tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245960788517958704.post7192460649122396844..comments2024-02-02T20:21:31.097-05:00Comments on All the Pretty Things: Countdown to Christmas...Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09637712312686274989noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245960788517958704.post-12028557832245202952012-11-03T11:09:46.761-04:002012-11-03T11:09:46.761-04:00Alicia, I assume that is a photo from the previous...Alicia, I assume that is a photo from the previous winter, and you haven't yet been "blessed" with that much snow in Burlington LOL.<br /><br />Like you, I was raised in a very traditional home where both Easter and Christmas were strong expressions of our religious beliefs (especially Easter in my case). However, Christmas was a special time in my childhood, and my parents made an effort to include secular practices in our celebrations. The Christmas tree and gift-giving had a place, though it remained secondary, much to our chagrin as children. Unlike our friends, we received almost exclusively handmade and "useful" gifts, with the token plastic doll or toy. Funny how years later, it is those "useful" gifts I remember most, clothing or knitted items all produced it stolen moments by Mum! We drooled over the Sears (and Eatons... dating myself!) catalogues, but I can't for the life of me recall exactly what toy I coveted! <br /><br />Hope your planning goes smoothly, Alicia. This is when I start putting money aside for the special Christmas foods I like to prepare, so the financial pinch isn't as painful. I do a lot of baking and freezing well in advance, and I have a collection of inexpensive (dollar store) trays that are filled for close family and friends... a few have what they jokingly refer to as the "perpetual tray": when it has been emptied they can return it for refill as many times as they wish during the Holiday period. A gift idea for your male friends, or any singles?<br /><br /><br />Monique (A Half-Baked Notion)https://www.blogger.com/profile/16227965573117684221noreply@blogger.com