So what did you do to celebrate?

[Zerbie]

Those of you celebrating Christmas: what fun or special things did you do? Cooks: what did you make?

We had a romantic Christmas at home just the two of us. ;) We just got back from travel and I had some work to do yesterday, so I did not have time to plan a new menu - literally had one hour to get groceries before the store closed last night. So I whipped up my favorite standbys and hubby baked stuffed cornish game hens. At least we got around to decorating the tree last night. We watched the usual round of Christmas fare: It's a wonderful life, Miracle on 34th Street, the Nutcracker marathon on Ovation, A Christmas Carol. . . .

I'm being so high on Christmas this year it's funny. :D:)

Anyone give or get any special goodies?

:):love::pray:

[Daniel]

This is the first year where I didn't sing in the choir or attend a Christmas Eve service. And guess what? Lightning didn't strike me dead and I didn't feel guilty. Hubby played his service- he serves as an organist at an Episcopal Church- and when he got back we ordered Chinese.

What was I doing the whole time he was away? Being Mr. Elf. Getting ready for Xmas morning, listening to the classical radio station the whole time- hearing some truly wonderful Christmas music life Finzi's Dies Natale and In Terra Pax. And there was a wonderful hourlong program called A New York Christmas which had some of the most interesting and funny music I've heard- something for everyone. You know- to folk's like me: music is church.

Christmas Day morning turned into a Buddhist meditation on letting things go: I got to the market at the appointed time (as instructed by the manager who took my order weeks earlier) to pick up the goose, and found, to my utter astonishment, that there was no goose to be had. There was no one to appeal to. Nothing. Nobody. Nada. And the poor guy who was working behind the counter looked like he didn't want to be there and was rather full of something other than Christmas cheer.

What to do? I raced up the street to a place called Zabar's which is a Jewish owned temple of prepared foods. I picked up their version of goose as well as some duck confit. Later, I made a side dish of celery root and potatoes with chives and cheese along with cranberry confit and french beans. Our guests brought incredible wine. And we had a great time. And like U-dog- Dessert was Christmas pudding set aflame with cognac.

Nothing like a little drama, flaming and otherwise!

[Zerbie]

You guys are great!

Dave - what's a yankee gift swap? Is that when you wrap something you want to get rid of and everyone takes turns opening something and getting stuck with other peoples' junk? :lol:

I cleaned up this Christmas - got great goodies which for the most part I was not expecting.

Danny mentioned Christmas Eve at an Episcopal service. That's what I was doing on the 24th, singing for an Episcopal service. It was pretty - they had candles lit and stuff. :love:

[keltic63]

you know, for me, Christmas is Christmas Eve service. I love that, and usually have to fight back the tears. This year, we did lessons and carols as our service, and I was so moved as the Servant Songs from Isaiah were read. such hope and longing, and assurance of peace in those verses! I sang a contemporary song as a solo; He Made a Way in the Manger. It went well, and I was pleased with the message it added to the lessons and carols.

[RedneckDyke]

I thought Yankee gift swaps were when Southerners go to NEw England to go leaf peeping , and an equal number of Northerners go South as Snowbirds. (-:

My wife was away woking andwon't be back til Sunday. On christmas day I went to my neighbors house. We had snappin turtle for dinner and passed a mason jar full of homemeade christmas cheer.

[NathanATX]

After going through Tulsa's ice storm a week before Christmas, when most people were without electricity from 5-15 days... I was exhausted. No Christmas spirit. Zilcho.

Until I volunteered for a christmas party for kids who were transitioning out of foster care. Here is the email I just sent out about it...

My agencey partnered with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services(OkDHS), and several agencies a few years ago to provide support, training, mentoring, and other resources for youth with mental & emotional health concerns who were transitioning out of the foster care system as they turned 18 years old.

I am new to my agency and heard about a Christmas party we were hosting for our "Transition Kids." I wanted to help, so I volunteered to bring some desserts and to help decorate for the party. It was originally going to be held the week of the ice storm, but had to be canceled for obvious reasons.

With everything that was going on after the ice storm, having a party for these kids could have justifiably been rescheduled until after Christmas. But some heroes were determined to make sure these young people were able to experience the warmth and generosity of Christmas.

If you can imagine the possibility of turning 18 years old, no longer being able to live with your foster family, possibly dealing with significant mental & emotional health issues, trying to live entirely on your own, finding work, a place to live, etc., not having an identifiable family or even an adult mentor to turn to for help... these young people are facing tremendous challenges during the holiday season, yet they are incredibly brave and positive.

I was very humbled by the strength of these youth and incredibly proud of the organizations and all the donors and volunteers who made this a success.

I was left with one lasting impression as the young people participated in the party, enjoyed the food and received their gifts: They feel loved.

[Zerbie]

That's wonderful Nate!!!!
:):D

This world is better for having you in it. :love: