake the pot constantly to keep the sugar from burning. Once the popping has slowed to once every 2 or 3 seconds, remove the pot from the heat and continue to shake for a few seconds. Pour into a large bowl. cool completely, stirring occasionally to break up large clumps.

Find a super cute kid, dress him or her in a chef's hat & other props. Take photo & make copies to put on the bags of kettle corn. Give to people you like, love or want to gloat to about your cute kid!!!

Outdoor Lights

There are so many wonderful ways to get in the Christmas spirit. One is to drive around and look at lights. The little ones get so excited looking out the car window and their enthusiasm is infectious. We have a few neighborhoods that go absolutely crazy with lights and animated decorations in their front yards that they literally cause a traffic jam with people driving by to see. Even in these tough economic times, many people still go all out. I read an article about a local man who said his electric bill goes from $150/month to $600/month during the holidays because he has so many lights. Asked why he does it when it costs so much, he said he watches the delighted faces of the people who drive by and it gives him so much joy, it's worth every penny.
Even if you don't have little ones, try and find time to seek out those streets in your neighborhood that have "over the top" displays. I think the beauty and magic of the lights will enhance your joy this season. Couldn't we all use a little more joy??

Pay It Forward

This week, I drove through Starbucks and when I got to the front, I asked the clerk what the person behind me had ordered. He said it was hot chocolate. I told him I wanted to pay for it and when that person got to the window, tell them to "Pay It Forward". It caused several smiles among the workers at the window. One girl said that she was working once when it went for 31 cars; each person paying for the one in front of them and saying "Pay It Forward". How is that for random acts of kindness??
We often think we can't give BIG and ,therefore, we don't give at all. I disagree. Any small kindness shown to another person can make their day. We never know what is going on in someone's life, but usually, we all have our struggles and strife. Showing a small kindness could make their day, especially coming from a total stranger. All I know is I felt great after doing this small thing and driving away, never having spoken to the recipient. Give it a try some time. I promise it will make your day better, along with theirs.

Cookies

"A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand!"

Every year I set aside a weekend to do my Christmas baking. It is a lot of work, but also so much fun. I did not pass on the baking gene to my daughter, but I think I have succeeded in passing it on to granddaughter, Madeline. She loves to help me in the kitchen, especially if it involves licking a spoon or bowl at the end!
I try and do both tried and true cookies that I have been making for 30 years as well as adding a couple of new recipes as well. The list year consists of: spritz cookies, candy cookies, lemon dimples (new & awesome!), rod pretzels dipped in chocolate & sprinkles, cranberry & white chocolate cookies, brownies made with coconut, and the family all time favorite - wreath cookies. When the kids were growing up, I could not make enough of these. All they are are sugar cookies cut out with a donut cutter, frosted green with tiny cinnamon candies. My least favorite cookies are ones that have to be cut out as they are so much time and work. Of course, they would be the family favorite!
This year, I was going to buy Peppermint Bark from William Sonoma but had second thoughts when I read that it was $26!!! Surely, I could figure out how to make it myself. I love Google!!! You can find just about anything there and I did find an easy (4 ingredients!!) recipe for peppermint bark. Everyone who tried my first batch raved about it so it will now be part of my annual baking.
If you ask people about holiday traditions, baking is often a big part of it. They recall fondly a recipe their mother or grandmother made year after year, and some things she ONLY made at Christmas which made them even more special. When I am long gone, I hope part of my children's and grandchildren's memories include those darn wreath cookies and how they were made with love for them.

Piggies

Anyone who knows me, knows I collect pigs. They are all over the house in various forms. This time of year, my special Christmas pigs emerge. The big pink one is outside the entry windows and is lit up. He is peeking out from the plants.

The picture on the right is of a new ornament display I bought this year. Crate and Barrel used these sliver things to display their ornaments that were for sale, however, the actual hanger was NOT for sale. They had so many requests from customers to buy them, they finally started making them for sale. I saw them last year and didn't buy one. When their catalog came this year, I decided it would be my "To: ME From: ME" gift. I think that is how you add to your decorations, a little each year. I love this one because I can change what is hanging from it each time it is displayed. This first year, I decided that the piggie ornaments get the honor. That's the great thing about Christmas and decorating. There are no rules, just have fun with it. Again, as I said in a previous post, we don't do "formal", we do "fun" at the Svobodas. I once had someone new come to my home and she told me she had never seen a house with so many whimsical things! I took that as a great complement. This stressful, busy world could use a little more whimsical. If you need a dose, stop on by!

The Tree

"Never worry about the size of the tree. To a child, they are all 30' tall!"

Each year, putting the ornaments on the tree is like having a visit with old friends. As I place each one, it helps me recall where it came from, who gave it to me, a trip we took, etc. Each holds its own story. Some of the ornaments are really past their prime (aren't many of us, as well??), but I cannot part with them. The ones made by my children when they were small still command special locations on the tree--front and center.
I see decorated trees in magazines that are all color coordinated perfectly with matching ornaments and the perfectionist in me really admires them. I just can't bring myself to create a tree with that look. Our tree is a mish mash of fancy and homemade and, in that, reflects the personality of our family--far from perfect, somewhat lopsided, colorful and original.
What's your favorite ornament on your tree?