The Reason - - -

This is a wonderful time of year, and in some ways it makes me sad to see some harshness in a few people - claiming that they have the exclusive rights to the winter holiday celebrations. There are many, many Reasons for this Season - all around the world.

This is my all time favorite bumper sticker - it says so much - in just one word.

There are so many festivals at this time of the year - and so many good things to celebrate. These are in no particular order - just Reasons why we celebrate our love for each other. It is often said that if we didn't have a winter celebration we would make one up - to bring cheer to this time of the year.

BODHI OR BODHI DAY

December 8 - Day of Enlightenment, celebrating the day that the historical Buddha (Siddhartha Guatama) experienced enlightenment. It was originally celebrated in Japan, China, Korea and Vietnam and now around the world, and is a day of meditation.

WINTER SOLSTICE - DECEMBER 21-22

The Solstice is celebrated around the world, with tributes to nature and giving of gifts to friends and loved one. The main celebration centers around nature and this poem is a great tribute to the Winter Solstice.

The Shortest Day

And so the Shortest Day came and the year died
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;
They hung their homes with evergreen;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive.
And when the new year's sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, reveling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
Echoing behind us - listen!
All the long echoes, sing the same delight,
This Shortest Day,
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
They carol, feast, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And now so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.

- Susan Cooper
Author of The Dark is Rising novels

ST. NICHOLAS DAY

December 6 - though originating in Greece - this holiday is celebrated around the world now. It is celebrated in many ways—the bishop may lead a town parade, hold a Saints' Day Worship service, visit schools, hospitals and homes during parties or St. Nicholas might come at night and leave sweet treats and small gifts for children.

St. Nicholas is the Patron Saint of sailors, merchants, archers, thieves, students and children. St. Nicholas is the model for our modern Santa Claus and however he comes, Saint Nicholas reminds us that giving is more important than receiving, and doing for others is the faithful way to live.

LAS POSADA

Christmas festivities in Mexico begin with Las Posadas, nine consecutive days of candleight processions and lively parties starting December 16.

Children gather each afternoon to reenact the holy family's quest for lodging in Bethlehem. The procession is headed by a small Virgin Mary often perched on a live burro, led by a little Joseph. There are other children - dressed in colorful costumes and carrying decorated walking sticks and paper lanterns. The children stop at a designated house and ask for lodging for the Holy Family - and are turned away, because there is no room at the inn (Posada), this is repeated at a second and then third home - the third home says there is room in the manger and then the children are invited in for fun and games, and the chance to take a whack at the pinata and a mad scramble for the fruits, sugar cane, peanuts and candies in the pinata.

RUSSIAN CHRISTMAS

Russian Christmas is celebrated on Jan 6. After the 1917 Revolution, Christmas was banned throughout Russia, along with other religious celebrations. It wasn't until 75 years later, in 1992, that the holiday was openly observed once again. Fasting is observed during the day and after the first star appears dinner is served - meatless but festive. The most important ingredient is a special porridge called kutya. It is made of wheatberries or other grains which symbolize hope and immortality, and honey and poppy seeds which ensure happiness, success, and untroubled rest. A ceremony involving the blessing of the home is frequently observed. The kutya is eaten from a common dish to symbolize unity.


Growing up in Alaska we often would go to the Russian Christmas Mass at this wonderful Russian Orthodox Church.

CHRISTMAS

The christian holiday most widely celebrated - on Dec. 25, the day that the Solstice was originally held, according the the ancient Julian calendar. It is a time of feasting, families gathering and gift giving - in the tradition of the Wise Men bringing gifts to the Christ Child. Gift giving is also a time when we can give to the less fortunate in our communities and around the world.

SADEH

An Iranian mid winter festival, celebrated Dec 11 or Jan 22 - depending on the region of the celebration, it was celebrated with grandeur and magnificence in ancient Iran. Today it is a festivity to honor fire and to defeat the forces of darkness, frost, and cold. The chief preparation is the gathering of wood, and everyone in the community is expected to contribute. When the fire was lit there was a blessing given for the whole community.

Chanukah

An eight day festival beginning in late December, commemorating the miracle of the oil after the desecration of the Temple by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, and his defeat in 165 BCE. The Menorah is one of the most widely recognized symbol of Chanukah. There is gift giving and feasting during this holiday - though not as lavish as Christmas, the focus is more on the spiritual events.


Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

YULE OR YULETIDE (WINTER SOLSTICE)

Begun as a Germanic and Egyptian Pagan festival of the rebirth of the Sun. It is now celebrated around the world, by Christians, non-Christians and even by the non-religious. Yule traditions include decorating a fir or spruce tree, burning a Yule log, hanging mistletoe and holly branches, giving gifts, and general celebration and merriment.

