Aug 22

 

 

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White Chocolate Surprise

 

1-12 oz package white chocolate pieces
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup salted cashew pieces
1/2 cup golden raisins

 

Microwave the white chocolate in a microwave safe bowl on 100% power (high) for 1 minute; stir until smooth. (Continue to microwave at 10 second intervals if chocolate is not melted.) Add fruit and nuts and stir until mixed well. Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let cool and enjoy!

 

Number of Servings: 24 to 32

 

 

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 Chocolate Cinnamon Stirrers

 

2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon flavored oil
24 (4-inch long) cinnamon sticks

 

In a small saucepan, melt chocolate chips over low heat. Remove from heat. Stir in flavored oil. Dip about 2/3 of each cinnamon stick into melted chocolate. Place on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Chill about 30 minutes or until chocolate hardens.

 

Use cinnamon sticks to stir hot coffee or hot chocolate. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator.

 

posted by angelchef tamara in Christmas Express

 

 

* * * * *

A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE
It was six months ago, and a day,
when her husband passed away.
The doctors said there's no more to do,
so she quit her job to help him through.
The child was sleeping when his father died,
to tell her son, oh how she tried.
The little boy cried that night,
full of fear, full of fright.
And on that night she lost her faith,
never to believe in the "Pearly Gate".
She made a vow to never pray,
it meant nothing now, anyway.
At the funeral, he could only stare,
wishing that his Dad were there.
Tears were filling people's eyes,
saddened by the young boy's cries.
As the months went by, things got rough,
she went back to work, but it wasn't enough.
With no food, no money, and bills to pay,
she just couldn't bring herself to pray.
Before she knew it, it was Christmas Time,
and she wasn't able to save a dime.
She felt so bad that she had no tree,
for all her son's friends to see.
On Christmas Eve, they slept together,
she promised her son, she'd be there forever.
He asked her if Santa was coming tonight,
she whispered no, with tears in sight.
Her son would sulk, it wasn't fair,
she hated to see him in despair.
She wanted to give her son some joy,
oh how she wished she had a toy.
THEN:
The mother got to her knees to pray,
asking the Lord to hear her say.
She asked for help to return a smile,
to the face of her little child.
On Christmas Morning, the boy was screaming,
she saw his eyes were wide and gleaming.
At the door were games, toys, even a bike,
and a card that said "for the tyke".
With a great big smile and eyes so bright,
he kissed his mom as he held her tight.
She learned that a charity heard of her plight,
and frantically scrambled through the night.
THEN AGAIN:
The mother got to her knees to pray,
thanking the Lord for hearing her say.
She thanked the Lord for returning a smile,
to the face of her little child.

-- By Paul R. MacPherson
Somerville, Ma. 

 

 

 

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http://teriscraftspot.blogspot.com/2012/08/christmas-in-july-second-project.html

 

Christmas In July! - Second Project

The second project for my Christmas In July Event was a decorated Gift Tin containing 6 Tags.

Stamps : Pines & Poinsettias
Card stock : Real Red, Very Vanilla
DSP : Holly Berry Bouquet Speciality
Ink : Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi
Other Products : White Baker's, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

 

 

 

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things to do at christmas time, Read a Christmas story

 

A Christmas Story is a 1983 American Christmas comedy film based on the short stories and semi-fictional anecdotes of author and raconteur Jean Shepherd, including material from his books In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash, and Wanda Hickey's Night of Golden Memories. It was directed by Bob Clark. The film has since become a holiday classic and is shown numerous times on television during the Christmas season on the network TBS,

 

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http://www.allaboutyou.com/craft/knit-free/Christmas-craft-handmade-Christmas?src=soc_fcbk

Make it a handmade Christmas: 100+ Christmas craft ideas...

