Many of the Eastern Orthodox Churches celebrate Christmas on January 7th – and so does our family, although nobody in it is Orthodox anymore, and although we also celebrate Christmas on December 25th. After all, who’d pass up a chance to have two Christmases? Especially when one of them gives you a chance to connect with your ethnic roots while throwing food at the ceiling? (More about that later.)

The big Christmas dinner actually takes place on Christmas Eve. Since this is still Advent, a season of penance, the meal has to be meatless. But that doesn’t mean it’s not elaborate. Traditionally, there are 12 different fish- and vegetable-based dishes. No, I don’t serve all 12 every year – for one thing, the supermarkets always seem to be out of miniature perogies (filled dumplings) and vegetarian cabbage rolls around this time of year. Obviously, we’re not the only ones celebrating.

But I do manage to come up with a few of the dishes, like borscht, fried fish, and a loaf of sweet bread. And there’s one dish that’s essential: Kutya.

Kutya (or kutiya) is made by boiling hard wheat kernels till they’re mushy, then mixing them with honey, sugar, and poppy seeds. It’s served cold or room temperature, and it’s not just food, it’s a look into the future.

At dinner, the father of the family takes a spoonful of kutya and flings it at the ceiling. The more of it that sticks, the better the next year is supposed to be. This may be the vestiges of some sacrifice to pagan gods, or just a test of the quality of last fall’s wheat crop. Either way, sometimes it’s good to keep doing something just because it’s always been done. And the honey comes off the ceiling with a little work.

Another Christmas is worth it.

After a few Christmases with a last-minute scramble to get a tree – including one when there were none left to buy, but our friends’ church’s daycare had one they didn’t need anymore, so my husband drove across town at rush hour to pick it up – we decided to beat the rush permanently and buy a live tree we could use every year. We did some research and chose to get a Norfolk Island pine. It’s still with us, and we’re happy with it.

This plant originated on Norfolk Island, off Australia. It’s not officially a tree, but a “treeform houseplant”. Whatever you call it, it looks enough like an evergreen to serve as a Christmas tree. The rest of the year, it brings a touch of tropical forest to your house.

The price is comparable to a cut tree (about $50 to $85 in Canada), which averages out to much less per year. They’re available at hardware stores and garden centers. One sign of their popularity is that the seeds of the plant are one of Norfolk Island’s main exports.

Of course, Norfolk Island pines have their drawbacks. They don’t have the evergreen smell which is a part of Christmas memories for many people. Only non-heating LED lights are safe to put on them – before these became available, we just put our lights on the curtain rod instead.

Another customer in the store where we bought ours warned us they were “finicky”, but we haven’t had much trouble. The trees do need lots of water and sunlight – the top of the soil should be damp. They will grow toward the sun, also, so unless you want a leaning Christmas tree, you’ll need to remember to turn yours every so often. Dead branches have to be trimmed off.

But you’ll also find new, light green sprigs growing – and you don’t see that on most Christmas trees.

I cannot believe that Christmas is so close! With no snow in Boston and 40 degree weather, it is very hard to believe that it is winter, and it is even harder to believe that it is nearing the end of the year!

When it comes to decorating a Christmas tree, people have their own styles. Some people make the tree classy with glass ornaments, white lights, silver tinsel, etc. Others have a color scheme, and others just let the tree become a mismatched tree of fun. While some people only let certain ornaments on the tree, others use the tree to showcase their children’s work. Here is a fun at home activity that also can also be used as homemade ornaments:

Candy Cane Reindeer

It is so easy to make and looks adorable! All you have to do is get some googly eyes, mini pom poms, pipe cleaners, a hot glue gun, and candy canes! Make sure you and your children are being safe when using the hot glue gun and when you put it down! Then, once you have everything assembled and the glue gun running, twist a piece of pipe cleaner around the top of the candy cane. Take two smaller pieces of pipe cleaner, and twist one around the top of each of end of the first pipe cleaner to give them more of an “antler” look. Now you’ve got the antlers done! All there is left to do is hot glue the googly eyes for eyes near the middle of the shorter end of the candy cane of the and pom pom to the tip of the candy cane for a nose! That’s it!

One of my favorite things about using these as ornaments is that they disappear as the season goes by–less clean up! Also, you can make different ones every year, so your tree never looks the same. They also make for a tasty snack!

There are plenty of simple ways to make your home Christmas beautiful and Christmas cozy. Let us take the time to explore some of these together.

