Christmas Countdown - 2008

[trackrebel]

32 days to Christmas....and we have snow outside....It´s not much....maybe even a centimeter...:D....but I love it....it´s snow...and more will probably come today....:D

[SparkleNana]

Good Morning! Stay well and have fun today!

[trackrebel]

You, too SparkleNana

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

Hi folks! It's been awhile! Life has had some interesting twists and turns that have kept me away, but I'm a bit more freed up and would love to join in for the countdown to this Christmas. Nice to see familiar names, hi to Crown (still at the countdown I see!!), Binger, Jay, Auntie, RadioJon (thanks for the email) and I'm sure I'll recognize more as I browse around. Nice to be back!! :snowball:


It's great to see you here, Cherie! Thanks for shaking her Christmas tail feather with a quick email "how do", RJD!

Lol, Auntie MistletoeDear!! Thanks for sharing! It is so much easier to get in the mood since finding MMC!

'Tis my pleasure to share my merry little Christmas perks and quirks with y'all!

It's always hard to decide if I should have Thanksgiving wallpaper or Christmas wallpaper on my computer at this time of the year. The answer was simple, Thankgiving on the family computer, and Christmas on my laptop (and screen saver too).

On my ride home I spotted one house with partial Christmas lights on, and one house with a Christmas tree in the front window.

Rack time, talk to you all later.


:hello: Sure missed those fly by Christmas decoration reports and it's nice to have you around again. Great news about your son coming home for Christmas!
As for wallpaper, I change mine frequently during the year, keeping them festive or sometimes opting for images of O'Malley the cat or the grandchildren. My screensaver is set to "my pictures" which provides images of family and friends, O'Malley, Christmas banners, avatars and other images which help me "stay in the spirit" all year!

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

:snowball: Good Morning Christmas lovers!

I can't stick around long, I'm working on my Christmas cards while listening to the Rudolph soundtrack ... Have a holly jolly Christmas ...

[Crown 84]

Speaking of wallpapers, here is the one I am currently using:

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/6749/thanksgivingmedleynocalgc9.jpg

I likewise rotate among several different holiday wallpapers.


Good Morning, Christmas Friends & Comrade travelers!
Welcome to yet another weekend on our voyage through the Christmas Season and on to the big Day itself!
Next week, we begin the final leg of our journey to Thanksgiving, the final stop before Christmas.
Hang on for a fabulous ride!

Today is Day 10 of our Christmas Season (Wow! Already double-digits into the Season.)
Days to Christmas Day: 33
Days to Thanksgiving Day: 5 (Yum! I can almost taste that cornbread stuffing!)

COLD! here, with our temp standing currently at just short of 28.
It was windy yesterday with the temp never getting out of the 40's. BRRR! Not supposed to be much better today.
No matter, I've go the Season to keep me warm. (And with that, who needs that coffee stuff, other than....well....you know.)

Our Raleigh Christmas parade starts in 20 minutes.
And this is a REAL parade, not a broadway side show, which the Macy's parade has turned into over the years.
We have Christmas themed floats and actual CHRISTMAS music (imagine that!).

Have a Stupendous Saturday, everyone.
Try to keep warm!

[UnchosenFragmnts]

If Raleigh is anything like Charlotte has been recently, I don't think I could have went to that parade. It's been sooo cold and windy here lately. Last night when my wife and I were out shopping they said with the wind chill it was 18 degrees. And the heat in our car just went out, so we were absolutely frozen. We talk about how much we'd love to have snow and this 35 degree weather is killing us!

[cherie]

33 Days to Go!!

IronEagle: Glad to hear your son is returning from Iraq soon. That really is the best Christmas present! I'm glad you've enjoyed your visits in San Diego. It is really beautiful. Camp Pendleton is just up the road from us (about 20 miles). They had a heck of a fire on base this year. I *LOVE* Carol of the Bells. I don't have the John Tesh version, so I'll have to check that out.

Hi Auntie!! It's great to be back and thank you for the warm welcome. I have to ask, What's for dinner in Canada??

It's great to read about everyone's nice wintery weather. We're scheduled for 74 degrees of sunniness. We might *GASP* get a little rain on Thanksgiving. This would be considered very wintery for us so I'm excited!

Favorite Christmas song of the morning: Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey (ducking) singing a duet of Baby It's Cold Outside from the Rejoyce album. Also, Dean Martin singing the same duet with unnamed female artists from the album Christmas with the Rat Pack.

:razz:

[caseydbell]

Good late morning, hope all are enjoying the weekend

[Crown 84]

Oh, yeah! It was cold at the parade, Unchosen!
Glad I watched it on television. Could see all the folks bundled up to the hilt.
And those poor baton twirlers (some of whom were sleeveless) - I shuddered just looking at them!

[Annette1990]

Good evening. I hope everyone had a nice day. I went and did some Christmas shopping. Picked up a few things for my daughter today. Will finish up next weekend I hope.

[Sparkling Star]

:tree: Hi everyone,
Getting a bit cooler here in Seattle area. Snow up in
the passes making the ski nuts happy. Cougars won the Apple Cup so
it will either be a happy or sad trip back through the passes for some
folks. Close game though.
Oh my.....had to stop in at a store at the mall to pick up an ordered
item and it was MASS CHAOS and even the overflow tiered parking was
full. People are shopping and with the tight economy I have no idea where there money is coming from but the Christmas rush is ON. Guess a
lot of stores are offering lower prices earlier this year in anticipation of
not doing as well as expected for Christmas sales.
Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. Anyone seeing snow?

[trackrebel]

little snow off and on since an hour....will get a little more during the probably...

only 31 days to Christmas....that´s so cool....I can´t wait for it all....The Weihnachtsmarkt in my city starts tomorrow already...and next week is the 1st Advent (for most Germans...this is the official start of the Christmas Time)....I´m so exited

[SparkleNana]

Yes! The pace is picking up all around us!

I haven't been in the regular stores this week -- but the shoppers in the grocery stores are becoming more intense! The carts are getting fuller at checkout! People are clutching lists and their eyes are darting frantically over the shelves as they look for unfamiliar items. And this is just Thanksgiving buildup in the USA!

Yum yum!

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

33 Days to Go!!

IronEagle: Hi Auntie!! It's great to be back and thank you for the warm welcome. I have to ask, What's for dinner in Canada??
:razz:

cheesy Last night we had backribs and potato salad, tonight is lean ground burgers and coleslaw.


Oh, yeah! It was cold at the parade, Unchosen!
Glad I watched it on television. Could see all the folks bundled up to the hilt.
And those poor baton twirlers (some of whom were sleeveless) - I shuddered just looking at them!


cheesy Speaking of baton twirlers ... I was in a Christmas parade once upon a younger time. I was a baton twirler. I didn't practice the release and catch enough so when I was marching and twirling my baton, I never actually twirled it the way I was supposed to. I kept twisting my wrist back and forth real fast to make it look like it was twirling (the old rubber pencil trick). I'll tell you, my wrist was pretty sore after marching over a mile performing the same twisting move.

***

I have a baby shower to attend this afternoon. I'm spoiling this one. Her anticipated day of arrival is January 2nd. I'm hoping she is our city's first baby of the New Year.

[christmasgranny]

:wiggy:Good morning. It lightly snowed all day yesterday, but there wasn't a whole lot of accumulation.
I heard the plow go by in the night, and thought I was going to wake up to a lot more than is actually out there. (Our plow people seem to like plowing bare roads. LOL)
It's been very cold, though. We've been having January temps. Crazy.
Yesterday I was at the spring filling some water jugs and I heard some geese flying overhead. They were a little late, I think!!!!
I still have a few things to pick up for Thursday. I'm so excited to have Tuesday and Wednesday off as well.

[Ms_Speedy_Elf]

:wiggy:Good morning. It lightly snowed all day yesterday, but there wasn't a whole lot of accumulation.
I heard the plow go by in the night, and thought I was going to wake up to a lot more than is actually out there. (Our plow people seem to like plowing bare roads. LOL)
It's been very cold, though. We've been having January temps. Crazy.
Yesterday I was at the spring filling some water jugs and I heard some geese flying overhead. They were a little late, I think!!!!
I still have a few things to pick up for Thursday. I'm so excited to have Tuesday and Wednesday off as well.


Morning everyone !

Christmas Granny ,where you spoke about the snow plow's ,I read the paper online where I grew up in Indiana and they had a story on there the other day saying that they don't have enough money to pay the road crew to keep the road's clean 7 day's a week ,so they are only going to clean them through the week for people who work and when the kid's go to school.

In regards to the geese...I guess they are confused with the way the weather is being so fickle .

[mac55]

Hello to all,

I too did some shopping yesterday....The malls are definetely busier these days.
It's chilly here as well but only lingering flurries for now...we may be in for some significant snow this week.

Off to a family birthday brunch this morning then off to the toy stores for a bit more Christmas shopping to pickup some toys for nephews then this afternoon, kick back and enjoy NFL Sunday until the CFL's Grey Cup game starts from right here in Mtl with the Alouettes in the game.

Cheers!!

ML

[JOHNOR]

oh it's really wet and dreary here in england today. it's freezing too! i was supposed to be going on a night out with my girlfriends last night but i was too ill, i caught a stomach bug on friday and i am only starting to feel slightly normal today.

anyone have any nice sunday plans?

[Crown 84]

Top of the morning to you, one and all!

It's a freezing (precisely, at 32) morning here in what is supposed to be the warm south. We've been having below normal temps the the past several days. Coupled with wind, I've felt more like I was living in the northeast!
At least we have sun this morning with no precip.
A great morning for the annual Raleigh Christmas show.
(Where we are just about to head out to. I'm bringing my camera!)

Today is Day 11 of our Christmas Season.
Days to Christmas Day: 32 (So close to one month.)
Days to Thanksgiving Day: 4 (Now, I can almost taste the cherry pie!)