Find everything you'll want to make for a handmade Christmas, with links to all our free patterns for Christmas craft

 

 

 

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Billie C.

http://pinterest.com/mountainrose57/
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/
http://billieschristmascorner.blogspot.com/

Aug 21

 

 

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Candy Cane Squares

 

Ingredients:

 

1 cup real semi-sweet chocolate chips
2/3 cup whipping cream

 

Filling Ingredients:

 

1 cup powdered sugar
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons peppermint extract
1 1/2 cups whipping cream, whipped
2/3 cup coarsely crushed red or green hard peppermint candies

 

Combine all crust ingredients in small bowl. Press onto bottom of ungreased 13x9-inch baking pan. Set aside.

 

Melt chocolate chips and 2/3 cup whipping cream in 1-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth (4 to 5 minutes). Spread evenly over crust. Place in freezer while making filling (at least 10 minutes).

 

Combine powdered sugar, cream cheese and peppermint extract in large bowl. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until smooth and creamy. Gently stir in whipped cream and crushed candies. Spread evenly over ganache layer. Sprinkle with additional crushed candy, if desired. Cover; freeze 4 hours or overnight.

 

To serve, cut into squares. Top each serving with small candy cane, if desired. Serve frozen or refrigerated. Store frozen.

 

Recipe Tip
To crush candy, place in resealable plastic food bag and pound with a rolling pin or meat mallet, checking often to make sure you don't pulverize the candy.

 

Recipe Tip
To remove the powdery residue from the crushed candy, place crushed candy in a mesh strainer; shake until most of residue is removed.

 

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"The Best Time of All" 

 Author Unknown
from the IDEALS Christmas Magazine 1961

Little fairy snowflakes
Dancing in the flue;
Old Mr. Santa Claus,
What is keeping you?

Twilight and firelight
Shadows come and go;
Merry chime of sleigh-bells
Twinkling through the snow.

Mother's knitting stockings,
Kitty's got the ball.
Don't you thinki that Christmas
Is pleasantest of all?

 

 

 

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http://www.bhg.com/christmas/crafts/handmade-gifts-for-friends/#page=3

 

Glass paperweights decked out for the holidays make practical and gender-neutral gifts -- ideal for coworkers and teachers. The simple project starts with a glass paperweight kit, available at crafts and hobby stores or online. Decorate the paperweight with scrapbooking paper, gift wrap, or an old Christmas card. Thin foam letters glued to the paper send glad tidings.

 

 

 

 

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things to do at christmas time, Play the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer game

 

 

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Christmas site link

 

 

Humor Matters - Christmas Jokes and Funny Stories
http://humormatters.com/holidays/xmas.htm

 

 

 

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Billie C.

http://pinterest.com/mountainrose57/
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/
http://billieschristmascorner.blogspot.com/

Aug 20

 

 

 

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Yuletide Cheesecake
Crust:
1 1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, melted

 

Cheesecake:
36 NESTLÉ BUTTERFINGER or Milk Chocolate Jingles
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs

 

Topping:
1 (16-ounce) container sour cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
For Crust: Grease bottom and side of 9-inch springform pan.
Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter in medium bowl. Press onto bottom of prepared pan. Place in freezer for 5 minutes.
For Cheesecake: Set aside 12 Nestlé Jingles to use for garnish. Unwrap and cut remaining Nestlé Jingles in quarters.
Beatcream cheese and sugar in large mixer bowl until fluffy. Beat in vanilla extract. Beat in eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sprinkle cut Nestlé Jingles over bottom of crust to 1/2-inch from edge. Pour filling into crust.
Bake for 50 minutes or until center is set and edges begin to crack. Cool for 2 minutes before adding sour cream topping.
For Topping: Combine sour cream, sugar and vanilla extract in medium bowl; mix well. Spread over surface of warm cheesecake. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack.
Refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Remove side of springform pan. Garnish each slice with one unwrapped Nestlé Jingle.
Makes 12 servings.
Cook's Note: NESTLÉ Jingles are available mid-November through December

 

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Believe - from Polar Express

Children, sleeping.
Snow is softly falling.
Dreams are calling,
Like bells in the distance.
We were dreamers,
Not so long ago.
But one by one, we
All had to grow up.

When it seems the magic slipped away...
We find it all again on Christmas Day.