Ribbons make wonderful decorations as they are so versatile. Tie them around the backs of chairs, lamps, railings on staircases, doorknobs, and as tiebacks for curtains. They also look very festive when wrapped around potted plants, hanging from a mantle or adorning your Christmas tree. You also can include them in your Christmas wreaths.

Bows and ribbons work very well together, as well as metallic silver and gold. Choose colors and patterns that blend well with your other holiday colors. Red and green bows and ribbons are always suitable for the season, but you also can choose splashy floral patterns or plaids that fit with your Christmas decorating theme. If you prefer to be traditional, stick with the staple colors that work.

Wreaths are beautiful and really can give your home the festive look.  Hang a wreath on every one of your doors, both inside and outside your home. Put your largest and most extravagant one on the front door, so it greets your guests with a Merry Christmas message before you even open the door!

Do not forget your mantle and the front windows of your home. Bedroom doors could use some holiday cheer, so give them all wreaths of their own.

Artificial wreaths are more cost effective because they can be stored after the holiday is over and used year after year. If you really like the look of a real wreath, make a compromise and have a combination of both real and artificial ones to make your home as Christmas cozy as possible. Either buy real wreaths or make them yourself. You might even want to turn wreath making into a Christmas project for the whole family. Make your Christmas wreath out of real pine, grapevine or holly. Then comes the fun part where you can be as creative as you wish- the decorating part! Decorate your wreath with an assortment of objects. Some suggestions include berries, bows, pine cones, fruit, candy, photos, ornaments and raffia.

Christmas spirit and cheer abound in a home that is brightly decorated for the holidays!

Little is known about the celebration of Yule. Many people today enjoy using the word “Yule” in a broad sense to describe a wondrous and magical time of the year. Yule is generally regarded as occurring on December 21st or the date for the Winter Solstice (which is the first day of the season of winter and also the shortest day of the year, in relation to the position of the sun).

In languages other than English, Yule is known as Jol or Jul. Many researchers and scholars have disputed the meaning of the name of Yule, but there has never been unanimous agreement on where the name originates. The most commonly accepted belief is that “Yule” comes from an old Nordic word that refers to the wheel. In the Norse language the word for wheel was “Hjol”, and a wheel symbolized a cycle that had come full circle, much as a calendar year begins in January and ends in December.

Traditions from Yule have come to be a part of the Christmas celebration. For example, the lighting of the Yule log is considered to be very important as it symbolizes the “rebirth of the God within the sacred fire of the Mother Goddess.” As the log begins to burn and warm up the room, it is essential to imagine the brilliance of the sun shining inside the log and to think fondly to warmer, sunnier days that are ahead.

Many people celebrate Yule by way of a candlelight ritual. In particular, bayberry candles are used as they represent a desire for good health, joy and prosperity for the coming year. The specific colors that represent Yule are red, gold, green and white.

Besides the Yule log, there are other Yuletide symbols, and these include evergreen trees, holly, wreaths, spinning wheels, and the eight-spoked wheel. The stones for the Yuletide celebration are the garnet, ruby and bloodstone while the ritual oils include ginger, a combination of cedar and pine, myrrh, nutmeg, rosemary, saffron and wintergreen.

A proper Yule meal from ancient times would be composed of all or a combination of these foods- apples, nuts, pears, and cakes made of caraways that were dipped in either a healthy quantity of pork or cider. Ginger tea and hibiscus were commonly consumed.

Why not add a little bit of Yule to your holiday season this year?

It is sizzling outside. In fact, you probably could fry an egg on the pavement outside my apartment building, yet I am inside sorting through my boxes and containers of Christmas ornaments, wrap and all things related to Christmas. I have even put on my favorite Christmas CD to make my task more enjoyable.

Am I nuts? No. Don’t I want to be out enjoying the bright summer sun? Yes, I do. In fact, I have just returned home from a fun filled day at the park and the beach. I lead a busy life and like to be organized, and I also like to plan ahead whenever it is possible. I have a hectic schedule ahead of me for the remainder of the summer and for the start of the fall, so right now I am taking the time to have Christmas on the brain!

Planning, preparing and shopping early for Christmas is not for everyone. Many factors play a role such as the funds you have available, how much room you have to store things, how many people you have to buy for, and even your own interest and enthusiasm as it relates to Christmas. I am a holiday person all the way whose heart is warmed at the thought of Christmas and family celebrations, but not all people share my sentiments about the biggest holiday of the year.

What you choose to do and when is up to you, but figuring out what you need to buy in terms of gift wrap and the like is something that you can do any time of the year. Some people figure out what they need right after Christmas and take advantage of post holiday sales to stock up. I, on the other hand, love the summer season but like to be different and throw in a little bit of seasonal contrast by doing a Christmas inventory in July or August.

