Christmas, in the Christian church, is the annual festival held on December 25 to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Scholars believe that the festival is derived in part from rites held by pre-Christian Germanic and Celtic peoples to celebrate the winter solstice. Christmas festivals have been observed by Christians since the 4th century and incorporate many pagan customs, such as the use of holly and mistletoe. Dutch settlers brought to the Americas the custom of celebrating Saint Nicholas's Eve (December 5) with gift giving. British settlers took over the tradition as part of their Christmas celebration.
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Christmas is a very soothing holiday. It brings back great memories and wonderful food. This is really not the time to start dieting but if eating in moderation you can enjoy the food you like without feeling deprived.
Christmas is also the time to decorate and spend time at home. Poinsettias, Cyclamen, Primrose and Azaleas, are widely available and will bring color and fragrance to your home. This is also a good time to plant daffodils, tulips and narcissus. Plant the bulbs 3 weeks before Christmas and you will have wonderful blooms for the holidays.
Be a guest at your own party and prepare in advance. You can bake and freeze your baking goods (most of them can be frozen). Set a list of what you need and shop ahead of time. Shop on line it can save you time and aggravation. Buy only perishable food 2 days before Christmas dinner.
As a tradition of open house at Christmas time always keep extra boxes of cookies, frozen baked goods and ice cream, so you can create wonderful treats without the hassle. I like to keep homemade frozen baking goods like quiches, cheese or spinach turnovers that can be reheated and serve in a cinch. I also keep olives, cheeses and crackers for unexpected guests.
Be very careful with your tree and always make sure it does not dry out, fire can happen very quickly. Do not let your tree lighted when going to sleep (always be safe than sorry) and never let your pet eat pieces of the tree and decorations it can be lethal for them. Throw your tree out as soon as it is dry (even if it is 3 or 4 days after Christmas). Do not place the tree close to a curtain or flammable fabric, fire happens very quickly. Christmas is a time to soothe and relax so, enjoy the food, the guests and most important yourself.
Merry Christmas!
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Christmas, in the Christian church, is the annual festival held on December 25 to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Scholars believe that the festival is derived in part from rites held by pre-Christian Germanic and Celtic peoples to celebrate the winter solstice. Christmas festivals have been observed by Christians since the 4th century and incorporate many pagan customs, such as the use of holly and mistletoe. Dutch settlers brought to the Americas the custom of celebrating Saint Nicholas's Eve (December 5) with gift giving. British settlers took over the tradition as part of their Christmas celebration.
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