Category Archives: Christmas

Six Ways to De-Stress During the Holiday Mess

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By: Mary Pat Baldauf

The decorations have been in the stores for weeks – in some cases, even months- but now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, the holiday season is here!

This season already seems different for me, probably because we are closing in on the first year without Dad. It’s not that I don’t want to celebrate and enjoy the season, but my priorities have shifted. Spending time with family and friends seems so much more important than decorating the house or searching for the elusive “perfect gift.”

That being said, the holidays bring their own set of stresses, no matter how you celebrate. When I saw a teaser for Six Steps to a More Stressless Holiday Season in my 5 a.m. Twitter feed, I clicked the link, and I’m glad I did. These tips will help anyone manage the holidays better, but two of them resonated with the way I’m feeling this year: “Keep Your Side of the Street Clean” and “NO is Not a Four-Letter Word.”

Number 3: “Keep Your Side of the Street Clean,” is all about owning your behavior and reaction, not letting someone else hijack your happiness. That’s a good rule all year long, but especially during the holiday season.

Number 4: “No is Not a Four-Letter Word,” reminds us that we have the right to say no to anything that will take the joy out of the season for us. As women, we have a tendency to worry more about others than ourselves, but I’m learning that it’s not necessarily bad to be selfish. The cookies for your work party don’t have to be homemade. Everyone appreciates gift cards. And no one will notice if you wear the same festive sweater to more than one party.

If all else fails, try one of these great “on the spot” time-tested meditation techniques from David Magone, founder of PranaVayu Yoga. Whether you’re stuck in maddening traffic, behind a full cart in the express check out lane or have just run out of holiday cheer, these will help you de-stress and reconnect.

Happy Holidays, Y’all!

Good Grief

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By: Crissie Miller Kirby

As you will see from my late night ramblings about Christmas being shoved down our throats before Halloween, I tend to unearth some interesting articles. I have found yet another interesting article to share with you – “Are Charlie Brown and the Peanuts Gang too mean for today’s kids?” Seriously? The article goes on to talk about the “stupid,” “dumb,” “blockhead,” monikers bestowed on some of the characters, mostly Charlie, and how that may be setting a bad example for the children of today.

First of all, let’s face the facts here: it is a CARTOON people. Getting worked up over a time-honored classic basically says that we are out of focus in today’s society. Instead of using the television as a teacher or a babysitter, we could use it as a jumping off point. Why not use those words in that cartoon to teach a lesson about how hurtful those words can be?

Also, think about what Charlie Brown does in his cartoons. He gets a little down, a little crestfallen, but he ultimately perseveres. He doesn’t let those words make him lash out in anger or pull an oozie on someone. He is who he is, and he doesn’t let the ridicule slow him down or define him.

Another great example is found in Finding Nemo. As you all know, I have two boys under the age of 7, and this was Pierce’s favorite movie before he turned 2 years old. Our copy of Nemo often goes missing because I WANT it to go missing. Why? Anyone recall the moment right after Marlin tells Nemo that he can’t swim out to sea?? What is Nemo’s response? “I hate you!”

Ouch!

So how did I handle that? Did I banish my children from watching it? Umm, NO. What did I do? Yep, you guessed it. This mom took those three words and used them as a chance to have talks with my boys about how mean and disrespectful it is to say that to someone, especially to a parent.

Honestly, I have more heart palpitations over the fact that Max and Ruby appear to have no parents yet appear to live alone, ride on the bus alone, and go shopping alone. Anyone else think about the absurdities of Dora and Diego? Diego is eight, yet, he drives? What about Spongebob and Patrick and all of the real weirdness that resides in Bikini Bottom?

The article also goes on to say that there is nothing good in the Charlie Brown cartoons for today’s children. Again, seriously?

First of all, as a believer in Christ, I LOVE the fact that my children can still watch a cartoon that was aired on television that references what the true meaning of Christmas is and delivers quotations from the Bible. I still get goosebumps every time I hear the innocent, sweet voice of Linus deliver his monologue of the Birth of Christ. Secondly, Charlie picks out what we all deem to be the ugliest tree on the lot. However, after all of the children come together to work on it, it turns into a beautiful tree and Charlie, himself, is wished a “Merry Christmas” by all of the other children who typically torment him. How does that fit in to your head about giving people a chance and changing attitudes and perceptions?

Thanks, I think I’ll keep letting the boys watch, and learn, from good ole Charlie Brown.