Have a Super Sunday, folks.
You know what Day comes next week!!
Gobble! Gobble!

[cherie]

Good morning!! Today is thanksgiving dinner shopping day! I'm taking my big turkey shopping with me. Last year he fumbled the (frozen) turkey at the check out counter and nearly took out the customer in front of us. It was like bowling for shoppers. Fortunately said person had a sense of humor and forgave us.

I've already called dibs on the t.v. for thanksgiving morning macy's parade. I hope it's still on for this year!

Auntie: love those ribs. I knew you would be having something delicious! Love the baton twirling story. Hilarious! cheesy

My favorite Christmas songs that came up on the ipod shuffle this morning: the classic Frosty the Snowman sung by Bing Crosby and Old Fashioned Christmas sung by Frank Sinatra.

[trackrebel]

SNOOOOOOOOOOOOW IN Worms, Germany


just wanted to mention....but that everyone knows bout...I will open a thread...:D

[Crown 84]

.....My favorite Christmas songs that came up on the ipod shuffle this morning: the classic Frosty the Snowman sung by Bing Crosby and Old Fashioned Christmas sung by Frank Sinatra.
I've downloaded about 5 hours worth of Christmas music myself, Cherie.
Aren't those MP3 players great? And with an FM transmitter, I can listen in the car.

[trackrebel]

i should get me an mp3 player as well...a good one that i can put into the car....I only have a tape deck in my car radio....no money for a cd player in there....but the mp3 player could be manable somehow...I want Christmas music....I will have to record me a tape....how 80s is that?

[Holiday]

Good evening!! I can't believe it's Sunday night already!! Where did the weekend go??? I really wanted to put up my tree today but I have to wait until Friday! :-( My sister was supposed to have Thanksgiving at her house, but her MIL had open heart surgery on Friday & it didn't go very well, so my sister doesn't want to have the party at her house b/c she will be doing a lot of running to the hospital this week (1 hour + drive) so we are having Thanksgiving at our house now, which is totally fine. BUT my hubby says I am not putting up Christmas decorations if we are having Thanksgiving!!! Lol! The tree takes up a lot of room & I have a big family, so we really don't have room for it with everybody coming. So I have my work cut out for me this week to get the house ready for a PARTY!!! :hello: My sister who was supposed to have the party called tonight & she just bought the new Radio City Spectacular dvd's, (as seen on tv) so she is going to bring them along & after we have Thanksgiving dinner, we are going to watch them on our big screen to get everybody even more in the holiday spirit!! I'm excited!!!

My neighbor called Friday night & asked if I wanted to go Christmas shopping on Tuesday. Several of the neighbor ladies are going, so I am going to check w/ my boss tomorrow & hopefully I will get to go along this year!!! I normally don't go b/c of work, but we are really slow right now, so it might work out!

AND another thing...I think I am going to do something that I have always said I would NEVER do!!! My friend & I are (probably) getting up at 4am Friday to hit the Black Friday sales at Walmart!!! I have never done that before & never had the desire, but I am looking forward to it now...I think it will be fun!!! My friend is such a fun person to be around & I think it will be a grand ol time! Lol! My sister is probably coming along too, IF we can promise to have her to work by 6:30 am!! That's going to be pushing it!!!

Well, I've babbled enough...hope you all had a great weekend!!!!!

[clarebear]

Morning all :dance: Have a great day everyone :D

[christmasgranny]

A quick good morning to everyone.
My thermometer outside appears to be sitting at 14 degrees. Yikes!
Today we are having a luncheon and cake for my former supervisor. Friday is her last day. She is retiring.
I will give her the scrap book I made for her. (She had this Elvis figure hanging in her office and I kidnapped him and took his picture with coworkers and some customers and even one of our vendors.)
Then, I'm off work until Friday! Yay!!!!!
I love Christmas, but I'm glad my retail doesn't involve Christmas. cheesy
We might sell a random tool for a Christmas gift, but not too many.
Have a great day!!!!!

[Crown 84]

Trackrebel, your old car cassette player will come in handy in conjunction with an MP3 player!
Get an inexpensive player (I have a Sandisk) along with a tape adapter. It looks like a cassette tape but has a cord that runs to the line out port on the MP3 player. Plays through your car stereo system flawlessly!
(If you don't have a car tape player, you are stuck with using an FM transmitter which sometimes does not perform well, I'm afraid!)


Good Morning, Friends!

Today is Day 12 of our Christmas Season.
Days to Christmas Day: 31 (One month from tomorrow!)
Days to Thanksgiving Day: 3 (I can almost see the table, now!)

Yet another cold one, with our temp again currently right at 32.
(Thank goodness for that daily morning sun!)

The Christmas show was impressive yesterday, but activity was down owing to the economy.
I am posting some photos to my Christmas Blossom thread.

Have a Marvelous Monday, folks.

[SparkleNana]

Happy Thanksgiving Week, Friends!

I found something wonderful at the grocery store. It is EGGNOG made with soy milk. It has 90 calories per half cup -- as opposed to 230 calories for real eggnog made with cream. It tastes really good. Just lighter than eggnog.

[cherie]

One day closer!! Checking in late today as *we* both have colds today. Husband started in yesterday and me today. The goal is to get better by Wed!! I'm loving the Christmas movies on ABCFamily and I wrapped six gifts today to enhance the mood.

Happy to hear so many of you are having snow!
:cry:

Holiday: Hope the party comes out great! Sounds like you have a very busy week coming up! You are brave to go out on Black Friday. Can't say I've done it, but I'm tempted to go look for a deeply discounted washer/dryer myself.

Crown: I haven't figured out how to play my ipod in the car yet. I really ought to though since I have loads of music on my ipod. I still use cd's in the car. I have a five disc jobber in there so it works out okay.

Favorite songs from today's shuffle: Jingle Bells sung by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters (Ja Ja Ja Jingle Bells!) and Linus and Lucy from the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack.

[Binger]

Is it Monday already? I was in a coffee stupor all weekend... went to the annual
" Holidays in the city" parade.. 24th year in a row for me.... cold.. but I didn't notice.. I was jazzed up on coffee...

YABBA

[Binger]

Where's Jay... hmmm. ever notice that you never see him and Robert Stack ( Host of Unsolved Mysteries on Lifetime) here at the same time? hmmm hmmm..

YADDA

[Holiday]

Howdy gang!! Just got back from Walmart! I bought just about everything I need for the T-day party! I've decided to make my MIL's Cranberry salad, a pumpkin roll, stuffed mushrooms & I bought some burn 'n serves!! :smile: I AM going Christmas shopping with the neighbor girls tomorrow...SO EXCITED!! I just called the neighbor & she said we will be with 9 or 10 of us! HOW FUN!!! We are leaving at 7:45 am! I also called my friend who I am Black Friday shopping with & I am picking her up at 4:30 Friday morning!!! It's going to take LOTS of coffee...good thing I bought more Italian Sweet Cream creamer tonight!!! :hello: I think shopping on Black Friday is going to be fun, exciting, & miserable all at the same time!!! :lol:

cherie...sorry to hear you have the dreaded cold!!! Hope you are feeling much better by Wednesday if not tomorrow!!!

Hope you all are having a good Monday...now go watch ABC Family!! :- )

[GranMaureen]

Hope you are feeling better today? And also that you get a little sunshine!

[mac55]

I can't believe we are just a month away now!!
Wow!!

The last month plus has just flown by...

Snow is coming too....

ML

[clarebear]

29 DAYS TO GO FOLKS!! WAY HEY!!!! :dance: :dance:

[trackrebel]

whow....29 days...now that´s awesome....when I came here....it was something like 120 days....that´s so fresh

[Crown 84]

Good Morning, Friends.

Lots of rain last night - WAY more than predicted.
Sunny this morning, with the temp at 45.

Today is Day 13 of our Christmas Season.
Days to Christmas Day: 30 (Exactly one month left!)
Days to Thanksgiving Day: 2 (Wow! Almost here!)

Hey! Did anyone catch "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" yesterday afternoon? One of the contestants said she was a Christmas fanatic and keeps her decorations up all year long. I wonder if she is one of our own(??).
(If not, this is the place for her!)

Well, we are off to to the grocery store to complete purchasing everything we need for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday.

Have a Terrific Tuesday, everyone!
Break out those Christmas MP3's, CD's, Cassette Tapes, LP Records, Wax discs or any other media you might have and enjoy!
(I'm listening to a piano Christmas medly as I type this - 42 songs all in row without break!)

[mac55]

I am finally able to listen to an all Christmas music station in the car!!
It started yesterday......It's definetely that time now!!

ML

[trackrebel]

when is Thanks Giving? Isn´t it on Thursday?

[Binger]

No Holiday music on any radio here... hmmm must figure a way to listen to jayish on car radio.. hmmhmm hmm

YABBA

[Binger]

speaking of hmm hmm hmmm. whatever happened to that group Crash test Dummies.. and their hmm hmm hmm song?

YADDA?

[trackrebel]

whow...I totally forgot about dem dummies....haha....I´m glad tho I don´t have to see them on MTV....the song was alright...but the rest ....just not my thing

[miller4plusmore]

One of our stations starts playing Christmas 24/7 on Thanksgiving day--can't wait! I think the local Christian station does also or they may have already started! I need to check next time I'm in the car!

Hope everyone is having a great time preparing for Thanksgiving!

:piggyback:

[trackrebel]

our stations don´t really play Christmas Songs....the first ones might come on Sunday...since it´s the 1st Advent...but even after that....there are not so many....so now...since I have no CD player...I have to record a tape with Christmas songs to listen to it in the car

[MerryChristmasLydio]

Just so ya'll know......... I'M EXCITED BOUT CHRISTMAS!

[clarebear]

Morning my Christmas friends :dance: :smile:

[trackrebel]

28 days to Christmas....right now I´m recording a tape for my car...:D of course rwith Christmas Music....and an additional song.....Hey There Delilah....they played all the time around this time last year...so it feels like Christmas for me now...haha

so...I already recorded five songs and have a 90minute tape....so it will take a few minutes...:D

[Holiday]

Good morning!! Happy Hump Day...oh wait..or is it Happy Friday??? :D I think it's Wednesday, but today's my last day of work for the week! So confusing! :lol: Just glad to have a loooong weeekend! WAH HOO!!! Our shopping trip yesterday was complete FUN!!! We went with 10 neighbor girls to Muncie, Indiana! After the 2nd store, we couldn't open the back hatch to the suburban cuz packages were falling out!!! OOPS!! I had so much fun, now I'm going to want to go along every year...think I just started a new tradition!!! Its going to be a busy night tonight getting ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow! So exciting!!! Hope you all have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!!!!
:gobble:

[SparkleNana]

Good Morning! The news was full of the traditional stories on airport and train travel! Lots of cooking shows today! Lots of football talk! Thanksgiving is such a nice holiday!!

[christmasgranny]

Good morning!
I'm headed to town today to bake my pies at my daughter's house. She has to work until 9pm, so I'll have to go back to town then to pick her up and bring her here to stay the night. I think she has to be at work for 4am Friday.
(I really need to either get the oven fixed, or get a whole new stove!) The husband mentioned a new one last night, but I don't want to spend the money right now. I've worked Thanksgiving out, and I'm sure I can work Christmas dinner out, too!!!! AFTER Christmas we can buy a new stove!!!!
We had snow and rain yesterday, and things are icey outside, but it doesn't look too bad.
I had a bit of trouble falling asleep last night and I NEVER have trouble fallihng asleep. (I usually have trouble staying asleep. LOL)
I had to look online for a wassail recipe this morning.
One year I'd taken my holiday cookbook to step-son's house when we had Thanksgiving dinner there, and somehow, somewhere, it got lost.
I'd found the recipe on the internet and printed it, and lo-and-behold, it's missing again.
My kids have specifically requested wassail. I was back on the internet this morning looking for my specific wassail recipe.......
It will be in my holiday notebook and I will NOT lose it again!!!! (I'll probably find it now that I printed another. Plus I saved it to my computer, just in case.)
Have a great Thanksgiving-Eve everyone!!!!!

[Crown 84]

Good Morning, Good Morning, Good Morning!

It's Wednesday -- Thanksgiving Eve!
The schools are closed, the newspaper has printed their Thanksgiving closures notices, Santa is on his throne at the mall, the Christmas spirit has taken over this board and all is right with the world!

Today is Day 14 of our Christmas Season.
Days to Christmas Day: 29 (Now, under a month to go. Better get crackin' on that shoppin'!)
Days to Thanksgiving Day: 1 (Um....That's the same as tomorrow, folks!)

Yet another chilly one here in Raleigh, where we stand at 31 at this hour.
Calm and sunny, though, as usual.

Well, Holiday, we are again at the peak of the week, but the view to Thanksgiving is so short, we don't need the elevation, do we?

Have a Wonderful Wednesday and an incredible Thanksgiving Eve, everyone!
Get a good night's sleep (or a good afternoon's sleep, or a good late morning's sleep) and rest up for the big day tomorrow.
May the spirit of the Christmas Season be with you!

[auntieclaus]

Thanksgiving Eve is off to a great start by 6:30am I made and had my first pumpkin pie in the oven and my turkey in the brine. Washed the bathroom rugs and got to work by 8:15! I live 5 minutes away. But I don't officially start work until 9am.

I'm running home at lunch to set the table, then after dinner tonight, I'll do the rest of my prep. for tomorrow. I'm soo looking forward to having a wonderful day of quality family time tomorrow.

But Friday's even got me more excited! We go cut down our Christmas tree!!!!

Thanksgiving Blessings to all of you!

[Ms_Speedy_Elf]

Good morning!! Happy Hump Day...oh wait..or is it Happy Friday??? I think it's Wednesday, but today's my last day of work for the week! So confusing! :lol: Just glad to have a loooong weeekend! WAH HOO!!! Our shopping trip yesterday was complete FUN!!! We went with 10 neighbor girls to Muncie, Indiana! After the 2nd store, we couldn't open the back hatch to the suburban cuz packages were falling out!!! OOPS!! I had so much fun, now I'm going to want to go along every year...think I just started a new tradition!!! Its going to be a busy night tonight getting ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow! So exciting!!! Hope you all have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!!!!
:gobble:


Hey Holiday , you went to my hometown. That's were I was born . :D

[caseydbell]

Afternoon all! It's been a few days, got today and the rest of the week off!!!!!!!! Scratch that, still doing school work, anyway, Turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, green stuff, everything tommorrow!!!!!!!!!!! Family coming down today!!!!!!!!!!!! The holiday season is here!!!

[mac55]

Rest of the week off........I wish....no such luck for us in the north.....
It's too long a stretch between our turkey day, the second monday in Oct and the the Christmas holidays.....That's just not right!!
At least there is football tomorrow.
Not that I will get to see as much as I would like.
Last year, I got lucky and really was ill enough to stay home.
Doubt my luck will repeat itself.

Enjoy yourselves tomorrow.

Cheers!!

ML


ML

[cherie]

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!! We made grandma's famous stuffing today. Never get tired of it. Of course we ate some of it, for testing purposes.

[hornet385]

happy thanksgiving all

[Annette1990]

Good evening everyone. It's been fun filled and busy day here. I got up early got daughter off to school and started prepping foods for tomorrow. I made 3 pies, stuffing and got my broccoli dish made too. Should be smooth sailing tomorrow. I plan to put the turkey in the oven at 8AM. Looking forward to a nice dinner with my family. I hope everyone has a nice day tomorrow.
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j85/annette59011/10645_Happy20Thanksgiving.jpg

[Binger]

Ever stuff a turkey with coffee/

Yummm..
YADDA...

[Binger]

hey Jayish my man.. what's shaking?

YABBA!

[Crown 84]

Good Morning!
Betcha you are surprised to see me post the count so early, but since I may be busy with Thanksgiving preparations, I felt I had better post the count now while I had the chance!

Today is Day 15 of our Christmas Season.
Days to Christmas Day: 28 (Four weeks from today, folks!)

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, everyone!
Have fun, be safe and don't eat too much turkey.
(Oh, what the heck! Go ahead and eat all you want!)

http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/6384/thanksgivingturkeyrx3.png

[sila]

happy thanksgiving everyone xxxxxxxxxxxx

[clarebear]

Yes have a great day everyone :grin:

Morning Sila, hope your well! :D

[Crimbo_Spirit]

Happy Thanksgiving !

[Annette1990]

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
I got my turkey stuffed and in the oven about 45 min. ago..looking forward to a nice dinner with my family.
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j85/annette59011/10645_Happy20Thanksgiving.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j85/annette59011/gooble.gif

[Annette1990]

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j85/annette59011/HAPPYTURKEYDAY.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j85/annette59011/ArmedTurkey.gif

[Holiday]

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!! Just taking a short break from cleaning (ugh!) to wish you all a happy Turkey Day!! Hope you have a great one filled with family, friends & lots of yummy food!! :family:

Ms. Speedy Elf, I sent you a PM! We love going shopping to Muncie!! Nice town!!

:gobble:

[SparkleNana]

Happy Thanksgiving Friends!

Will you be hosting dinner today?

Will you be bringing food to a dinner?

Will you be celebrating at a restaurant today?

We are contributing 3 kinds of pie, three kinds of wine, and the vegetarian main dish. (Tofurkey roast with Tofurkey gravy. There are always lots of vegetarians at our family dinners, although only 3% of Americans are vegetarians.)

[SparkleNana]

I must admit that I enjoy being a guest more than a host at big family dinners. Although I am happy when it is my turn to host.

I would be quite happy to have Thanksgiving dinner at any sort of restaurant (and I would be sure to tip extra generously!) For me - Thanksgiving is really a low stress holiday. How about you?

[Binger]

Happy Thanksgiving... everyone up at 1:00AM to hit Black Friday........

YABBA

[Binger]

Think I will celebrate by having some Miles Standish coffee..
YABBA

[SparkleNana]

Binger - I would glady get up at 1 am to have coffee with you!

To shop? N ot so far. But I haven't looked at today's paper.

[SparkleNana]

Anybody watching football at your house?

It is 5 minutes to 1:00, east coast time. My husband has just taken some salad into the family room, to turn on the TV an d ENJOY!!!!

About the salad? Oh year! We TRAIN for the big feast!

How about you?

[SparkleNana]

For the feminine side, I have been watching a very stupid but somehow touching Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. I am defrosting the tofurkey roast and tofurkey gravy. Eventually you WILL be desensitized to vegetarian-speak. And you will just accept it. YES - I KNOW YOU WILL! You will accept the fact that some people are vegetarians. And that is that! The world is still OK if some people are vegetarians. You can still eat meat. In fact, I still eat meat an d love to eat meat. Even though I only cook vegetarian for all the people in my family. See? Peace.

OK, I am watching the stupid, touching Christmas movie on the Hallmark Channel. And I am putting more and more Christmas twinkling lights on my artificial tree. Well - only two out of 500 lights are actually twinkling. But maybe some future strands will be twinkling.

[SparkleNana]

Anyone care to share Thanksgiving stories?

I think you had better share.

You do not want this board to be hijacked on a holiday by someone with a very twisted sense of humor, and an unlimited supply of delicious wine, who does not have to drive, operate heavy machinery or take care of children today.

I know that there are plenty of you out there who are thoroughly wholesome. Hoever, come to think of it, you are probably working like mad. Not sitting at the computer, with a delicious glass of wine by their side. He he he.

[cherie]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! Pass me the wine Sparklenana! cheesy

[JayIsh]

Happy Thanksgiving guys! I'm at my brothers but had a quick minute...The official start to the season...Watched the parade and then off we went...have a great day!

