December 24, 2014

Christmas Traditions: Twas The Night Before Christmas

For as long as I can remember, I've always read The Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve. Do y'all do that too?

When my sisters were little, we would all snuggle together in bed and read the story. After I moved away, I still made a point of reading it with The Hubs. In fact, one year my family recorded themselves reading the storybook, so now I can listen to it as well!

Record your own storybook

One of our most treasured possessions though, is a gift we received for our very first Christmas together. My sister-in-law is a very talented embroiderer, and she made us this book:



Isn't it beautiful work???

Now, every Christmas, we look though our gorgeous, handmade copy of Twas The Night Before Christmas whilst we listen to my family read the story out loud from the other book.

Do you have any traditions like this? Comment below, peeps!


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December 23, 2014

Last Minute DIY Christmas Gifts

Ugh, I've been sick for weeks!! You know what that means? A lot less time to prepare gifts for friends and family! Also, lots less blogging. Luckily, the doc gave me some great drugs and I'm starting to feel better, whew.

Over the past several years especially, I've been leaning toward homemade Christmas gifts rather than purchased items. In my family, we always called it 'Make It or Bake It'. Some of the best gifts I've ever received have been handmade. They really come from the heart, and it shows.

I love giving out gifts to everyone, my neighbors and friends and family. Here are a couple suggestions if you're struggling with homemade gift ideas this year, and if you're as behind as me!

1. Homemade Taco Seasoning - This is one of my newest passions, mixing my own seasonings. Those packets in the grocery store? They can contain all kinds of weird stuff that I don't want in my body. Make a batch for your neighbors, and attach a set of directions, they'll love it!



2. We Whisk You A Merry Christmas - This is fantastic for teachers and neighbors. And I admit I totally got this idea from Pinterest. Fill a kitchen whisk with goodies, seal with plastic wrap and a bow, then attach a cute little card. Done!



3. Brown Sugar Scrub - Boy, do I love a homemade sugar scrub! This one smells like cookies, totally irresistible.




4. Naughty to Nice Chocolate Chip Cookies - Speaking of cookies, these are fab-u-lous! Despite being ill the past few weeks, I still made a double batch of these cookies, sick or not. They are that good peeps. In fact, this is one of the most popular recipes on the blog. Make a batch, wrap up those cookies, and start distributing to your neighbors and friends! I gave a bag out just this morning.




5. The Happy Jar! - This is, by far, the most popular post I've ever written. It might not be so good as a last minute gift, but it's still worth mentioning. You could always make mani version of this if you're short on time. Who doesn't love happy thoughts and inspiration right at their fingertips??



6. Homemade Caramel Sauce - You probably have all the ingredients for this easy sauce right in your fridge already! This takes no time to come together, and makes a great gift. And yes, I totally gave out a bunch of these this year too! Include a gift tag with my Quickie Apple Pie recipe, and you've got a hit. 





That's it for now folks! I'm planning to create more fun gifts throughout the year, so we'll add to this list next next Christmas. One last idea for you....


Attach a simple ornament to your gift bag for a little extra fun! You can find small packages of basic ornaments at the Dollar Tree that are perfect for this. Or, if you're in Europe and visiting the Christmas markets, seek out the small wooden ornaments that are so popular here.

Until next time, my friends.... Merry Christmas!



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Christmas Traditions: Trimming the Tree

When do you decorate your Christmas tree? I know many people like putting theirs up the day after Thanksgiving. The Hubs and I vary from year to year. Circumstances are always different. Heck, last year we didn't even have our house unpacked so there was no tree!

But this year, I am completely caught up in the holiday season. Our tree went up the weekend before Thanksgiving (no judgement, peeps!). There really is no place like Germany when it comes to Christmas. The spirit here has fully infected us, and I love it.



I'm determined to have a completely "German" Christmas tree by the time we move again. Meaning, I want all my ornaments to be purchased and from Germany. The Christmas markets are a perfect place to find my decorations. Here are a few of my favorites from this year:

Lace and ball

Crocheted Santa



From Rothenburg, Germany

I like picking things up wherever I go, and I'm leaning a bit more traditional in my tastes this year. I've also purchased many, many wooden ornaments, I'm obsessed!

I have one other new favorite 'ornament' this year, I wonder if you've seen them before? These cones are designed to hang on your tree, but they can be filled with candy and small gifts. The Hubs has already emptied the treats out of several of these on our tree!


What kind of ornaments do you like on your tree? Homemade, flashy, traditional? Comment below, my friends!


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December 3, 2014

Christmas Traditions: Stockings

Stockings have always been one of my favorite parts of Christmas! You can ask my mom, I always say Christmas wouldn't be the same without a stocking over the fireplace.

Here in Bavaria, they celebrate Saint Nikolaus Day on December 6th. On December 5th, children place a boot outside their doors and hope they've been good enough to receive gifts and candy from Saint Nikolaus. If they haven't, then a tree root will be placed in their boot instead. If they are particularly naughty, then the children will be punished by Krampus, or carried away in his sack!


Krampus in Neumarkt, Germany

Holy cow, I would be too scared to misbehave if that guy was coming to my door!!

Hubs and I won't be placing boots outside our day, but we'll be observing Saint Nikolaus Day. Since there are no kids in our house, our Lucy dog reaps all the benefits...





Yes, my dog has two stockings. What of it?  I mean, there is Saint Nikolaus Day and Christmas to think about!

Do you celebrate Saint Nikolaus Day or put your stockings out on Christmas Eve? Comment below, peeps. Until next time!



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