Is everyone else as excited as me??? I spent today with my Mom; she and my Dad leave for Vancouver early Sunday morning. And I’m going to see everyone else on Christmas day. I’ll be making Christmas Crack, which is my kids’ absolute favourite Christmas baking and coming over with vegan cheese (the good stuff) and garlic crackers.
I hadn’t been sure what to play today and then I saw it in the “suggested songs” section. The Grinch as sung by Pentatonix. I hope you enjoy it as much as me.
Colin and I each got ourselves each a Fitbit for Christmas (for the worry warts, we used a gift card, not our grocery money). I had every intention of testing it out on a walk today. However, it’s currently -14C before the windchill and I’m still coughing. The doctor said that would take several weeks to fade away. But that temperature and walking just don’t go well together… especially since this is the last cold day this week. Tomorrow will be a much better day.
I’m in a nostalgic mood today although nostalgia often means being ignorant of what’s happening behind the scenes (*cough* JK Rowling *cough). My nostalgia is for family Christmases gone by. I remember my Mom sadly proclaiming that Christmas dinner wasn’t anything like the Christmas of her childhood. It’s just different and, for my kids, it’s the only Christmas they’ve known.
Five more days and isn’t that coming up quickly. And, in the spirit of nostalgic Christmas, here’s a carol for you!
Oh my goodness! I started this countdown at 30 days and Christmas seemed so far away. Not so much now! This time next Wednesday, we’ll be opening our stockings and presents. I can’t wait!
It’s a blustery day here. I’d originally wanted to go for a walk in the woods but the windchill is -11C and visibility is dropping to zero on occasion. Worst of all, I’ve lost my favourite mittens. Walking outside in bare hands does not sound fun.
Today’s song is a Canadian classic. I’m not sure if you can have Christmas without Anne Murray warbling about her three wishes. I’ve got you covered though. The song’s right here, then you’re good to go for the holidays. Enjoy!
When I was younger we spent every Christmas visiting my grandparents in Ottawa. We looked forward to seeing them and to the snow, something we rarely had over the holidays. My grandfather referred to our region as the banana belt of Canada.
I was in my mid-teens when my parents informed us Ottawa had no snow. My sisters and I were floored, it was unheard of. But it happened. We drove through the pouring rain that morning and into my grandparents’ neighbourhood.
We were seated for dinner when one of my sisters yelled, “It’s snowing! Look at the snow!”
Sure enough, huge fluffy flakes were drifting down and quickly piling up. We hurried through dinner then bundled up for a walk. The snow was already up to our knees but it was light and easy to walk through. My Dad and grandfather started talking animatedly while my Mom and Nana argued against whatever plans they were cooking up. It turned out they wanted to tie a toboggan onto one of the cars and drive around the neighbourhood. Obviously we girls were super excited about this plan and my Mom and grandmother soon gave up.
Tying the toboggan pretty much required an engineering degree, which was fine since my grandfather had one, and we were finally allowed to sit. I knew my grandfather was driving slowly (my Dad was in the backseat watching us) but it felt like we were flying.
There was a family in a nearby yard. They stopped building their snowman in surprise the first time we went around. They did again for the second time but had already been looking. By our last time around, they’d given up any pretense of snowman building and were simply standing, watching for us.
We never did that ride again so it remains one perfect experience. And, for today, my song is also about a ride, albeit one with horses instead of a wooden sleigh. I hope you enjoy this version of Jingle Bells.
We’re well into the single digits now… things are getting real! We had our family Christmas yesterday and it was so nice to spend time with everyone. Next weekend my parents are off to visit my sister and her family and then we’re having Christmas for real. I can’t wait!
My bronchitis is improving slowly. I can sleep lying down now and don’t have nearly as many coughing attacks. Still really don’t recommend having it for Christmas… or any time for that matter.
Today’s carol is a popular one. I hope everyone enjoys it!
I crashed last night at eleven and slept right through until five am. I have the bladder of a squirrel, this simply doesn’t happen. Except last night it did. I was so excited I woke myself right up then ended up staying awake until 7:30am and crashed again until 9:30am. And both these times were lying down!!! The horse pills are finally working!
Today is our big family get together. My Mom spent yesterday cooking and baking up a storm and today we’ll be gathering in the living room simply to chat and spend time with each other. Only a couple more hours to go.
This is a Christmas song I enjoy, even on a day with no snow. It feels weird to post it when we’ve got bare ground. But we don’t have lanes, meadows, or horse bells either so that’s okay. It’s a glimpse into the past and, if it’s more than a bit idealized, that’s fine. It’s a song, not a history book. So here’s Dean Martin singing “Walking in a Winter Wonderland”.
Colin and I were both up at out the door today at 6:30am, mainly because we were already awake. So our shopping trip to Walmart and Superstore were practically devoid of shoppers, which is a win for me. I still ended up overwhelmed but I think that was just the lights. Coughing attacks did not make things better.
I’ve got to make Christmas Crack and wrap presents today because tomorrow is our family dinner. It’s going to be crowded but it should be fun. And before I start “baking”, here’s the song for today…
I’ve been unwrapping parcels from CMHA for my new apartment. I got a pillow and blanket, shampoo, conditioner and body wash, and a book. I also got a gift card with a good amount of money on it. A card that’s not being used until after Christmas. So this day began with a happy start. And on that note, here’s “Have a Holly, Jolly, Christmas” as sung by Burl Ives…
I was awake for most of last night, hacking and wheezing due to bronchitis, so I am more than a bit tired today. Luckily today’s song was an easy choice. I know the twelve days are supposed to occur after Christmas but I’m not digging up songs in January.
This is not the original version of the song by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s my favourite version.
Guess what I got for Christmas? Bronchitis!!! Don’t I just get the best gifts? But I’ve seen the doctor and got my prescriptions. And hopefully they’ll take effect soon.
I missed yesterday due to a hour and a half long nap but I’ve got a song for today. Enjoy!
Because I'm Fabulous 