Jay

[Crown 84]

Great parade, especially seeing one of my all-time favorite Christmas singers, Andy Williams. Looked pretty good to be almost 81, but he was obviously lip-syncing his famous "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year".

[sila]

we are recording our xmas cd at school today should be a laugh !

[trackrebel]

26days to the big dance...time´s running insanely fast now...but I love it....as I mentioned before...the city looks beautifull now....and everything is Christmassy already....I saw the first car with a tree on top on it....:D....actually I havce never seen someone buy a tree that early....I know they are bought that early....but never saw it...and I loved it.

I also had to buy a Santa Hat for Kandice, because they are supposed to wear that on Sunday 7th...at the Baby Gymnastics St. NIkolaus thing...u know....they are all little and are going to show of their skillz in running and climbing and jumping....and little gymnastics.....and it will make them look even cuter when they are wearing a Santa´s Hat

[kelly ann]

Good morning!! My daughter has a lot of stuff going on at school for Christmas. Its her first Christmas in school. She has to dress up as a sheep for the concert, I cant wait to take photos of her, it should be a laugh!!

[christmasgranny]

Good morning.
It was my first Thanksgiving with only my daughter and one of my sons there. It was too weird not having eveyone there.
Next year, my parents will be here from Alaska and the rest of the kids will be here, too. (Hopefully.)
My poor dd has already been working for 2 hours. (She is NOT a morning person!!!!)
I got another batch of cards addressed and ready to pop in the mail today.
I hope everyone is well. Take care!

[clarebear]

Hello all :dance:

I'm doing a spot more Christmas shopping this evening, xmas late night shopping I love all the lights and stuff! :tree:

Have a lovely day everyone, its almost the weekend!! :dance:

[Crown 84]

Think I will celebrate by having some Miles Standish coffee.....
Are you sure that isn't Stanley Miles coffee, Bing?

Hi, Folks!

Gotta run - Black Friday, and all, and I'm being dragged out the door.

Today is Day 16 of our Christmas Season.
Days to Christmas Day: 27 (Hey, Hey, Hey! Under Four weeks now, guys!)

Have a Fabulous Friday (regardless of its color)!

[Binger]

I was up at 3:30 and in the mall at 4:00AM... not even tired.. not sure why but I'm not..

SHOPPERS HO............

YABBA

[Binger]

Think I will do it again tomorrow...

coffee: you can sleep when you're dead!

YADDA

[caseydbell]

Good Black Friday Afternoon All! Assuming 1/2 our population is out shopping, how fun............ hope ever'body gas a great day!

[SparkleNana]

Happy Day After Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

Today - I put more lights on the tree. And began putting ornaments on the tree! Hurray! Merry Christmas!

[Crown 84]

Wow! No activity here since yesterday afternoon.
Everyone must be busy with their Christmas Season plans - and that's a good thing!

To all those who may be viewing this morning, Hi!

Today is Day 17 of our Christmas Season. (Can we really be that far along?)
Days to Christmas Day: 26 (Just think - December will be here the day after tomorrow!)

Overcast and somber looking here in Raleigh at this hour where the temp stands at 46. The weather service says 70% chance of rain today and tomorrow.
We had two beautiful days (Thanksgiving and yesterday) to enjoy with the family.
Oh! And I got about 75% of my Christmas shopping done.
(I don't care what they say about the economy, the stores were hopping yesterday!

Have a Stupendous Saturday, friends!

[SparkleNana]

Right back at ya, Crown 84!!!

Well - where is everybody?????

What are you doing?

I am going off right now to see Four Christmases!!!

I'll report back.

[Maureen]

Feeling a tad "bah humbug"ish today. Went to the bank to see if my wages were in - there was something there but nothing like it should be. Got my payslip, only to discover that I had been docked £426 (ooh, roughly $800+) !!!!! I'd been off with a chest infection so they gave me a basic sick pay for the amount of time I've been working for them (since September) and then deducted my wages for not being there. When I phoned up to ask about it, the woman said "ah yes, but you haven't been here long" to which I replied "no, only since September but I've had 11 years continuous service with another local government authority"

"Oh.........that's right - you have, haven't you; I'll look into it" I'm not filled with confidence as these are the same people that tell me it's perfectly correct that I'm not paying any tax either (they haven't deducted tax since I started, despite me phoning up 3 times telling them they're wrong. I know exactly where they went wrong and have tried telling them but to no avail and I really can't face a huge claw-back)

When you work for the government, your length of service travels with you if you move to another authority, hence I still get the same holidays and supposedly, full sick pay!

Do these people not realise it's December?? Not the month to not be paying attention!!!!!!!!!

D*mn the government - where's Guy Fawkes when you need him??!!!!

Signed

One very disgruntled bunny!!


:x

[sila]

i put my tree up today!!
awwww maureen thats awful !!!!!!
my bank card has expired and they havent sent me another one so i cant get any money

[SparkleNana]

I went to see "Four Christmases".

It was not what I expected. DO NOT see the preview - it just con fuses everything.

It was funny and pretty deep. I want to see it again. It is not a "dumb" movie. It says a lot. I'm not sure I got all of what it had to say.

There was a preview there for another Christmas movie. I forget the name.

[trackrebel]

Mo...I would be really maad if that happened to me....Sorry this happened....I´m hoping it will get solved in Your interessts

[Maureen]

Somebody goofed and hopefully on Monday, they can either give me a cheque or just put it directly into the bank for me. Have a feeling though someone's going to say "you'll have to wait until the next payday"

I don't think so - have some shopping to do for something big coming up it 26 days!!!!

[trackrebel]

let them have it MO!!! You deserve that money.....That´s a good thing in Germany....our employers are paying for 6 weeks of being sick....the same sickness....after that...I think the Health INsurance pays something like 60-80 percent of the salary...there are loopholes, too....of course...but the system is a good one....I´m praying it will stay like that or similar to that.

[Annette1990]

Hello All...I hope everyone is having a nice weekend. My weekend has been a busy one. Daughter had a birthday party to attend earlier and has another one to go to in about an hour. That kid has more of a social life than me .....*L* I hope you all have a nice evening.

[trackrebel]

Good Morning Ladies and Gents....24 days to Christmas!

[Maureen]

24 days......how can that be when it's November 30th today??? I've only just thought about it!!! That said, is it being taken from the Japanese/Australian viewpoint?????

[trackrebel]

but girl...it´s the 30th today....or did I miss a joke here?

[Santa's Helper]

Very excited that it's only 24 days 'til Christmas but, I'm also a little sad too. In 24 days Christmas will be over and then I'll have to wait a whole year for it to come back!

[JOHNOR]

i plan on having a lovely day today.

i cleaned my house from top to bottom yesterday and it's looking good, so tonight my tree will be going up and i will be watching the polar express with a cup of hazelnut coffee!

[mac55]

I kinda have the same feeling....
I've been counting down since we hit 10 weeks left and with Dec just about here, it will be here and over so fast....
My sister gave birth on friday to son #2 so all is on schedule for our annual tree party next Sat. I will be decorating outside today.

24 days to go.....surreal.

ML


Cheers!!

ML

[SparkleNana]

Good Morning Friends!!!

I am with you that I do want to avoid an after-Christmas let-down. Those countries (and the USA south) which celebrate Madri Gras - - they go into another celebration and preparation after Christmas. And then into Lent (a period of meditating, assessing life, hopefully striving to live more generously, praying) -- and the glorious Easter and Spring!

I think it is not so depressing in warmer places. But cold, dark winters can be pretty overwhelming. UNLESS... you can find things to be excited about.

Our multicolored lights are out front, echoed by the multicolored lights on the Christmas tree in the front window. They look cheerful and beautiful to me. What are you enjoying today?

[christmasgranny]

Good morning everyone.
It seems to be rather quiet around here, but like Crown84 said, folks must be making Christmas preparations.
I did put out decorations yesterday.
Not sure yet when we'll put the tree up.
:tree:
Today I asked the husband to move the fridge so I could clean under it. Lo and behold...there are all the alphabet fridge magnets that the granddaughters always play with! LOL
I think there were maybe five left on the fridge. They will be all excited next week. (Although, they've currently been playing with some dress-up snowment magnets that I'd bought from a school fundraiser that one of the girls had brought into work.)
Their elf, Sprite, arrived Friday. She left them each a gift. No antics yet, but next weekend, she'll make them some cookies or something. (No bake cookies...since the oven still isn't working and someone mentioned them somewhere and now I'm craving them!!!) cheesy

[SparkleNana]

Christmasgranny - it IS pretty quiet around here!!! What is going on? We know our friends love Christmas..... EVERYONE can't be sick.... maybe they're just all really busy!!!

[Crown 84]

GOOD MORNING!

(Loud enough for you, Sparkle?)

Now that everyone is awake, we can check out the statistics:
Today is Day 18 of our Christmas Season. (Really moving right along, aren't we?)
Days to Christmas Day: 25 (Just think - December, the glorious month of Christmas, arrives tomorrow!)

Wow! Almost continuous rain for over 12 hours here in Raleigh, where we stand at 44 degrees.
The sun is supposed to return tomorrow but with lots of wind. (That's OK, as long as no Christmas decorations are blown down!)
Speaking of decorations, I will get mine up this week!!

Well, have a Soppy - er - Super Sunday guys.
Get ready to move another week closer to Christmas. (Not many more left, you know!)

[Mumof2]

Morning All! It's also wet here,Im a little worried,my DD is in a Christmas Parade this Afternoon,hope it clears up! House is decorated,Ive wrapped some gifts,Yup Im in the mood for Christmas! DS bday is comming up too.Hope you all have a great day. :)

[SparkleNana]

Crown 84!!! Thank you!!! The board was getting tooooo quiet!

I went to the store to get a prescription --- and I bought more garland!!! Hooray! This is my first year for garland! You know -- that green artificial stuff (with little white lights in it) that looks like pine? And you hang it over doors or archways or windows or mantles or mirrors or anywhere!!!!!!!! Our rooms are pretty small -- and it looks great without taking up floor space!!!

