The homestead is bustling like an elf shop these days with gift wrapping, cooking, hosting gatherings and attending others. We like to read holiday books and watch videos during the down time to get excited for the big day coming. Here are five we like this year: 1) Hanukkah at Valley Forge by Stephen Krensky is based on the true story of George Washington learning about the holiday from a Jewish soldier in the Revolutionary [...]

Our Xmas was truly lovely.  The Goose Dinner went off without a hitch, Lillian was patient during the many family gatherings, and we loved the wintery weather.  We received some fantastic handmade gifts during the festivities. Click pictures to enlarge. My sister sewed me a lower half apron with purple fabrics from my 30th birthday quilt, Lillian’s gift, a handmade purse, and gifts from years past. She also was the crafty person behind Devie and [...]

Precious few family and friends will receive a Santa Chicken in the mail this week.  As is our family tradition, Lil’s illustration was printed on a postcard.  She later painstakingly water colored each chicken. Lil offers you, dear readers, her chicken christmas joke. “Why did the chicken cross the road?” “To eat the Christmas worm.” Ho ho!

What do we believe? What do we celebrate? Why? This are important questions, and ones that contribute to winter holiday stress for many.  Some find strife when family members disagree on the reasons for the season.  Others lament a general lack of meaning, or the transfer of moral significance to commercial gain. Our Winter Holiday History For the first few years of our marriage, Alex and I celebrated whatever we wanted to, picking and choosing [...]

The goose was cooked and enjoyed.  Devie watched all proceedings to make sure no bit was wasted.  Look for a post later this week related to the Rose Bowl about how to cook duck and goose. After snuggles and stories, Lil went to bed. Lil’s big present this year is an indoor swing.  We installed it (well, Alex installed and I tested) between the dining room and living room. Yes, I do hope I get [...]

Tastes and smells are a necessary component to memory.  Foods bring us back to a place and time, defining everyday and holiday experiences. At Christmas time, the formal Christmas Eve dinner is that memory maker for me. The last two years we have hosted a meal for friends and family at our house, as we will again this year. The menu varies slightly each year but typically follows an old English style. Dishes are always [...]