Hard Candy Christmas

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By: Crissie Miller Kirby

Years ago Dolly Parton sang a song entitled “Hard Candy Christmas” and while some may argue over the meaning of the lyrics, I tend to think of them as comparing a break up to being, financially, poor.  Sometimes, those two go hand in hand.  However, while being unable to provide or receive expensive gifts, she sings about, essentially, being “fine and dandy” and talks about every day, normal things and seeing them as gifts to be treasured.  I find this song to hold great meaning for me this year.  This is my first (gasp) “divorced” Christmas and, obviously, my financial situation is different than it has been in previous years.  Coupled with a brand, spanking new heating and air unit, funds are a little tight.  I’ve tried to ensure that Santa is bringing wanted gifts to my children; however, there are no overly expensive items to be placed under the tree.  Thankfully, they didn’t ask for anything too expensive anyway.

There are lots of other people in our lives that we would like to shower with gifts at Christmastime, especially this year as they have meant so much to us.  They have supported us, encouraged us, and consoled us.  Buying very nice and expensive gifts is not really in the budget though.  Normally, I’m not an overly crafty person.  Although, sometimes, I like to fancy myself being this creative and craft genius; alas, I am not!  But, I decided that this year I would try my hand at creating some special and unique Christmas gifts for family and friends.  And you know what?  I’ve loved putting my time, energy, and heart into making these gifts instead of spending tons of money (that I don’t have anyway).  I’ve been excited to see the looks on the faces of my family, friends, and children’s teachers as they have opened these “hard candy Christmas” gifts.  I hope that these gifts will provide them with years of enjoyment and good memories.

Have you handcrafted any Christmas gifts this year in an effort to cut back?  If so, I’d love to hear about what you have made.

In closing, again, I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and I pray you each have a blessed and prosperous New Year in 2012.  I leave you with a few photographs of some of the items I’ve made this year and, also, the lyrics to “Hard Candy Christmas:”

Hey, maybe I’ll dye my hair
Maybe I’ll move somewhere
Maybe I’ll get a car
Maybe I’ll drive so far
They’ll all lose track
Me, I’ll bounce right back

Maybe I’ll sleep real late
Maybe I’ll lose some weight
Maybe I’ll clear my junk
Maybe I’ll just get drunk on apple wine
Me, I’ll be just

Fine and Dandy
Lord it’s like a hard candy Christmas
I’m barely getting through tomorrow
But still I won’t let
Sorrow bring me way down

I’ll be fine and dandy
Lord it’s like a hard candy Christmas
I’m barely getting through tomorrow
But still I won’t let
Sorrow get me way down

Hey, maybe I’ll learn to sew
Maybe I’ll just lie low
Maybe I’ll hit the bars
Maybe I’ll count the stars until dawn
Me, I will go on

Maybe I’ll settle down
Maybe I’ll just leave town
Maybe I’ll have some fun
Maybe I’ll meet someone
And make him mine
Me, I’ll be just

Fine and dandy
Lord it’s like a hard candy Christmas
I’m barely getting through tomorrow
But still I won’t let
Sorrow bring me way down

I’ll be fine and dandy
Lord it’s like a hard candy Christmas
I’m barely getting through tomorrow
But still I won’t let
Sorrow bring me way down

I’ll be fine and dandy
Lord it’s like a hard candy Christmas
I’m barely getting through tomorrow
But still I won’t let
Sorrow bring me way down

‘Cause I’ll be fine
(I’ll be fine)
Oh, I’ll be fine

Oh Fudge!

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By: Katie Austin

Now, you probably thought the title was a hint of me getting on my soap box to vent, but really I was taking an opportunity to talk about my favorite sweet of the season – fudge.  This time of the year I find myself taking a day (or two) to make my holiday cookies, fudge and peanut brittle for the times when family and friends get together.  One of the things that I like about making fudge is that there aren’t many ingredients and homemade fudge makes a great gift on any budget.  Do you like fudge too?  If you do, what kind of fudge is your favorite?

I must admit, this time last year I could hardly taste anything as everything had a metal taste to it.  I just finished my chemotherapy treatments during the summer and then my last radiation treatment was in November, so my taste buds were on vacation.  Things are different now as my taste buds are back to normal and everything tastes wonderful!  That can be good and bad.  Good that food tastes wonderful and I can enjoy my meals again.  Bad that my waistline is changing because of it, but we will leave that discussion for another blog post!