What are you excited about?

I hope you are excited and happy about something!!!!!

[Ms_Speedy_Elf]

I agree. MMC is much too quiet .:-?:sad:

[clarebear]

Hello everyone!! :dance:

[SparkleNana]

Hi clarebear!!1 What are you doing? What is everybody doing?

[trackrebel]

Speedy...I think it´s so quiet cos everyone is still stuffed from Thanks Giving....:D

I just saw the Coca Cola Christmas Commercial....always great to see a Christmas Commercial...ain´t it?

[JOHNOR]

i haven't been on much lately but that's because i have been soooo busy with all my christmas prepping and trying to fit my work in that i needed to do before christmas. i imagine that's why it's gone a bit quieter, people are just too busy! i guess it will pick up soon once all the shopping/wrapping/christmas cleaning is done.

[Binger]

TREE UP ( had a cup of coffee to celebrate)

WREATH(S) UP..( had a cup of coffee to celebrate)

ALUMINUM TREE UP ( Had a cup of coffee to celebrate)

hmmm glad everything is up.. think I will have a cup of coffee to celebrate!

YADDA!!!

[Binger]

HMM QVC Gift Show has this cool Coffeemaker as the pick of the day.. hmmm hmm hmmm

Hey JAY.. HEY CROWN.. HEY RADIO.. HEY CEDAR.. old timers... ( snicker) should I??

YABBA

[kcmsom76]

I just finished watching JACK FROST and know i am having the last of the pecan pie and sweet potato casserole. lol No one else wanted it, and I couldn't let it got to waste, no could I? :snowball:

[Crown 84]

HMM QVC Gift Show has this cool Coffeemaker as the pick of the day.. hmmm hmm hmmm

Hey JAY.. HEY CROWN.. HEY RADIO.. HEY CEDAR.. old timers... ( snicker) should I??.....
Of course!
(You'll never forgive yourself if you don't)

[Crown 84]

Good Morning, Folks.

What is today??
All together, now:
The start of D-E-C-E-M-B-E-R!

That's right, we have at last reached the long-awaited and much coveted month of Christmas - the only month that lies entirely in our fantastically wonderful Christmas Season!
(If you aren't in the Christmas spirit by now, it may be starting to get too late!)

Today is Day 19 of our Christmas Season. (Wow! - Day after tomorrow will see us 3 weeks into the Season!)
Days to Christmas Day: 24 (Better get that gift shopping into high gear!)

Well, I'm putting up my decorations some time this week and Saturday will see a Frasier Fir Christmas Tree in the living room!

Have a Marvelous Monday, Friends!

[mac55]

Wow!!
December is finally here not that Nov was a slow month...for me it flew by.

The neighborhood has lights a plenty!!

Wreath is on the front door. Family tree decorating party takes place on Sat.
Can't wait.

Then various parties will start soon after......23 1/2 days and counting !!!

Wow !!

:o) !!

ML

[JayIsh]

We've got a Frasier Fir as well Crown! they say it is the Cadillac of Christmas Trees! I don't really know what they mean by that...Bankrupt maybe...I don't know...But can't wait to get it into the house and decorated...it's currently in the garage being watered etc...Maybe tomorrow night we'll bring it in and trim it!

What a year...don't blink or it'll be February!!!!

Jay

[Crown 84]

.....What a year...don't blink or it'll be February!!!!

Jay
Oh, Gee!
Where does that leave me?

[JayIsh]

Let's see...How many blinks in an eleven hour night sleep...Carry the one...divide by three...congratulations Crown...It's 2035 where you live!!!

[SparkleNana]

Hello friends!

I put up MORE lighted garland around doorways - and I love it!!!! My first year for garland!

Have a Happy Monday!

[yolie8174]

Happy Decembercheesy

[Binger]

Does that mean Crown has slept all the way until 2035? Sheeshhh rip van winklecrown...

YABBA

[Binger]

hmmmm ever notice you never see Jayish and Radio here at the same time? very interesting.. very interesting..

YABBA

[Holiday]

Howdy!! Happy Monday & Happy December!!! I've been away from here for a couple days...been busy Christmassing I guess!! :-D I have pretty much all of my decorating done & tonight I went to my Mom & Dads to help with their decorations. It was such a nice holiday weekend...went to fast though!!! Hope you all had a great one!!

[TwinkleLights25]

It's getting closer and closer! :tree: Yippee!

[Sparkling Star]

:tree:Very excited that it's only 24 days 'til Christmas but, I'm also a little sad too. In 24 days Christmas will be over and then I'll have to wait a whole year for it to come back!


But the anticipation is soooo worth it!

Hi everyone. The inside decorations are being added to daily. Binge,
I need a cuppa java....could you please send it Express Delivery?

Crown, what's this about you fast forwarding to 2035? We're gonna
miss way too many "Countdowns" if you do that....Don't want to miss
all those Marvelous Mondays and Thrilling Thursdays....you gotta slow
down and do it in "Real Time".....You're right Jayish, time is a goin WAY
TOO FAST right now!

PS How is Carl? Is he fully decorated for the Christmas Season????:rudolph:

[trackrebel]

22Days until Christmas......Enjoy it all as much as You can!!! I´m sure I will....tomorrow they show The Santa Clause on Television...no need to say that I will watch it....on Friday evening they show a WinnieThePooh Christmas Special and after that a Mickey Mouse Special....Kandice will be allowed to watch it....because NIkolaus is the next day

[christmasgranny]

Just stopping by to say GOOD MORNING!

[kelly ann]

good morning to you too.

[SparkleNana]

Good Morning Friends!

First delicious cup of coffee has been enjoyed!!! Isn't it fun to read about all the decorating and enjoying going on?

[Crown 84]

.....PS How is Carl? Is he fully decorated for the Christmas Season????.....
Oh yes, Sparkling, and he sends holiday greetings to everyone!
As regular readers over the years are aware, at Christmas time, Carl adorns each of his humps with a Christmas wreath and hangs a festive garland around his neck when giving camel rides at the Shispering Pines. And, of course, that magical third hump is switched from coffee to the finest of eggnogs.
There is a standing invitation to everyone to drop by the Shispering Pines during the holiday season, where the first cup of 'nog is free!
As activities director at the hotel, Carl is pretty busy in December making sure everyone at the Pines feels merry. He's really at his best this time of the year. Drop by and see him!

OK, how's the count?
Well, Mr. Dracula is doing just fine but he's a little short of.....
<< No, No, No! Not THAT count, Crown! >>
Oh, yeah. (Blushes)

Today is Day 20 of our Christmas Season. (We will be 3 weeks into the Season tomorrow. My, My!)
Days to Christmas Day: 23 (Getting dangerously close to 3 weeks!)
As you can see, our Season Day and remaining days to Christmas are getting close to merging, meaning we will be half way from the start of the Season until Christmas Day. It's really closing in, folks!

Cold here at 37. Not much sun, either.
And the wind! Blew leaves right back over areas I had just raked. Darn!

Regardless, I will try to have a Terrific Tuesday!
Hopefully, yours will be, too.

[Crown 84]

Let's see...How many blinks in an eleven hour night sleep...Carry the one...divide by three...congratulations Crown...It's 2035 where you live!!!

Good Gracious, Jay!
Don't scare me like that. I would have missed 27 Christmas Seasons and be 81 years old!
(That's enough to drive me to coffee......almost)


Hey! I passed 1,000 posts and didn't even notice.
(Gee. Not.....getting....enough....sleep....ZZZZZZZ)

[JanaBanana]

Well congrats :D

[Crown 84]

Thanks!

[Holiday]

Today is Day 20 of our Christmas Season. (We will be 3 weeks into the Season tomorrow. My, My!)
Days to Christmas Day: 23 (Getting dangerously close to 3 weeks!)
As you can see, our Season Day and remaining days to Christmas are getting close to merging, meaning we will be half way from the start of the Season until Christmas Day. It's really closing in, folks!

Time needs to slooooowwwww down!!!! I can't believe how fast it's going now!! (well, I can believe it...always does go fast, but you know what I mean! Lol!) We had some beautiful snow this morning & a little this afternoon, but now it's just windy & c-c-c-cold!!! There is a light dusting of white on the ground, but I'm still seeing the brown grass!! Guess what??? It just started snowing again!! :D

Hope you are all having a great day!!!

[trackrebel]

I want snow, too again

[Head Elf]

It seems to fly by so fast and we forget to enjoy each piece of the process. I'm in the stages of planning for next year. Each year as (I) age, the holidays fly by without blinking. When I was a youngster the anticipation would drive me and my parents nuts. A very short drive for me. Now, I get to plan what my trees will be decorated like and the inside and outside of the house and home. With friends (like all of you) to bounce ideas and suggestions off, the planning comes so much easier. I don't get as stressed as I used to. Now is the idea phase. January will be the design and concept phase. The whole year will be like the 12 days of Christmas for me. Each month will be something new for the next holiday season. Every vacation, a new ornament, a new idea. Thats why I like putting up my Christmas things early so I can enjoy them into the New Year. I think that is one reason that I love MMC so much. Christmas is about friends, family, fun, feasts and festivities. We (each of us) keep Christmas in our hearts and that is why we stay young at heart.

[SparkleNana]

Beautifully put, Head Elf! I really enjoy celebrating Christmas with you!!

[Binger]

That's why I follow the adage of Gracie ( who I met at the old Christmas.com and she has appeared here...) Christmas is either here or on it's way... I don't get depressed when it's over... the decorations wouldn't be special if we left them up year long..

YABBA

[Binger]

Hey Jay.. Paus Du Lux for us all... come on..

YABBA

[SparkleNana]

Binger - Jay is very very busy, but he asked me to send you his very best wishes.

And - I have a question.

Will Carl be appearing in any of the "live Nativity plays?" These are a big hit, and insanely popular, but sadly few and far between.