KOLEDA

Celebrated in Balkan Slavic countries on the evening of Dec. 24, the meaning has shifted from Christmas itself to denoting the tradition of strolling, singing, and having fun on that special night. It specifically applies to children and teens who walk house to house greeting people, singing and sifting grain that denotes the best wishes and receiving candy and small money in return.

HUMAN LIGHT

This is a Humanist holiday celebrated on December 23. Humanist philosophy is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism and other supernatural beliefs, it affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity. It is a celebration of "a Humanist's vision of a good future." They celebrate a positive approach to the coming new year. Celebrating on Dec. 23 then allows the members to also join in other celebrations of the season.

Their philosophy is summed up in the words of a song that is often sung at Christmas - "Be Good for Goodness' Sake".

KWANZA

A week long celebration honoring universal African American heritage and culture, observed from December 26 to January 1 each year. It features activities such as lighting candles in a candle holder with seven candles and culminates in a feast and giving of gifts. It was first celebrated in 1966–1967.

There are many, many more celebrations of winter holidays - each with special meaning to those that celebrate their special days. Many Reasons to remember we are all connected and these are special times that we can remember those who are close to us, those who are far away and those who don't have the same good fortune that we have. We can celebrate any holiday by giving to the poor, helping at a soup kitchen, taking coffee to those standing in the cold while waiting at the food bank, bringing blankets and gloves to homeless and being tolerant of the beliefs of others.

Each person carries the ability in their heart to be open and accepting and my wish for this season is that we all share our commonality and not dredge up our differences. Try to get to know someone who is different than you - get to really know them personally and you will find they have the same desires, hopes, dreams and plans that you do. They cry in anguish, smile and laugh in joy and love their families the same way we love our families. We are one!

“Remember the five simple rules to be happy: Free your heart from hatred.

Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.”

Santas and More Santas

Don't you just love Santas? I've been collecting them for a while now - and I have rarely seen any two the same - wonder how they do that? I have them in the dish cupboard - on the buffet - in the windows - under the tree - all around the house - even outdoors.

I have the windowsill in the dining room lined with Santas . . .

They all get along so nicely - I think they are planning christmas surprises. . .

This Russian St. Nicholoas is one of my favorites. . . although sometimes I think my favorite is the one I'm currently looking at . . .

Some of the Santas are in the china cabinet - these Peace Santa are so hip . . .

You'll always find Mr. and Mrs. Santa together - ready to season your food with salt and pepper. . .

This little guy isn't't a santa - but this mousie has been around for about 40 christmases - and yet he still looks so young . . .

Many of the Santas are in amongst the holly leaf dishes on the buffet . . .

And of course teapots shaped like Santa - and snowmen . . . I love teapots too . . .

What is your favorite holiday decoration?

Christmas Tree

Our tree has always been a family tree, ornaments the kids made when they were growing up, ornaments I've made, ornaments from friends and family. It is so full of ornaments that we have to make sure it doesn't tip over - and some years it has, and with no help from our cats either. We are better at balancing the ornaments all around now so rarely do we get the dangerous swaying.

One year, when we still had real trees, the trunk of the tree was so crooked that the stand was about a foot away from the center of the tree, but we even got that one balanced. Come - enjoy our ornaments - and there are lots to enjoy.

We'll start with the lights - bubble lights. Don is in charge of lights on the tree and he puts on hundreds of tiny colored lights, then bell lights and big round colored snowball lights and finally bubble lights. We've almost always had bubble lights and some years you can find them in stores, and some years not. More recently the ones in stores have clear bases and are too bright to even look at - they look like searchlights on the tree. So if we need to replace any we'll have to look for vintage ones.

Some cute "candy" ornaments. They do look like candy, but are only plastic - and cute . . . this reindeer is a lollipop . . .

Birds are always a favorite on our tree - this was a gift from Jamie . . .

Two little Eskimos from a famous artist in Alaska - although I grew up in S.E. Alaska, where we didn't wear parkas and have a lot of snow and cold, these are a cute reminder of Alaska. . .

One of my favorite geese . . .

A Hawaiian Nene Goose ornament, brought back by Rusty and Jamie from their honeymoon . . .

A goose painted on a flat round of wood . . .

And some of Don's bells. He loves bell ornaments and has quite a collection over them, gathered over the years. Some vintage, some new and some that are now vintage but were new when we bought them.

Humpty Dumpty made of felt, the year our first child was born. He's held up pretty well . . .

Our grandson Jahn-Zyel made these paper gingerbread ornaments for each family member one year . . .

Picture frame ornaments with Jahn and Ben when they were younger . . .

Linus and Sally - special ornaments that Don and I put on the tree together each year . . .

Lori made this ornament in early grade school - one of our sentimental favorites . . .