So, now that we all have fudge on the brain, I wanted to share with you my all-time favorite recipe for peanut butter fudge!  I received this from a wonderful family member and thought my Every Woman Blog family would enjoy it too!

Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cup sugar
  • 2/3 cup Hershey’s cocoa
  • 1 ½ cup milk
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • ½ stick butter
  • Creamy peanut butter (any brand)
  • Nuts (if desired)

Cooking instructions:

  1. In a pot, mix together the sugar, cocoa, milk and salt.
  2. Bring to a roaring boil.
  3. Boil about 3 minutes then drop a few drops of chocolate into a cup of cold water to see if a soft ball forms.
  4. If a ball does not form, continue boiling and checking frequently.
  5. When a soft ball of chocolate forms, remove the pot from the heat.
  6. Add the vanilla extract, butter, and a glob of peanut butter (and nuts, if desired).
  7. Beat until chocolate changes from shiny to dull.
  8. Pour into buttered pan to cool.
  9. Cut into squares when cool and enjoy.

Wishing all of our Every Woman bloggers a wonderful holiday season and a joyous, blessed new year!

Emotional Eating, and It’s Not Even Christmas Yet!

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How Can I Gift Dark Chocolate Figs If I Eat Them All?

By: Mary Pat Baldauf

Food is supposed to nourish and fuel us, but eating can also be triggered by feelings other than hunger, such as boredom, anxiety or depression. Signs that you may be eating for emotional reasons include sudden cravings for sweets or specific foods, eating when it’s unlikely that you’re hungry (such as 30 minutes after dinner) and feeling guilty after eating.

While I’ve had a handle on emotional eating during the past 12-14 months, I’ve been fighting it tooth and nail for the last few weeks – in some cases, not so successfully! In that time, I had to put my beloved dog, Winston, down, and my terminally ill father’s health has declined rapidly – not to mention the advent of hectic holiday season. When I get this lump in my throat and racing in my chest, too often, I’m heading to the kitchen.

Chocolate seems to be my “go to feel better emotional food.” Strangely, it’s not necessarily the amount that I’ve eaten, but the way in which I’ve eaten it. I set out to eat only three say Dark Chocolate Salted Figs, and before I know it, nine are gone. And while that’s not horrible – the figs have fiber and dark chocolate antioxidants – it’s the mindless, automatic nature of the eating that concerns me.

As part of my healthy lifestyle journey, I’ve done some research on emotional eating and found a few tips that have helped me avoid it:

  1. Keep a journal of what and when you eat to better understand the pattern. Sometimes just being aware that you are emotionally eating helps curb it.
  2. Try to keep unhealthy foods (or foods that you tend to eat when emotional) out of your personal space, such as your house, office and/or car.
  3. When the urge to eat strikes, ask yourself if you’re really hungry. If not, find an alternative. Walk, work out, read, take a hot bath – do anything except eat.
  4. Try to identify the feeling that’s triggering your emotional eating and learn to tolerate and/or otherwise express the emotion. (I hate to cry, but tears can actually be very therapeutic.)
  5. Consider recording your feelings or sharing them with a trusted friend or family member.
  6. Learn a relaxation technique, such as meditation. (I’ve found a great iPhone app that leads you through a meditation exercise: Mayo Clinic Meditation. Yoga is also a great stress buster.)

As we get closer to what can be the stressful season, let’s swap secrets and trade tips on how to enjoy a more relaxed, happier and healthier holiday! If you’re one of the lucky ones who can handle stress without a sausage ball in one hand, peppermint bark in the other — how do you do it? If, like me, you are an emotional eater, how do you manage your feelings sans mocha mint cheesecake? We’re every woman, and together, we can keep that emotional eating at bay this holiday season.

Who Gives a Fig? You Will, Once You Give These a Try!

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By: Mary Pat Baldauf

Today’s post is short and sweet, actually quite sweet indeed! In my ongoing quest to eat cleaner, I’ve been on the lookout for a healthy but delicious treat to make and give for the holidays. This weekend, I found it: Dark Chocolate Salted Figs from Snack Girl blogger Lisa Cain.

First, the recipe:

Dark Chocolate Salted Figs

Ingredients:

  • Dried figs, One Package (about 40)
  • Baker’s Dark Semi-Sweet Dipping Chocolate, One 7-oz. tub
  • Coarse sea salt

Directions:

  • Lay a piece of wax paper or parchment paper on a baking sheet.
  • Melt chocolate according to directions.
  • Dip 1/2 fig in chocolate, put on plate, and dust with salt.
  • Refrigerate for 1/2 hour and serve.