[kcmsom76]

Hi everyone!!!

Dh and I went Christmas shopping last night. We only ended up buying dd's presents. We couldn't decide if we are going to purchase a PSP for ds or not. Dh told me he wants to take ds's money and his money and put them together and purchase an x-box 360. They only got a PS3 last Christmas. So needless to say, I was not a happy momma. There is more to life than video games. Ds is only allowed to play on the weekends as it is. What do we need another gaming system for?

I took dd's presents to work today and got some big shipping boxes to wrap them in. I had dh bring them in a while ago and put them under the tree. They are not wrapped yet, but I will get to that soon. For now, we have told the children that we know who they are for and we are not telling, so ds doesn't feel left out.

I hope you all have a great evening!! :tree:

[Sparkling Star]

Crown, Glad to hear Shispering Pines is in full Holiday Swing with Carl in
charge. Hey.....I WANT MY CUP O NOGG !!!

:dance:

[SparkleNana]

Good Morning Friends!!!

I like to come here and read posts. It makes me smile. Also, it makes me feel warm and cosy inside, in the general area of my heart, to think of all the members of this board. To the untrained eye, they look like regular people. But to the Christmas-trained eye - they look like happy Christmas elves!!!!

Take good care of yourself today. You are very precious!

[kelly ann]

Good morning! The sun is shining but its still very cold. Im looking forward to doing some shopping next week. I cant believe its so near...!!!!:snowball:

[Holiday]

Good morning!! Happy Hump Day, Peak Of The Week ~ actually it's like a Thursday for me as I am not working Friday...going on my annual shopping trip with a friend!! :D But don't forget to check out all them lights & decorations from the peak...their looking good!!!:yahoo:

Thanks for that nice post Head Elf!! You said it perfectly!! :)

Hope you all have a great day!!

[Crown 84]

.....Will Carl be appearing in any of the "live Nativity plays?" These are a big hit, and insanely popular, but sadly few and far between.
Oh, Carl wouldn't miss it. (He's a natural, you know).
He's planning one for the front of the Shispering Pines, if he can get some lambs recruited.

Good Morning, Friends!

Straight to the statistics:
Today is Day 21 of our Christmas Season. (We complete 3 weeks at the end of the day. Wow!)
Days to Christmas Day: 22 (Three weeks from tomorrow!)
Time is really moving right along. The big day will be here before you know it.

Cold here, with our temp standing at 32 at this hour here in Raleigh.
Another sunny one, however, and no wind. (Helps it feel a bit warmer, but still seasonal!)

Have a Wonderful Wednesday, everyone!
And Holiday, not only does the view to Friday look great from our week's peak, could that be Christmas Day starting to show up just over the horizon?

[Crown 84]

That's why I follow the adage of Gracie ( who I met at the old Christmas.com and she has appeared here...) Christmas is either here or on it's way... I don't get depressed when it's over... the decorations wouldn't be special if we left them up year long.....
I may not like coffee, but I like your philosophy, my friend!
Cheers!

[mac55]

Under 3 weeks to go already!!

Tree goes up on Sat.

Can't wait.

More work to do though first.

Cheers!!

ML

[kelly ann]

I still have a lot of shopping to do!!

[christmasgranny]

I didn't see a post from me for yesterday! Could it be that I forgot my "Good morning"?????? How remiss of me!
Good morning, everyone.
As I sat here, the smell of the coffee brewing began to turn my tummy....I really hope I'm not coming down with that bug.
Grand-daughter got sick on Saturday when she was here. My son called me Tuesday and told me he was ill so I stopped by the place he's staying and dropped off ginger ale, pepto and tylenol. He gave me a hug and when I stopped by yesterday, my friend's son is sick too. Hopefully, she and her other son and grand-daughter won't end up sick!!!!
A few at work have had it......yikes!
I have no personal time left, took them all for various appointments for myself and family.....but I have two vacation days that I plan to take the week of Christmas and I don't plan to give any of them up because of illness!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Keep positive thoughts that my resistance stays strong to this bug!!!
Have a great day!

[Ms_Speedy_Elf]

Positive vibes coming your way Christmas Granny!

[SparkleNana]

Good Morning Friends!

Stay well christmasgranny and everyone else too!

I just read that drinking lots of water helps keep you well. It keeps all your bodys' defense systems working their best -- and washes out toxins and germs. I think it has become my personal favorite "old wives tale" for today!

[Crown 84]

Good Morning and a Festive Friday Eve to you!

Today is Day 22 of our Christmas Season. (Moving into week four. Incredible!)
Days to Christmas Day: 21 (Three weeks from today, guys!)

Seems like things truly get into high gear once we move inside 3 weeks.
Really time to start cracking on that shopping if you have not already started. The big day has a way of creeping up on you if you let down your guard.

For some reason, the first 2 weeks in December really seem like the peak of the season for me - when I am in the maximum Christmas spirit.
Perhaps after then, most of the preparations and activities are completed and it's just a matter of waiting for the Day.

It is 43 outside here in Raleigh at this hour and warmer weather is predicted for today, only to be supplanted by chilly temps again tomorrow.
Oh well, even a one day respite is nice.

Have a Thrilling Thursday, folks!
Turn ^ the volume on that Christmas song in your heart and revel in our glorious Season!

[bastones]

Yep, 20 days and around 8 hours remaining in UK/GMT time. Merry Christmas to everyone and 'tis is really the time to be jolly about Christmas - time to go shopping tomorrow I think, if I remember :snowball::)):treeguy:

[SparkleNana]

I just had a comforting, nourishing bowl of split pea soup. That is very nice winter comfort food for me! How about you? What kind of comfort food do you like at this time of year?

[christmasgranny]

:snowball:Chicken and dumplings is good comfort food. Real stick-to-your-ribs kinda stuff.
I ate very little today. I nibbled crackers. I had some boring chicken noodle soup for lunch and drank a couple glasses of ginger ale.
I did eat at dinner. I made bacon and eggs (avoided the bacon...too greasy for my ill tummy) but I did eat the eggs and toast.
I'm feeling better, although I will probably be in bed early tonight.
This weekend is inventory at my work, so the boss was hoping I wouldn't be sick tomorrow, as today and tomorrow is big prep for inventory.
I'm fortunate, I am not working inventory day. I get to help with the prep, but don't have to do the actual inventory.

[mac55]

Shopping??
90% done.
Wrapping??
Not a thing yet!!

And my sister is into wrapping with only recycled material...

Makes it more complicated.

ML


Good Morning and a Festive Friday Eve to you!

Today is Day 22 of our Christmas Season. (Moving into week four. Incredible!)
Days to Christmas Day: 21 (Three weeks from today, guys!)

Seems like things truly get into high gear once we move inside 3 weeks.
Really time to start cracking on that shopping if you have not already started. The big day has a way of creeping up on you if you let down your guard.

[bhenson]

still have a couple more things to get and wrap then I am done! :))

[christmasgranny]

Just wanted to say good morning.
Need to go get dressed so I can leave for work.
Have a great day everyone!

[Holiday]

Just dropping to in say a quick "Good Morning & Happy Friday!!!" :D I am getting ready for my 21st annual shopping trip with my friend Teresa! We are heading back to Muncie Indiana! (I was just there last week shopping, but that's ok!!) I want to go back to a confection store in the mall there, where I bought the greatest coffe...it's called White Winter & the flavors in it are: caramel, vanilla, pecan & coconut!! I had a cup yesterday & it was wonderful!! I am going to buy some more!!

Hope you all have a GREAT day!!!

[kelly ann]

Good Afternoon!

[Crown 84]

Well, Good Morning back at you, Kelly!

Rise and shine, folks. It's F-R-I-D-A-Y!
And not just any Friday, a December Friday. (They're kind of special, aren't they?)

It was 46 degrees when I got up and the temp has now fallen to 44.
We are not supposed to get out of the 40's all day today.
And unfortunately, there is also no sun this morning with the chance of rain in the forecast.
No matter - I still have the Season to keep me warm.

Today is Day 23 of our Christmas Season.
Days to Christmas Day: 20 (Look out! We have dropped below 3 weeks!)

Put up my Christmas decorations last night and tomorrow we go tree hunting!
Doesn't get any better than that.

Have a Fabulous Friday, everyone!
May your Weekend get off to a Wonderous start this afternoon.

[SparkleNana]

Merry Christmas!!!

We ARE in high gear!

Holiday - your new coffee sounds so good!

Joy and love to everybody!

[trackrebel]

only 18 days to Christmas....now that´s so close....:D

[christmasgranny]

Last night we did our shopping for our Christmas Bureau family. They sent us a family with four kids. Two boys and two girls ages 2, 6, 7 & 9.
The remainder of the money we raised ($400.00 total) will go for their food voucher.
I have to work today. Have a great weekend EVERYONE!

[SparkleNana]

Good Morning Christmas Lovers!

[pinkini]

happy day! what a wonderful christmas season...

[Crown 84]

Indeed it is, Pinkini!

Good Morning, Friends of Christmas.

Our first December weekend.
(Just like "First Fridays", First December Weekends are special, too!)

We are again starting cold, with the temp standing at chattery 29.
But, I don't mind the cold so quite much when we are getting our tree which we are off to do this morning!

Today is Day 24 of our Christmas Season.
Days to Christmas Day: 19 (Hey! That first digit is now a one! Really moving in.)

Bing! Wherefore art thou? No word for 4 days. Put down that coffee cup and drop us a line.
(Oh, I forgot. They can't - the cup is attached at the sleeve)

Have a Stupendous Saturday!
Enjoy your weekend and may your Christmas shopping trips be successful.

[kcmsom76]

This is not such a happy day for me and my family.

My dd has a major problem with authority. She is 7, will be 8 in March, and she screams her head off about not wanting to wear mittens and a hat. I am requiring her to wear these things in a parade and it is 30º outside and she has strep throat, has been over it for a week, but is still on antibiotics. She is threatening to hit us with a hammer and is driving us up the wall.

