Vintage Village- Childhood Christmas In A Box

A very special box arrived today for Christmas. In our family, my grandparents had a little chipboard village set up under the tree every year. The tree was perched on a special tiered wooden stand Grandpa built into a corner. On each level fluffy batting provided a snow covered landscape, and each house was placed with figurines dotting the town by Grandma’s hand.  As a child I remember spending precious time on the floor, carefully observing each piece and imagining where they’d spend their time. I am sure my cousins did the same… This set dates at least 1965, and you can tell by the wearing of the paint on Santa’s sleigh that it was well loved. This year the set was parceled out as precious gifts. Aunt Kathy, Mom, and Me. I found out that my mother lovingly said to send her part to me. Now that is love.

My Grandma collected these when her own children were at home. Remember S.W. Woolworths? The original dime store? The price on some of the houses indeed asks for a price of 10 cents. The accesories in the village were largely bought to be decor to adorn packages…Grandma says it is amazing they have held up at all for these long years…

And my call for Vintage choir pieces was answered…surprisingly with a choir of Angels from my own family!   ”Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for I bring you good tidings if great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, Christ the Lord.’ ” Luke 2:10-11

Merry Christmas, count your blessings, remember what we are celebrating. “God bless us everyone…” as Tiny Tim said… Thanks Grandma, Kathy, Mom. I love you deeply and consider you treasured gifts in the foundation of my life.

“Retro” Sugar Cookies

This week allowed a fun filled day of making cookies with plenty of children. We all had a blast together, and used the old cookie cutters from my childhood. Yes…I almost cringed when the kids talked about these being “old” with big eyes as only a 6 year old can do. The 70′s are old? Who knew?

My memories of making cookies with my own family as a child are priceless. I encourage you to try this simple recipe and make some memories of your own. It is messy, loud, and fun that’s true. But seeing a child delight in their one of kind artistic creation is worth it! One important tip, the butter must be softened to have a good turnout.

Easy Sugar Cookies via allrecipes.com

•                    4 cups all-purpose flour
•                     1 teaspoon baking powder
•                     1/2 teaspoon baking soda
•                     1/2 teaspoon salt
•                     1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
•                     1 cup butter, softened
•                     1 1/2 cups white sugar
•                     1 egg
•                     1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•                     1/2 cup sour cream

Directions

1.                     Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg; set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla and sour cream until well blended. Stir in the sifted ingredients. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill overnight.
2.                     Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch in thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 1/2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
3.                     Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why The Nativity?

I have been reading a book by David Jeremiah called Why the Nativity? I have plenty of books about Christmas and wasn’t expecting to learn so much. In truth, I learned more about Christmas, the heart of it, in this small book than in all of my 41 years of life. It asked, and answered, questions I didn’t even realize I was missing. The kids even read through the short chapters as Bible time this month. That good, and surprisingly something I picked up off a sale rack a few years ago. This year I hope to follow the directive of this author, “staying busy with the work of Heaven.”

We Don’t Have To Answer For Christmas

I was invited to witness an exchange last week between two people, we’ll call them A and B. Person A was sending an email out to let people know, again, why he chooses not to celebrate Christmas. This man tells all who will listen about his devotion to God, yet can sometimes offend by his statements. Person B listened, and responded. I found this exchange to be interesting enough to share, with permission, because it highlights words often heard. The response of B seemed thoughtful and reminded me that our goals as followers of Christ is to share His teachings, not preach our own gospel.

Person A:

Hi … not to make any mad or spoil your season, but couldn’t pass sending this link (…..) to you for review.  If nothing else you’ll see why I no longer celebrate Christmas … you can leave it or you can challenge me.  It’s your call …  I’m not trying to convice anyone to see my way … you decide what is truth and what will honor God.  Bless you and I mean just that, according to His Word and according to His compassion, Person A

Person B:

technically- all this info is not new news….but being technically right does not necessarily touch hearts or change lives. Christmas and the celebration of Jesus’ birth and life should be for us -every day. but as the verse says…for God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son- that whosoever shall believe in HIM shall have eternal life….it does not say- that whosoever believes in the right doctrine or correct facts about historical evidence of christianity. be careful  that you become so intellectually correct and historically accurate- but lose the hearts of others and the spirit of the One that created and fulfilled the law. I am not trying to make you mad or spoil your season either….maybe instead of not celebrating christmas at all….one should celebrate it every day of the year???

Christmas Countdown Clock

http://www.xmasclock.com/

Free Christmas Presents- The Ultimate Regift

Thinking about Christmas gifts sparked a new idea. Money is tighter and one benefit is the realization many have for the true value of things.

One way to stretch our budget is to only spend money on the postage. When we live far from loved ones, that cost can surpass the actual gift price! Try this idea…it could be special to share things we already have in our house. How many of us are surrounded by possessions? Too many? See if your family is agreeable to doing a treasure hunt in each home to find something that another would appreciate. Piles of sentimental pictures and a note explaining the circumstances and details would delight the family historian. The beautiful untouched journal on the shelf would find a good home with the deep thinker. Great Auntie’s earrings are back in vogue for the teens. Books or magazines have life after one read! A fun tradition might just be waiting to emerge…

Moody Radio Thanksgiving Treats

Moody radio http://www.moodyradio.org/brd_mainpage.aspx?id=27154 has some very cool online things to share for free with you this year. From the website…

“Remembering Pilgrims

Unique stereo recordings capture the sounds of the water where Pilgrims first landed and the creaks and groans of the Mayflower II on “Remembering Pilgrims.” A colorful palate of engaging interviews, authentic hymns from the era and dramatic vignettes all paint a picture of American history.”

and

Thanksgiving Specials The Crossing: A Cabin Boy’s Journal Join Patrick Blythe, an orphaned 14-year-old, who takes the job of cabin boy on the Mayflower. Like most of the crew, Patrick is irreligious and derisive toward the pilgrims. During the Atlantic crossing, Patrick becomes ill and passengers like William and Mary Brewster minister to him, impressing him with their kindness. Patrick finds himself pulled in two directions—toward the God of the pilgrims and toward the relative safety of his coarse companions

Crock Pot Sausage Stuffing Recipe

This is from Taste of Home magazine. It is delicious! I didn’t use low-fat sausage, but to save in the health department they recommend using lighter butter, sausage and low sodium broth. Having the stuffing cook in the crockpot saves counter and oven space for Thanksgiving, though you might want to start eating this year round…

Slow-Cooked Sausage Dressing Recipe

Photo by: Taste of Home website

Slow-Cooked Sausage Dressing Recipe

• 12 Servings
• Prep: 20 min. Cook: 3 hours

        Ingredients

• 1/2 pound reduced-fat bulk pork sausage ( I used Sage flavored, and once use Hot and Spicy. Both delish)
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 7 cups seasoned stuffing cubes (not Stove top)
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium tart apple, chopped
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans (I did not use these, didn’t miss it)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1-1/2 teaspoons rubbed sage
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

• In a large nonstick skillet, cook the sausage, celery and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Transfer to a large bowl; stir in the remaining ingredients.
•    Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker coated with cooking spray. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until heated through and apple is tender, stirring once. Yield: 8 cups.