The same can be said of Christmas shopping. Throughout the summer you are likely to be going to different place,s and there are many gift opportunities to be found while on vacation at the shore or while visiting another city or state. Folk art and paintings are a perfect example of this. Antiques are yet another. Keep on the look out for Christmas ideas wherever you find yourself!

Why not celebrate Christmas in July? In many parts of Europe and Australia Christmas in July is a fun event that is celebrated with much holiday cheer, enthusiasm, and excitement!

Okay, so maybe the month of July has passed, and we are now into August, but this joyful and fun-filled family celebration is still one worth talking about, as it brings so much happiness to many people.

Here in our western culture Christmas is celebrated on December 25. However, it is common for children to start getting that twinkle in their eye about old Saint Nick during the summer months. Even the prospect of hot weather and a family vacation cannot put a damper on the holiday spirit for little ones!

It is important to remember that we have entered the season of winter when we celebrate Christmas in the United States. However, the seasons are the opposite in Australia where December 25 brings warm to hot weather because it is summer, while July is often their coldest month of the year. When it is winter in the Southern hemisphere it is summer in the Northern hemisphere and vice versa.

Merry Christmas in July!

Here are some interesting facts about the Christmas in July festivities that are worth knowing:

Christmas in July can be celebrated on any day throughout the month of July (and no doubt has been) but is most often celebrated on none other than July 25. There is something very special about the 25th day both in July and in December. This is an unofficial holiday that often turns out to be a very joyful event in many households.

While no one really knows what prompted the start of Christmas in July, the tradition is believed to have begun sometime during the 1980s. To learn more about the history of the holiday visit The Holiday Spot.

Christmas in July is called Yulefest in Australia, and it is very common for Australian families to celebrate with a traditional Christmas dinner that has all of the same trimming that Americans have for their Christmas celebration in December. Presents are exchanged during the holiday event.

Klampenborg, Denmark, is home to the Bakken Amusement Park. It is here that Christmas in July takes place over a period of three days and is host to the annual World Santa Claus Congress.

When the time comes to deck the halls in your home there are lots of ways to do this without spending too much of the funds you allocated for the holidays. Read on for some helpful holiday suggestions to dress your home up as merrily as possible!

Garland- Garland is not pricey to buy, and it is available in all of the colors of the rainbow. It is a versatile decorating item that looks great in many places in your home. Think fireplaces, windowsills, tables and your entertainment center. Use it to frame doorways, archways and entryways. It looks great on staircases and twirled around posts in your home. Choose popular Christmas colors such as red, green, silver and gold. Or create your own unique color combination!

Ribbons- Ribbons are basic decorating items that are elegant and suitable for many areas of your home. Choose red ribbons in different sizes, and tie them around lamps, doorknobs, bedposts, bureau drawers and cupboards. Mirrors also look beautiful with a simple ribbon attached to the top of them! Ribbons come in a variety of sizes from large to small, as well as a variety of colors. Choose red mixed with flecks of gold or silver, or choose green by itself or mixed with other traditional Christmas colors.

Christmas Ornaments- If you have too many Christmas ornaments for your tree, then don’t put them away for next year but instead use them to adorn your home. In particular, brightly colored Christmas balls look beautiful in baskets, vases and glass bowls. Display them on your kitchen or dining room table, coffee table, and tables in your entryway. Combine colored pine cones in silver or gold in an arrangement with Christmas balls and you have true Christmas pizazz!

Candles- Christmas and candles walk hand in hand, especially when the snow is falling gently outside. Create a cozy Christmas environment indoors by letting your imagination take over. Choose from traditional Christmas colors and a variety of sizes from tiny votives to tapers, pillars and floating candles. Arrange three pillar candles of different heights on a heat resistant candle plate, and place some Christmas balls around them for added emphasis. Instant Christmas elegance! Floating candles are an excellent choice when you have guests coming over. Make sure you use a heat resistant bowl, and don’t fill the bowl too full or you will soak the candles and they will not burn!

The Christmas season is the time of year for yuletide wishes, holiday kisses and lots of party glamor and glitz. Whether you have only one Christmas party to go to or many, it is essential that you dress properly for the holiday affair. Read on for some suggestions on how to dress for the Christmas party that is right around the corner.