I sent ds to the neighbor's house so he doesn't have to hear it.

Dh and I are about to go insane, but we will win this fight.

Prayers are appreciated.

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

KC - does your daughter have a diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder or is she just stubborn?
If you win the battle, she'll just take it off during the parade if she chooses to ignore your wishes. It's not a reflection on you as a parent that she won't wear her hat and mittens. The threats and rage might not diminish in time for the parade.
Good luck.

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

cheesy I finished up my Christmas cards this morning and hoping to decorate or at least plan what I'll set up and get it done tomorrow. I'm late decorating this year. So far, there's just a wreath on the door and a few Christmas treasures I left out from last year. Maybe if I tuck them all away in January, I'll rush to get them all out earlier next year.

:tree: Most of my gifts have been bought. We've had to add another four people to our list this year and I just heard we have to add two more. That's okay, I don't mind. I love shopping for Christmas presents.

[kcmsom76]

KC - does your daughter have a diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder or is she just stubborn?
If you win the battle, she'll just take it off during the parade if she chooses to ignore your wishes. It's not a reflection on you as a parent that she won't wear her hat and mittens. The threats and rage might not diminish in time for the parade.
Good luck.

Yes, she has been diagnosed with ODD by a child psychologist. She gave us coping mechanisms and they worked for a little while, but she learned how to get around them.

She didn't get to go to the parade. She missed it. Oh well. She is now grounded to her room for a week. :-?

[Crown 84]

I finished up my Christmas cards this morning and hoping to decorate or at least plan what I'll set up and get it done tomorrow. I'm late decorating this year.....
Just the opposite here. Nearly all the decorations are up but I have not sent out any cards, yet.

[SparkleNana]

I rushed off to a Christmas house party in our neighborhood. they are selling gifrts to benefit a wonderful cause. I had a little trouble findin g the house -- seeing the house numbers in the snow. But I was happy to arrive at the front door fifteen minutes before the 6:00 close of the House Party. The gracious owner of the house told me the party is TOMORROW.

Oh well. I didn't miss it. And I won't have any trouble finding the house tomorrow. Sigh.

[Sparkling Star]

Just the opposite here. Nearly all the decorations are up but I have not sent out any cards, yet.


Well, I've got part of the decorations up and part of the cards
have been sent out, I guess I'm a "Christmas 'Betweener" LOL
By the end of the week though both will be finished. Our daughter
will be flying in from college on the east coast the following week.
I'm gonna be busy for sure!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend. I've got 4 Christmas
books to finish reading as the library wants them back. Not enough
hours in the day I tell you!

Binge, are you locked inside a Latte Stand or something? Haven't
seen you here lately.......Everyone have a Super Sunday and
someone PLEEEEZE tell Carl he can't be in the Christmas Nativity
Play with the eggnog urn strapped on his back, he'll knock everything
over on the set! :rudolph:

[trackrebel]

Just a little over two weeks until Christmas now.....

17 Days....I love it all....Yesterday we were watching a Winnie The Pooh Christmas Special and a Disneýs Mickey Mouse/Donald Duck Christmas Special.....Very sweet and nice....Today were are going to see Nikolaus.....Kandice´s Baby Gymnastics club is doing a Nikolaus Fest....The Kids are showing their "skills" if You can call it like that after that people have coffee and cake....and then...St. Nickolas will come and give the children a little present....I´m curious on how she will react to him....she´s usually brave....and the loudest of all....I wouldn´t be surprised tho if she ran away from him...:D

[Binger]

I'm back...beenbusytrying all 13 coffeee flavors at Starbucks..

Yummm Java Egg Nog Peppermint... makes ya wanna paus du lux..

YABBA

[Binger]

[QUOTE=Crown 84;139219]Indeed it is, Pinkini!

Good Morning, Friends of Christmas.

Our first December weekend.
(Just like "First Fridays", First December Weekends are special, too!)

We are again starting cold, with the temp standing at chattery 29.
But, I don't mind the cold so quite much when we are getting our tree which we are off to do this morning!

Today is Day 24 of our Christmas Season.
Days to Christmas Day: 19 (Hey! That first digit is now a one! Really moving in.)

Bing! Wherefore art thou? No word for 4 days. Put down that coffee cup and drop us a line.
(Oh, I forgot. They can't - the cup is attached at the sleeve)

Have a Stupendous Saturday!
Enjoy your weekend and may your Christmas shopping trips be successful.[/QUOTE


yes.. the cup is attached to my right wrist... sheeshh I have been so busy- shopping- drinking coffee.. decorating... drinking coffee.... helping neighbors decorate.. drinking lattee.... oh yeah- WORK.. drinking coffee..... sheeshhhhhh drinking coffee..

YABBA

[SparkleNana]

Good Morning Friends!!!

Yum - Coffee!!!

I watched some Christmas movies on the Lifetime channel. The one I caught was 90% romance and 10% Christmas. I wish the percentages had been reversed!

Have a happy day!

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

:hello: KC - I understand what you're going through with your daughter.

Listening to Merry Christmas Radio to get "geared up" for my decorating day.

Had my four-ounce glass of Eggnog so I'll be ready to get at it soon.

Lots of activity at the Woodpecker and songbird feeders the last few days.

It's cold here today, don't know if that will slow them down. It's about 26F here. Brrrrrrrrr!

http://i34.tinypic.com/mrfhae.jpg Have a great day, relax and think CHRISTMAS!

[Crown 84]

.....someone PLEEEEZE tell Carl he can't be in the Christmas Nativity Play with the eggnog urn strapped on his back, he'll knock everything over on the set!
No problem there, Sparkle. With the eggnog inside his third hump, he's as slim as he was before (um, except for a somewhat enlarged hump, that is!)

Good Morning, Guys!

Great trip out to get our Christmas Tree yesterday.
Went by the Farmer's market to get a bushel of apples and some treats for strategically placed candy bowls, then off to "Logan's Trading Post" (located in an old converted railway station) for the tree, poinsettia and for a nice lunch at the "Seaboard Cafe" located within the nursery.
This is a wonderful tradition we uphold every year on the first Saturday in December! At some point, will put some photos I took on the trip into the Christmas Blossoms thread.

Today is Day 25 of our Christmas Season. We have reached the half way point. Hard to believe!)
Days to Christmas Day: 18 (Getting close to 2 1/2 weeks, now)

Another cold, yet sunny one. We are at 37 degrees here in Raleigh at this hour.
Had a bit of a sprinkle yesterday - nothing to build an ark over.

We will likely complete all of our remaining decorating today.
Still pending: a couple of gifts to get, then wrapping (which I always do while listening to Christmas music) and mailing off the Christmas cards.

Have a Super Sunday, my Super Friends!
Turn on that Christmas spirit and let it light your way through the day.

[Holiday]

Just dropping by to say a quick "Hello!" :hi: December needs to slow down a little!! I am missing all my friends at MMC!!! It's been a fun month so far, but a busy one!! I hope you are all doing great!!!

[trackrebel]

Kandice met Santa (or Nikolaus...however You want to call him) today...:D....she wasn´t scared a bit.....We were at the sports club´s Christmas show, where Kandice is doing the toddler gymnastics....Each group showed what they do....the bigger ones jumping on the trampolin, doing salto and backflips and stuff like that...the younger ones showing of sumersaults and things....and Kandice and her little friends did a drum dance...haha....it´s cute...but nothing great...everybody was laughing cos none of them was really doing what they were supposed to do....Kandice did quiet well....she just kept pushing me away....then suddenly turning around telling bout the lights and snowman on the wall.........the show continued then......after the last performance it all became dark..........girls aged 5-10 (about 10 of them) came in dressed as angels, including the wings came walking on stage holding little candles.....suddenly You could hear a big bell.....and all the kids turned around....and there he came.....Nikolaus (Santa) with his companion Knecht Ruprecht....some of the kids tried to run to him...some tried to run away....Kandice just jumped on a little chair to see........He came on the Stage with a big bag and Knecht Ruprecht had one, too....inlcuding a switch....:D....for the bad kids (of course there weren´t any bad kids) he greeted everybody and then asked the youngest ones on stage....So here we went.....Kandice wasn´t scared a bit....quite the opposite.....She pulled me to get to him quicker to get her present....:D.....Every kid that took part in the show/exibition got a little package from him.......It was a nice towel and some kid´s bath foam......We will use it tomorrow.....She was very proud and her face was the cutest when she saw Santa.....Her eyes were wide open...and her jaw dropped.....all she said was "Mommy, Nikilaus".....

so that was our day....very nice

[SparkleNana]

I went to a "Neighborhood Boutique" thing today. they had things for sale to benefit a great charity, which is why I went. I wanted to give money to support the charity. And I did. BUT - there was kind of A LOT of pressure to buy really expensive things made by women in the neighborhood - which simply benefited the women who made them. Like jewelry for $50 - $200 per item. Kind of uncomfortable. Luckily, I didn't really know the women "selling" their crafts, so it was a little easier for me to slide past them, smiling politely. Yikes!

[Maureen]

You must be SO proud of Kandice, Tanja and what a memory to keep!!!! Did you take any pictures for us to see??

Well done her!!!!!!

[trackrebel]

My fiance took pictures...but only with the cell phone (we don´t have a digi cam no more....since he put directly in the sun in the summer of 07 and it broke...)....so the pictures are far away....I will still post them as soon as I´m able to

[Crown 84]

Your daughter will always remember that experience, Track!

Good Morning, fellow friends of Christmas.

C-O-L-D here this morning. Mid-20's, and not supposed to get out of the 40's all day. At least there is lots of sun.
Most of the trees are bare now - except for those annoying willow oaks, of course. Their leaves won't be finished falling on my car until January.

Today is Day 26 of our Christmas Season. (Moving on into the 2nd half of the Season. Where has the time gone?)
Days to Christmas Day: 17 (Under 2 1/2 weeks, now.)