Believe in what your heart is saying,
Hear the melody that's playing.
There's no time to waste,
There so much to celebrate.
Believe in what you feel inside,
Give your dreams the wings to fly.
You have everything you need, if you just believe.

Trains move quickly
To their journey's end.
Destinations...
Are where we begin again.
Ships go sailing,
Far across the sea.
Trusting starlight,
To get where they need to be.

When it seems that we have lost our way...
We find ourselves again on Christmas Day.

Believe in what your heart is saying,
Hear the melody that's playing
There's no time to waste,
There so much to celebrate.
Believe in what you feel inside,
And give your dreams the wings to fly.
You have everything you need, if you just Believe.

If you just believe.
If you just believe.
If you just believe...just believe...just believe.

 

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http://eyeballsbydaycraftsbynight.wordpress.com/2012/08/14/dollar-store-christmas-craft-wooden-snowman-spoons/

 

 I have used wooden spoons for other projects but realized their flat round spoons would make perfect little snowman faces! This set of 4 wooden spoons from Walmart wasn't even $1…they were only $.88! Score! You can also usually find a set of 4 at any dollar store.

I spray painted them with Rustoleum Heirloom White. Any white spray paint would do, and because they are such light-colored wood, one coat worked fine.

Once dried I prepared to paint snowman faces using a Sharpie paint pen for the eyes, a thin black marker for the eyebrows and my favorite rusty orange acrylic paint for the noses.

I played around with different faces…some with mouths and eyebrows…some without…do whatever you think is cute!

Tied on a strip of homespun fabric "scarf"…awwwwww….

They would be great sticking out of vases around the holidays! In decorative jars, a little snowman family grouped in a small crock or jug, tied onto gifts…you could stick em' anywhere!

Looking at them, I realize there is SO much more you could do with these…

• Add rosy cheeks
• Different styles of mouths (like x's or a long thin squiggly line)
• Seal with a coat of sparkly Mod Podge to make them shimmer
• Sand the edges and use brown craft paint or gel stain to "grubby" them up
• Glue spaced out buttons down the length of the stick
• Add a rusty tin star around the neck
• Tie a tall one and short one together
• Drill a tiny hole to make em into hanging ornaments
• OR…spray paint the spoons ORANGE and do PUMPKIN faces!!! OOOOooooh…those are going to happen for sure!!!

 

 

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things to do at Christmas time, Watch Charlie Brown Christmas.

 

A Charlie Brown Christmas is the first prime-time animated TV special based upon the comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz. It was produced and directed by former Warner Bros. and UPA animator Bill Melendez, who also supplied the voice for the character of Snoopy. Initially sponsored by Coca-Cola, the special debuted on CBS in 1965, and has been aired during the Christmas season every year since: on CBS through 2000, and on ABC since 2001. Long an annual telecast, the special is now shown at least twice during the weeks leading up to Christmas. The special has been honored with both an Emmy and Peabody Award. Since its original airdate, the special has become a classic to watch during the Christmas season.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Brown_Christmas

 

 

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http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/history/mistletoe.htm

 

The history of the Mistletoe.

 

 

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Billie C.

http://pinterest.com/mountainrose57/
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/
http://billieschristmascorner.blogspot.com/

Aug 17

 

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Chocolate Chip Bars

 

1 yellow cake mix

 

1/4 cup water

 

2 eggs

 

1/2 cup chopped nuts

 

1/4 cup soft butter

 

1/4 cup brown sugar

 

12 oz chocolate chips

 

Mix 1/2 cake mix, water, eggs, butter and sugar.

 

Blend in rest of cake mix.

 

Stir in chips and nuts.

 

Spread in greased and floured jelly roll pan 15x10x1

 

Bake 20-25 minutes 375º

 

When cooled dust with confectioners sugar

 

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 "Because of Christmas"

 by Grace Mathews Walker
from the IDEALS Christmas Magazine 1961

The precious Christmas story
Lives on through all the years,
And mother love is kinder,
Because of Mary's tears.

And earth is still a haven
For men who seek the right,
Life still has depth of love
Because of Christmas night.

If men could meet at Christmas
Around the manger bed
And catch the Christmas spirit
The hunger would be fed,
And little children everywhere
Would know true love and tender care,
Because of Christmas.

 

 

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http://cjaneblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/christmas-craft.html

 

Christmas Craft

I thought I would share an idea for an easy and inexpensive craft. It seems like every holiday I decorate with candy. I have candy for eating and candy for decorating, the candy I use in these is now three years old ~ it's great, I am not tempted and my kids know it is "yucky and old" so they don't even ask.

Anyway, on to the craft.

Here are the supplies you need:
I bought these all at Michaels, I am sure you can get them at any ol' craft store. I spent a total of 17 dollars to make the following three and that is without any coupons or sales.

I don't have step by step photos or directions, I really don't think it is necessary. It is helpful, however, to have a sister-in-law who has a craft room like a celebrity and is so generous to cut the vinyl snowflakes for me. Thanks Alissa!! You really could do a million things with this, any holiday would be cute. Who doesn't love a gumball machine?

 

 

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things to do at Christmas time, Watch Frosty the Snowman.

http://www.frostythesnowman.com/

One day in a school shortly before Christmas, a magician named Professor Hinkle is hired to perform for the pupils but fails to entertain them, so they go outside and build a snowman that they name Frosty. However, Professor Hinkle's rabbit, Hocus Pocus, escapes from the building while wearing his owner's top hat, which the children decide to put on top of Frosty's head, and the magic from the hat successfully anthropomorphizes him. This delights the students, but the agitated Hinkle wants his hat back, which the children refuse to provide him with. Antagonized by both the children's dislike of his magic performance and the fact that he may not be given his top hat back, Professor Hinkle makes it his main priority to snatch the hat back from Frosty.

The children and their snowman gleefully parade through town, shocking passersby with Frosty's anthropomorphism, and they are very happy with him, but the temperature is rising and Frosty must leave for somewhere that is colder or else he will melt. Karen, a little girl who is especially attached to Frosty, suggests that the group bring him to the North Pole, but they are barred from boarding a train that will take him there due to their lack of tickets. So, Karen and Frosty sneak into the back of a train delivering frozen goods, but Hinkle has also secretly managed to hitch a ride on the train in hopes of stealing back his hat. They travel to the North Pole, accompanied by Hocus, who has chosen to side with them rather than Hinkle, but while Frosty is safe from melting, Karen is freezing and Hocus gathers with a group of woodland creatures to build a fire for her. Frosty knows that it is best if Karen is brought home, and he and Hocus decide to enlist the help of Santa Claus to transport her there, so Hocus leaves to search for Santa while Frosty decides to take Karen to a greenhouse for warmth. Hocus manages to bring back Santa to return Karen home, but when they return to the greenhouse for Frosty and Karen, they find her sobbing over a puddle of water with Frosty's top hat lying nearby. To console Karen, Santa tells her that Frosty was made of Christmas snow and can never melt away, but Karen is still miserable. Using magic, he revives Frosty and is just about to put his hat on when Hinkle still declares that he wants his hat back and complains about this. Santa threatens to never deliver another present if he tries to harm Frosty, and he must write, promising to never try to hurt the snowman again repeatedly as an act of penance. And says he'll find a new hat in his stocking on Christmas morning. Now joyful, Hinkle runs off to fulfill this order. Soon after, Santa takes Karen on a sleigh ride home and brings Frosty back to the North Pole, keeping his promise that he'll be back again someday.

 

• Jackie Vernon as Frosty the Snowman, a snowman brought to life by a magical top hat.
• June Foray as Karen (a schoolgirl), the school's teacher, and one of the boys (using her "Rocky" voice). Many of her parts were edited out in subsequent airings (see "Later edits" below).
• Billy De Wolfe as Professor Hinkle, a magician whose goal is to get rid of Frosty to reclaim the inconsistently magical top hat.
• Paul Frees as the Policeman, the Ticket man, and Santa Claus.
• Jimmy Durante as Himself (the Narrator), who sings most of the special's songs.

 

 

Sequels

Frosty returned in several sequels:

• Frosty's Winter Wonderland - This 1976 sequel by Rankin-Bass was also written by Romeo Muller. Narration is provided by Andy Griffith. Jackie Vernon reprised his role as the voice of Frosty.

• Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July - This 1979 Rankin-Bass sequel was filmed in stop-motion animation in the style of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Rudolph's Shiny New Year. While the Frosty specials were 30 minutes long, and the Rudolph specials were 60 minutes, this ambitious special was feature length, at 97 minutes long (120 minutes on television, including commercials). Jackie Vernon once again played the role of Frosty.

• Frosty Returns - This 1992 half-hour special is not truly a sequel to the 1969 classic, as it was produced not by Rankin-Bass but by CBS. The characters, setting, and voices are different and the animation (by Bill Melendez) is vastly different. Despite this, it is shown with the original special every year on CBS and was even included as a bonus on its DVD release. John Goodman provides the voice of Frosty in this special, as Jackie Vernon, the original voice of Frosty, died in 1987.

• The Legend of Frosty the Snowman - This 2005 straight-to-video film was produced by Classic Media, the current rights holder for the original Rankin/Bass special, and the remainder of their pre-1974 library. This movie has been bundled with the original 1969 Rankin/Bass special and the CBS sequel, and has also aired on Cartoon Network. The appearance of Frosty resembles much more the Rankin-Bass character design from their original animation, and Professor Hinkle returns in two cameo appearances - shown in a picture and flashback during the special. Frosty is voiced by Bill Fagerbakke.

**********

Frosty the Snowman is an American animated television special based on the popular song of the same title. The program, which first aired on December 7, 1969 on CBS (where it has aired ever since), was produced for television by Rankin/Bass and featured the voices of comedians Jimmy Durante as narrator and Jackie Vernon as the titular character. This special marked the first use of traditional cel animation (as opposed to stop-motion animation) for Rankin/Bass in a Christmas special. Arthur Rankin, Jr. and Jules Bass wanted to give the show and its characters the look of a Christmas card, so Paul Coker, Jr., a greeting card and Mad magazine artist, was hired to do the character and background drawings. The animation was produced by Mushi Production in Japan, with then-Mushi staffer Osamu Dezaki among the animation staff. Rankin/Bass veteran writer Romeo Muller adapted and expanded the story for television as he had done with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

TV Guide ranked the special number 4 on its 10 Best Family Holiday Specials list.^[1]

 

 

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Christmas site links

http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/home/

 

http://katehadfielddesigns.com/blog/?p=898

 

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Billie C.

http://pinterest.com/mountainrose57/
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/
http://billieschristmascorner.blogspot.com/

Aug 16

 

 

Wassail for the Holiday

 

Definition list of 8 items

 

1 orange, washed

 

1 lemon, washed

 

1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves

 

3 (3-inch) sticks cinnamon

 

1/2 cup sugar

 

1 gallon apple cider

 

2 cups orange juice

 

1 cup fresh lemon juice

 

list end

 

Peel orange and lemon, keeping the rind intact as you peel. Insert cloves into the rinds.

 

Combine the clove-studded rinds, cinnamon sticks, sugar and apple cider in a large cooking pot; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 to

 

12 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.

 

To serve, add orange and lemon juices to mixture and heat until hot, but not boiling

 

 

 

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"A Note for Santa Claus"

 by Mary E. Pool
from the IDEALS Christmas Magazine 1961

How can a fuzzy, wiggly pup
Hang in my little sock,
With balls and trucks and aeroplanes,
And telephones that talk?

I've left a note for Santa that said,
"Please fill my sock to the brim;
Put my puppy in my warm bed...
I'll be waiting for him."

 

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http://www.christmas-projects.com/html/felt_heart_ornament.html

Stitched Felt Scandinavian Heart Ornament

If you have ever visited a Scandinavian country at Christmas time, you will notice how the colors of white and red dominate the holiday decorations. This simple and charming color combination is perfect for creating stitched felt ornaments for your tree.