Formal Dressing

If you will be attending a formal Christmas party, then you need to go all out! A black dress is always a superb holiday choice for any lady. Choose any version of the little black dress that looks good on you. Wrap dresses are particularly flattering for most women’s figures. Pair your black dress with some strappy heels or a pair of classy pumps and the right accessories, and you are ready to party in style!

Red is a color that is also appropriate for a formal party. Forego the urge to pair it with green to look more holiday-like. You do not have to be as Christmas-y looking as a decorated tree, and the color combination of red and green is simply too much.

Other color choices for dresses that are appropriate for formal Christmas parties include plum and teal. If you prefer lighter pastel colors, then buck tradition and wear a dress in pink, peach or lilac. Always be aware that the shoes you choose to pair with your outfit should not be lighter than the dress.

For conservative ladies who are not really into glamorous outfits, a knee length A-line or straight black skirt and a beaded cardigan can be suitable for a formal Christmas event. Just don’t choose a cardigan that is “bead crazy”!

To keep the cold at bay as you venture to and from the party, pair a faux fur stole or a black fringed or velvet wrap with your dress. Sequined scarves add an extra touch of glam to your ensemble as do beaded handbags.

Casual Dressing

If the party is more on the casual side, then a dressy halter-neck top, silk camisole or velvet camisole paired with a pair of black trousers or black jeans can give you plenty of holiday sparkle. A top with a design and a few sequins can match very well with a pair of nice fitting jeans and some sexy heels as well.

It is the week before Christmas, and your life has turned into a frenzy of a roller coaster ride in terms of preparing for the upcoming holiday. You are three quarters of the way through your shopping but have run out of wrapping paper, tags, and oh yes- tape! There is baking to do, a tree to finish decorating, a sick neighbor that you need to check in on and a holiday party planned for Saturday night. The kids have been on their Christmas break for a couple of days, and already they are under foot and driving you crazy! “Mom we’re bored!” and “Mom we have nothing to do” is all you hear.

What to do, what to do, you wonder as you stress out. Your mother is away visiting your sister, so she is not around to look after the kids, even for a couple of hours. The other grandparents are not due to arrive for Christmas for another three days. You can call on your closest friend to babysit but not today as she has her own Christmas plans to make.

Your mind races as you think of the many activities you already have taken part in with the kids. There was a trip to the museum, a trip to see Santa at the mall, a trip to McDonalds for burgers and fries and a fun filled afternoon sledding at a nearby hill. You look around the kitchen and realize that the refrigerator could use some nice Christmas drawings made by the kids. But you need something else to entice them as well …

Your eyes scan the kitchen, from cupboard to cupboard, countertop to refrigerator to stove. Finally you break into a smile and feel like dancing to a Christmas tune playing in your head. Fun, enjoyable kid-oriented snacks are in order to keep the little ones entertained, even for a little while! But what fits the bill?

Read on for a new twist on pre-Christmas snack time for the little reindeer in your life! These recipes are simple to make, tasty to eat and the kids can help too! Talk about pre-Christmas relief for Mom!

Crispy Tortilla Cheese Stars

Turn your ordinary everyday tortillas into a snack worthy of stars with this simple recipe. You will need 2 star shaped cookie cutters, with one being slightly smaller than the other.

Ingredients

Flour tortillas

Sliced cheese (try cheddar, mozzarella, provolone or a combination of more than one)

Paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Use the bigger cookie cutter to cut out stars from flour tortillas (approximately 5 to 10 inch tortillas). Bake the stars on a cookie sheet covered in tin foil. Bake for 5 minutes. Use the smaller cookie cutter to cut out an equal number of cheese stars from the sliced cheese and then place them on top of the star shaped tortillas. Bake the stars for 2 more minutes or until the cheese has melted. After taking the cookie sheet out of the oven, sprinkle the stars with paprika or chili powder and give them time to cool before serving. You can make as few or as many cheese stars as you like!

Toasty Tortilla Animal Chips

Here is a toasty, not to mention tasty snack that is guaranteed to put a smile on animal lovers’ faces, no matter what their age. These delicious, crunchy chips bake up in a matter of minutes and are low in fat, which is sure to please parents.

Ingredients

1 large flour tortilla

Cooking Spray

Pinch of salt or cinnamon-sugar mixture

Use animal-shaped cookie cutters to cut shapes from a large flour tortilla. Be as adventurous as you want! Arrange the animal shapes on a baking sheet, and then lightly coat each one with cooking spray before sprinkling a tiny amount of salt on each. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes. Let chips cool for a few minutes before taking them off the baking sheet. Dip your chips in guacamole or salsa or another one of your favorite dips.