A moose from Maine - do you see his lobster? Thanks Lili!! He's always right out front on the tree. . . I wonder if he rode in their skiff the Chowdabowl before he came here?

Another felt ornament that I made - the year our youngest daughter was born . . .

Shiny vintage ornaments . . .

A very heavy glass pear. This one often is near the back of the tree to help balance the tree and keep it from tipping forward - I told you it was heavy . . .

I hand painted this christmas pie, it is cut from very thin wood . . .

Shiny, white, glittery glass pinecone . . .

And what tree is complete until you have a slice of pumpkin pie? An ornament from the annual ornament swap our family has.

More glitter, more shine. I love the glass beads . . .

Fancy lace snowflakes made by my friend Franni . . .

This little guy is about 3/4 " tall total - but looks like he can get into plenty of mischief . . .

Made from ash from the Mt. St. Helens eruption 30 years ago in Washington . . .

I adore vintage ornaments - these little girls add such cheer to the tree . . .

And Christmas trees always need angels. These two were given to me by my father when I was 5.

They have stiff angel hair wings and soft clouds of angel hair to sit on. . .

And a lacy angel that I made. Her body is made of thin painted wood and a tulle and lace skirt with lots of ribbons.

I hope you enjoyed a little tour of our tree. What are your favorite ornaments?

Summer Sausage

One more recipe - I've had a lot of requests for this one! A batch is in the oven right now, I make a double batch at a time because it is so popular. Another double batch is going in the fridge to chill overnight.

It is another family favorite - I've been making this for years. It is great for gifts and for snacks - not just at the holidays but anytime. And very easy to make!





Summer Sausage

2 lbs lean ground beef
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp garlic salt
1 c water
2 T tender quick
1/4 tsp onion salt
1 1/2 tsp Liquid Smoke

Mix all ingredients. Shape into three logs. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (at least 12 hours) Remove plastic wrap and bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours at 300 degrees. Refrigerate after cooking. Slice and serve on sandwiches or crackers, with cheese (and, no, I don't have a recipe for cheese - since I've never made any).

I use disposable gloves for the mixing - you really need to get your hands in there tom mix it completely.

Tender Quik has been a little harder to find lately - in our town you can usually find it at Haggen Stores. It used to be available in any market. It is in the section by the salt.

Enjoy!

Cranberry/Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Since several friends have asked for my Cranberry/Pecan Shortbread Cookie recipe I thought I would put it here where I can share with more people. Enjoy - and next - a recipe for Summer Sausage!

Cranberry Pecan Shortbread

Or - The Best Cookie You'll Ever Eat!

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature (do NOT use margarine)

2/3 cup sugar

1 t. vanilla

2 1/3 cups flour

1/2 t. salt

1 cup pecans, chopped

1 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped

2 T cold water

Cream the butter until smooth (about 1 - 2 minutes). Add the sugar and beat until smooth and creamy (about 3 minutes). Beat in the vanilla. Gently stir in the flour and salt just until incorporated.

Fold in the chopped pecans and dried cranberries and water (Make sure that the nuts and cranberries are evenly distributed throughout the dough).

Divide the dough in half. You might have to knead the dough a bit to get it to stick together – this is a rather dry dough. Place the dough on a piece of waxed paper or plastic wrap. Smooth and shape the dough into an evenly shaped log that is about 10 inches long and 2 inches across . Then thoroughly wrap the shaped logs in the waxed paper or plastic wrap, twist the ends of the paper to seal the logs, and chill for at least two hours, or up to three days. (The logs can also be frozen for about two months. If freezing, it is best to defrost the logs in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking.)

Preheat oven to 325, with the rack in the center of the oven. Grease pans or use parchment paper.

Using a thin bladed knife ( I used a good thin, finely serrated knife), slice the logs into ¼ thick cookies. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about ½ inch apart – the cookies don't really spread.

Bake for about 15 - 20 minutes, or until the cookies are just beginning to brown around the edges. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.

Makes about 48 shortbread cookies. What I like about these cookies, besides they are the best tasting in the world – is that you mix them up one day and then bake them another, when the kitchen is clean and there is no mixing-up-cookie-dough mess.

And I always make a double batch (that is all that will fit in my mixer bowl - if I want more I make a second double batch) - they get eaten quickly.

Check Your Craisins

After posting my recipe for Cranberry Nut Bread, my friend Christine sent me this recall notice. I wanted to pass it on to you so if you are planning to make the delicious cranberry bread you can do so safely, after checking your Craisins.

Thank you Christine, for helping make us safe. Do pop over and visit her - she has a fabulous blog and some terrific quilt patterns, for blocks and for quilts. A truly wonderful lady!

Now back to our regularly scheduled holiday baking.