Time required: about 30 minutes Difficulty Level: Easy Material List: - white felt - red embroidery floss -4 strands - (two strands doubled) are used to stitch around the heart and the snowflakes - batting - embroidery needle - trick marker for transferring markings onto the felt - heart cookie cutter or other heart template Instructions: 1. Cut out 2 hearts from your felt. 2. On one heart, trace snowflakes and cross stitches onto the heart. The trick marker has the advantage that the markings will disappear within a few hours or if you slightly dampen the markings with water. Now the stitch over the markings with embroidery floss. Secure the ends on the backside of the heart. 3. Place the two hearts over each other with the right sides on the outside. Blanket stitch around the heart until you are shortly before the end. Fill the heart with stuffing and then blanket stitched closed. 4. Create a loop using embroidery floss and sew onto the top of the heart as a hanger.

 

 

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things to do at christmas time, Drink a cup of hot chocolate

 

http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2012/08/14/smores-hot-chocolate/

 

S'mores Hot Chocolate

 

Everyone loves a good s'more. But when a campfire isn't an option, or you just want a new way to enjoy that chocolate-marshmallow-graham cracker combo, try a sippable version of the s'more: hot chocolate rimmed with graham crumbs and topped with a roasted marshmallow — broiled in the oven!

For the roasted marshmallows, place large or small marshmallows on a parchment-lined baking sheet and broil on high in the oven for a minute or two. Watch them carefully so that they don't burn! Once they're deep golden, take them out.

To rim your mugs, sprinkle some graham cracker crumbs in a shallow dish or on a plate.

Wipe the rim of your mugs with a wet cloth, or dip them in shallow water. Dip them into the crumbs a few times and they'll stick to the rim.

Make the hot chocolate of your choice and carefully pour it in, avoiding the rim. Top with roasted marshmallows and serve!

 

 

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http://jinglebelljunction.com/

 

 

 

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Billie C.

http://pinterest.com/mountainrose57/
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/
http://billieschristmascorner.blogspot.com/

Aug 15

 

 

 

Choc. Covered Cherries

Fondant – Melt over low heat:

3 T butter
1/4 C evaporated milk
1 t vanilla
1/4 t salt

Remove from heat –

Add gradually (4 1/4 C powdered sugar 1#)

Turn onto board – sprinkled with powdered sugar

Work until smooth.

Drain 24 maraschino cherries & cover with fondant.

Heat choc. chip until melts.

Drop into choc & remove with 2 forks.

Chill on waxed paper.

 

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"The Shepherds Had An Angel"

 by Christina G. Rossetti
from the IDEALS Christmas Magazine 1961

The Shepherds had an Angel,
The Wise Men had a star,
But what have I, a little child,
To guide me home from far,
Where glad stars sing together,
And singing Angels are?

Lord Jesus is my Guardian,
So I can nothing lack:
The lambs lie in His bosom
Along life's dangerous track:
The wilful lambs that go astray
He bleeding fetches back.

Lord Jesus is my guiding star,
My beacon light in heaven:
He leads me step by step along
The path of life uneven:
He, true light, leads me to their land
Whose day shall be at seven.

Those Shepherds through the lonely light
Sat watching by their sheep,
Until they saw the heavenly host,
Who neither tire nor sleep,
All singing "Glory, glory,"
In festival they keep.

Christ watches me, His little lambs;
Cares for me day and night,
That I may be His own in heaven:
So angels clad in white,
Shall sing their "Glory, glory"
For my sake in the height.

The Wise Men left their country
To journey morn by morn,
With gold and frankincense and myrrh,
Because the Lord was born:
God sent a star to guide them
And sent a dream to warn.
My life is like their journey,
Their star is like God's book;
I must be like those good Wise Men
With heavenward heart and look:
But shall I give no gifts to God?
What precious gifts they took!

Lord, I will give my love to Thee,
Than gold much costlier,
Sweeter to Thee than frankincense,
More prized than choicest myrrh;
Lord, make me dearer day by day,
Day by day holier;

Nearer and dearer day by day,
Till I my voice unite,
And sing my "Glory, glory"
With angels clad in white;
All "Glory, glory" given to Thee
Through all the heavenly height.