Have a Marvelous Monday, folks!
(Not possible, you say? Nay! Anything is possible - especially in December in the middle of our glorious Christmas Season!)

[kelly ann]

GOOD AFTERNOON FOLKS. iT HASNT BEEN BUSY ON HER AS NORMAL...PERHAPS EVERYONE JUST HATES MONDAYS?

[UnchosenFragmnts]

Today my wife woke up and officially freaked out at how much stuff we still had to do before Christmas. OUr first CHristmas party is 2 weeks from today and she is bouncing off the walls about what to cook, when to shop, the present wrapping, etc. I love it. It's another sure sign that everything I do for the next two and a half weeks is Christmas related...

[mac55]

Our first of 4 parties starting from this past weekend (Tree party) has come and gone already......2 1/2 weeks only left to go...wow!!
Temperatures are freezing today as well with a snow storm expected around mid week.

Party number #2 takes place on Sat.

I am done shopping other then 1 stocking run so tonight begins the wrapping after dealing with the provinvial election. The office closes a bit early for this.

At least Charlie Brown Xmas is on TV tonight.

Happy monday.

Cheers!!

ML

[trackrebel]

16 days until Christmas....can´t believe it....so close....it´s almost surreal

[Sparkling Star]

Ok, I'm officially in the panic mode now! Ready to go in several directions to get everything done but that won't work since there is only one of me!

Binge, so glad to see you are ok and just being a taste tester at the
Java Hut in your locality. Ok Crown, I can now rest since your reminder
that Carl's eggnog is safely stored (inside) his third hump! :rudolph:

I am STILL working on Christmas cards but making great progress. I had
to fix dinner tonight and that kind of got in my way LOL.

Oh my Sparklenana, those were EXPENSIVE jewelry trinkets you were
describing, I'd have to be sliding right past them too!

[christmasgranny]

Just wanted to pop in and say Good morning to everyone.
I need to finish up my cards tonight.
My son and my grand-daughter have a birthday on the 11th. My son lives in PA, (he'll be home for Christmas, though).
My grand-daughter not only shares her birthday with her uncle on daddy's side, but also with her only cousin on her mommy's side. cheesy
I haven't bought her gift yet, but I know how much she love Barbie, so that's what she'll be getting.
Our tree is decorated.
Now, if I can get back some of that Christmas spirit that seems to have been dwindling........Clarence....oh Clarence.....
Where is that guardian angel when I need him?????????

[trackrebel]

15 days to Christmas...still haven´t figured out what to cook....almost all the presents are there tho....so the cooking thing is never decided until like 4 days to the big day....so we got plenty of time...:D

[Crown 84]

Good Morning, fellow Christmasoholics.
Rise, shine, and smell the coffee.
(And, um, you'd better hurry before Binger drinks it all.)

Saw "A Charlie Brown Christmas" yesterday evening.
Even though I made a DVD of it earlier, there is a certain specialness to watching it broadcast each year.

OK, on with the count!
Today is Day 27 of our Christmas Season. (Good Heavens! Almost 4 weeks into the Season, already!)
Days to Christmas Day: 16 (Getting close to 2 weeks. It's really closing in!)

Another cold start this morning, and no sun today. Possible rain tonight and for the next 2 days. At least the temp is supposed to get into the mid to upper 50's. We are at 40 currently.

Have a Terrific Tuesday, Friends!

[Binger]

Am I the only one who has responded all day???

YABBA

[Binger]

Panic mode here.. coffee to drink... decorating to do... last minute gifts... coffee to drink....

YABBBA HI YA JAY>>>>>>> YABBA HI YA CROWN...

[christmasgranny]

Mighty slow on this countdown.
Last night the husband and I went Christmas shopping. (He hates shopping.)
The grand-kids are now finished. We have 8 kids between us and 4 of them are done.
(Not to mention spouses, bf's and gf's.) Ugh!!!

[kelly ann]

Mighty slow on this countdown.
Last night the husband and I went Christmas shopping. (He hates shopping.)
The grand-kids are now finished. We have 8 kids between us and 4 of them are done.
(Not to mention spouses, bf's and gf's.) Ugh!!!
I know, I know... I still have a few more pressies to get and its like Urgh, I cant be bothered anymore, lol

[Crown 84]

HI YA back at you Bing, my coffee-soaked friend!
It was slow on the board yesterday, wasn't it? At one point, I thought we just might break the 5,000 post barrier by the thread's end on Dec 31, but now I'm not so sure.
Anyone care to join me here Christmas Eve for some real-time banter?
If we get a good group together like we did on Season Eve, we just might make it to 5K!

Good Morning, everyone!

Let's check the stats:
Today is Day 28 of our Christmas Season. (Wow! Four weeks completed by the end of the day today!)
Days to Christmas Day: 15 (Mercy! Two weeks from tomorrow!)

Compared to yesterday, this morning feels downright tropical.
We stand at 62 and are supposed to reach the low 70's by this afternoon.
(It does come at the cost of rain, however)

Have a Wonderful Wednesday, guys!
Come join Holiday, Carl and me at the Shispering Pines where we can sit on the rear veranda, enjoy some of Carl's famous gourmet eggnog, have a fired twinkie and enjoy the view to the weekend.
(It's beautiful at the Pines this time of year, and as activities director, Carl has really outdone himself with the decorations!)

[JayIsh]

Hi guys!!! Crazy time of year as it always is...Found a cute little poem:

I think this captures the American Christmas spirit so I thought I'd send it out to all of you.

In the unroamed loamed alone of cathedral forests
where resounds the echoing silence of the great organ timber pipes
that tower into the crystal distance
among the cool green and deep honey dark caches
of shadowed silence there grow
the christmas trees.
Child trees still suckling woodmilk from beneath the moss
to lift their sapling fingers and touch full stride their miracle.
But these child trees as christmas ornaments
are severed from sanctuary by seasoned hunters
with steel saws and shiney axes
and brought to towns priced and tagged trimmed and dragged off
to christmastreetion camps where amid the pallor of neon
and the roaring ugliness of the christmas crash
they wait for christmas people to inspect them and select them
to fit a certain space in a certain place so much less
than a wilderness with tinsel and glass paper and plastic
trash foam and fuzz flashing lights and icons they stand dressed
to hide their slow dry dying.
Merry Christmas

[bastones]

14 days and 7 hours to go for us in the UK ... have a Merry Christmas all and a Happy New Year! Favourite bit is Christmas Eve as it approaches Christmas Day and wishing Merry Christmas to my family online who live 250 mi away :snowball:

Merry Christmas!!! :treeguy:

[Maureen]

Well Jay, I'm never going to ever buy a real tree, if that's what happens to them!! http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Bridgemoose/eek.gif

[JayIsh]

How about this one!!!

Eggnog, tinsel, falling snow
Buttered rum and mistletoe
Christmas trees and hanging lights
The sound of carolers fills the night

Shopping hours long and hard
Visa phones and cancels card
Unpaid bills and mounting debts
Family gathers; depressions sets

Drinking starts, harsh words are said
Dysfunction rears its yuletide head
Argument turns to shovin'
Drunken brother punches cousin
Tree tips over, popping lights
Curtains catch, house ignites

No one hears the reindeer cries
Wedged in chimney, Santa dies
Though he kicked and did perspire
His chestnuts roasted on an open fire

[Maureen]

Wonderful - I'll invite you to my wrist slashing party!!

Merry Friggin' Christmas to you too!!!!!

[trackrebel]

How about this one!!!

Eggnog, tinsel, falling snow
Buttered rum and mistletoe
Christmas trees and hanging lights
The sound of carolers fills the night

Shopping hours long and hard
Visa phones and cancels card
Unpaid bills and mounting debts
Family gathers; depressions sets

Drinking starts, harsh words are said
Dysfunction rears its yuletide head
Argument turns to shovin'
Drunken brother punches cousin
Tree tips over, popping lights
Curtains catch, house ignites

No one hears the reindeer cries
Wedged in chimney, Santa dies
Though he kicked and did perspire
His chestnuts roasted on an open fire



haha....that was funny....especially the last part.....sadly some parts of the poem oare true for some

[sgrover]

Today is Wednesday, December 10, 2008. We have 15 days until Christmas!
We have 345 hours until Christmas!
We have 20695 minutes until Christmas!
We have 1241668 seconds until Christmas!

[Holiday]

Oh you guys!!! It's been 3 days since I logged on! That is just entirely too long. I was going through withdrawls!!! Ha ha! I hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas season! It's been a busy one here so far...time's a flyin!!! I made snacks tonight for tomorrow night ~ I am going Christmas house hopping with friends! Can't wait!! I made cut out cookies last night & tonight I made the pretzel rounds w/ a hershey hug melted in the middle & an M & M on top! Mmm, mmm! Sunday is our annual candy making day at my Moms w/ all my sisters, nieces, & sister in law. Sunday night we are going to see the Dayton Philharmonic Christmas Show. It's going to be Christmas before I know what hit me!!! :yahoo:
Take care you all!!!

[kelly ann]

Good morning!! Hope you are all well?!

[Crown 84]

And a good morning back to you, Kelly!
Appears you and I are the only ones up and at 'em so far today.
(And Binger calls me sleepy!)

Another mild one here in Raleigh at this hour, where we stand at a rather unseasonal 63.
Very overcast though and storms are in the forecast. Had some rain yesterday but nothing severe.

Today is Day 29 of our Christmas Season. (Can you believe we are starting our FIFTH Season week?? No way!)
Days to Christmas Day: 14 (Hey! That's the same as 2 weeks, guys.)

Have been enjoying the school groups performing daily in the mall.
Some of the programs are nicely designed. (I just wish they wouldn't change the lyrics to the Christmas songs!)

Well, it's Friday Eve again! Are you ready for another big pre-Christmas weekend?
Have a Thrilling Thursday, folks.