Nutritional Information:

Makes 40 figs. Nutritional Info (one) = 62 calories, 1.0 g fat, 13.8 g carbohydrates, 0.8 g protein, 2.0 g fiber, 62 mg sodium. For those of you on Weight Watchers, they’re two points a piece.

Warning: These are addictive. They are super rich, but still, I could not eat just one. Delicious!

Now, the good stuff; figs are good for you! Here are just a few things about figs that make them good for you:

  • Figs are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps to control blood pressure.
  • Figs are a good source of dietary fiber, which can such as lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease.
  • Figs are a fruit source of calcium (79 milligrams in an 8 oz-wt serving), a mineral that has many functions including promoting bone density.

Hope y’all enjoy these as much as I do!

A Family Tradition

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By: Crissie Miller Kirby

Wow!  Thanksgiving is almost here and with that comes the knowledge that November is almost over and Christmas will be here in about a month.  Part of what makes this season so special for so many are the traditions that we have developed with family and friends.  In honor of those traditions, I thought I would use this posting as an opportunity to share with you one of my family’s most treasured of traditions.

For some of you, you may have a tradition of pulling your Christmas tree from the attic or the garage.  Others of you may make a run to your local grocery store or roadside lot to choose an already cut tree.  Still others prefer the trip to a rural community to one of South Carolina’s choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms.  For my little family, the latter is the true beginning of our Christmas season, for every Thanksgiving afternoon, we venture down a dirt road in Monetta, South Carolina to Tom Sawyer’s Christmas Trees where we choose our tree from the many different varieties they offer.  And, before you ask ~ yes, Tom Sawyer is both a real, live person and that is his real name!

When you arrive at the tree farm, you are generally greeted by Tom’s brother, George, who can direct you to the different fields that hold the different varieties.  In the fields, you will most certainly come across Tom and, often, his son, Ben.  Some weekends you may find my brother, Ritchie, or another “family member,” Alan, assisting customers as they choose and cut that perfect tree.  A trip to the Wreath House to survey the wreaths, garlands, and bows will find you warmly greeted by Tom’s wife, Debbie.  Often, Debbie is assisted by her sister-in-law, Evelyn, or her daughter-in-law, Becky.  Another member of the “family” is Brenda, who also lends a friendly face to the Wreath House.  And some weekends, you may even find me.

You see, our family tradition of getting our tree from the Sawyer’s does not end when the tree is netted and safely stowed in or on top of my mini-van; on the contrary, it begins on Thanksgiving afternoon each year.  I am so fortunate to have known the Sawyer family for as long as I can remember and they have graciously allowed me to become a part of the “tree farm family” each holiday season.  Being a part of this wonderful group of people really helps to shape, mold, and personify the adage about giving being better than receiving.  I am unable to truly put in to words how wonderful it is to see the smiles on the customers’ faces as they choose the perfect tree or the perfect wreath or even the smiles generated from something as simple as choosing the perfect ribbon for their wreath.

These customers truly give me the greatest gift each season.  Their happiness and excitement is infectious and now I can barely imagine a Christmas season without being with the Sawyers and the rest of our tree farm family.  It is more than a seasonal job; it is a family tradition.  So much so that my almost 6-year-old son states, emphatically, that he is ready to put on his “tree farm” jacket and go to work on the farm this holiday season!  And for the Sawyers, this is far more than a seasonal venture, the planting, pruning, care, and maintenance of the tree farm is a multi-year, year-round process.  It is truly a labor of love and a tradition for them.  They welcome each family with open arms and look forward to seeing those same, often growing, families return to their fields each and every season.

If you and your family are in search of a new tradition, I suggest that you make the trek to Monetta and see what Tom Sawyer’s Christmas Trees has to offer: choose and cut trees, wreaths, bows, wagon rides, and some of the most peaceful countryside you have ever seen.  For more information about the environmental benefits of purchasing a live tree and general information on all of South Carolina’s tree farms, please take a few minutes to visit the SC Christmas Tree Association website at www.scchristmastrees.org.

Best wishes to all of my fellow bloggers, their families, and our readers as we venture into the 2011 holiday season: May you all have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving and Christmas season.  I look forward to seeing you at the farm!