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http://www.marthastewart.com/268828/button-wreath-ornament

 

Button Wreath Ornament

• 

Martha Stewart Living Television

Colorful stray buttons can be put to new use as Christmas ornaments. If you don't have enough loose buttons, or the right colors, don't worry -- stores sell them by the bagful. Kids will enjoy this project because each wreath they make will be unique.

Tools and Materials

Needle-nose pliers or wire cutters
16-gauge copper wire, or 22-gauge green floral wire, cut to 9-inch lengths
72 buttons for each wreath
Scissors
Satin ribbon, 1/8 inch wide and 6 inches long
Seam binding for decorative bow

Button Wreath Ornament How-To

1. Using pliers, make a small loop at one end of the wire.

2. Thread buttons onto the wire until you have enough to form the size of the wreath you want. Our wreaths are 2 1/2 inches in diameter.

3. Using pliers, bend the plain end of the wire around the looped end. This will form the wreath.

4. Use the satin ribbon to make a loop for hanging the wreath; tie the ribbon in a knot about 3 inches above the wreath.

5. Tie a bow of seam binding to decorate the wreath.

Resources

16-gauge copper wire and 22-gauge silver-plate wire available at local craft and hardware-supply stores. 22-gauge green floral wire available at local floral-supply stores.

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things to do at christmas time, Make fudge.

 

Easy Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge

 

12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 can Eagle Brand milk
2 heaping tbsp. peanut butter

 

Place chocolate chips and milk in microwave safe bowl. Cook on high for 5 minutes. Remove from microwave, stir in 2 heaping tablespoons of peanut butter. Spread in pan. Cool and cut.

 

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http://www.christmas-poems.com/

 

Here are some of the most beloved Christmas poems and stories for your entertainment.

The Night Before Christmas By Clement Clarke Moore
"Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house..."

The Twelve Days of Christmas
"On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me..."

Christmas Bells By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
"I heard the bells on Christmas day..."

 

 

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Billie C.

http://pinterest.com/mountainrose57/
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/
http://billieschristmascorner.blogspot.com/

aug 14

 

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Peanut butter fudge
3 cups sugar
1 cup milk
1 cup peanut butter
3 Tbsp. Butter
1 Tsp. Vanilla
Few grains of salt.
Combine sugar, milk, butter, and salt in a pan; cook until soft ball stage. Remove from heat ; add peanut butter and vanilla. Beat until it starts to thicken. Pour into a buttered pan. She mentions that you can use crunchy peanut butter if desired.

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Away In A Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.

 

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http://dollmaker.nunodoll.com/santa/santa_claus.html

 

Santa Claus doll

Here comes Santa Claus with lots of presents.

This is 12 inch Santa Claus.
If you print the patterns shrinking or enlarging, you make your Santa Claus in any size.

Patterns

Print the patterns of Santa Claus out on A4 paper.

• Head, arm and leg
• Jacket and pants
• Cap and body
  
• pdf (all)

Materials

• Felt (skin)
• Polyester fiberfill
• Cotton batting (neck)
• Stick (neck core)
• Furry yarn (hair and brows)
• Artificial leather (boots and belt)
• Woolen or cotton cloth (clothes)
• Furry cloth (beard and rimming)
• Thick paper (sole)
• Snap fasteners
• Elastic

Tools

• Sewing kit (sewing machine, needles, scissors, awl, chalk, and so on)
• Threads
• Craft glue
• A stick to stuff
• Rouge for cheeks
• Color for painting face

Instructions

• Santa Claus body
• Santa Claus clothes
  

 

 

 

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things to do at Christmas time,

 

Track Santa on NORAD (do on December 24), Check out this site for the history of tracking Santa on Christmas Eve.

http://www.norad.mil/about/Santa.html

 

 

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http://www.pickupmytree.com/

Check out this site for some Christmas ideas from the past.

 

 

 

 

 

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Billie C.

http://pinterest.com/mountainrose57/
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/
http://billieschristmascorner.blogspot.com/