Friday, December 24, 2010

Here Comes Santa Claus!!!

Ready or not here he comes! 
I hope you are all enjoying your Christmas Eve and are making wonderful memories! We have had a busy day but tonight will be relaxing. Hubby and I loaded up in the prettiest snow this morning and finished up the last minute for gifts and groceries.  We also went and spent time with my mom at the hospital.  She was doing well and happy to be staying inside on this chilly day. We continue to praise God for her continued recovery. The doctor said he will keep her in the hospital until at least Monday. 

Our last stop was Wally World and I was quite happy to exit the craziness going on! I just kept saying through the aisles "I think I can, I think I can!" We got home and had our fun family gift exchange where we draw names for Christmas Eve. Then my daughter and son in law had to head for another Christmas get together and the rest of us are settling in for lots of snacks, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, last minute gift wrapping, reading the Christmas story, leaving out cookies and milk, and a Christmas movie.  Not sure what it is tonight...I have truly watched a lot of Christmasy movies this season. Sitting in a hospital allows for that. I never get burned out on them! The sappier/happier they are the better!

Tomorrow we plan to get up early and see what Santa left, open gifts, have our traditional breakfast of Monkey Bread, Breakfast Casserole, Juice and Coffee, head to the hospital to spend time with Mom, and then come home for a Christmas supper of a Honey Baked Spiral Cut Ham, Cheesey Potatoes, Grandma Sharon's Vegetable Casserole, Hawaiian Bread, Eclaire Dessert and Hot Wassail.  What's your menu for Christmas Day? ( I might want to steal a recipe! :0)....
Now as you might have noticed, I have not been taking/posting any new pictures recently. I have NO camera. (It died after it was cast TWICE into the ocean when my husband tipped our catamaran over on a Caribbean trip in Sept. '09... I think I've cried to you about this story before!) I've hinted about getting a new camera and perhaps it will be on Santa's sleigh tonight? I'll get back with you on that one! I've been having to bum off my daughters whenever I need a new picture.


I have LOVED LOVED LOVED looking at all your beautiful Christmas pictures you have been taking. They have warmed my heart. You have put me in the holiday spirit with all your cooking, wrapping, decor, lights, trees, etc. 


Tonight we have a roaring fire, Christmas lights aglow, and we are nestled in.  My babies aren't really babies anymore...but we still go through the motions! I can't bear them growing up to be too big for Christmas fun! What could be better?  I look forward to hearing about your special time with your families. 
What do you do on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day?



  Twas the Night before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"



4 comments:

Farming On Faith said...

I am rejoicing with you tonight that your Mom is doing well. Praise the Lord. We too~ are enjoying a cozy fire and lots of snacks. My Brian and I did about the same as you today. We had many deliveries to make. That was fun.
We are having Prime Rib Roast~ I have never cooked it before. It was very pricey but I splurged. I am trying Paula Dean's recipe. We will have a quiet day tomorrow with just Hannah and Caleb home. My Mom will come. Our big family dinner will be Sunday with my family. Brian's family is in Michigan. My Boson and his parents are in Colorado ~it is the other Grandma's turn. Next year will be mine again. Trying not to be sad~ counting my blessings.
I am loving the snow.
You have a wonderful Christmas!

Linda Stubbs said...

Thank you so for coming over Tanya........we opened our presents tonight with all our kids and family.........it was so exciting with all 10 grandchildren.....they were so happy! Vitaliy enjoyed himself so much....he has learned thank you........so he used that a lot. He also learned Merry Christmas.........was precious. He is a hugger for sure.

For Christmas dinner.......turkey and all the trimmings.....fresh cranberry salad......orange jello with tangerine slices.......cream corn......mashed potatoes...gravy.....sweet potatoes...... that we grew from our garden....and all kinds of pies..........then the daughter in loves bring what ever they would like. They are very helpful!

We do not have snow........but I have all my kids.....so I have to be thankful.

You are so precious with your Momma!
Love you sweet friend and Merry CHRISTmas! me

Hi Carrie you have a wonderful CHRISTmas also!

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Merry Christmas to my blog friend...Hope you have a wonderful day.
Teresa

Life In a Little House said...

Merry Christmas....So glad to hear your Mom is continuing on the road to recovery I have been praying for her. Your Christmas sounds wonderful!! I will be posting in a couple days some of the food and things we have enjoyed in a blog post:)We had fun with new recipes this year!! Enjoy your family. ~Love Heather