Christmas Countdown - 2011

[merrymistletoe]

Hoera! The most wonderful time of the year is starting

And today Saint Nicholas and his Petes are arriving in Holland happy children everywhere, and oh how wonderful it is, i feel so cheerful and merry!

I am watching it realtime right now, but just to give you a (3 minute) impression:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5EKVVcOwhg&feature=related

A very merry day to all of you!

thanks kerstig. i really enjoyed that. i love to see/hear of celebrations around the world. awesome!!

Saturday ... the piano tuner is tuning away, and I'll be working on my Christmas card labels and some other Christmas errands after I'm caught up here. Mr. needs me to vacate for a little while today so he can put the finishing touches on our annual DVD of Christmas clips (it'll involve annoying audio work), so I may drive over to the local garden center and see if they have their Christmas shop up and running yet. I went there once, years ago, and they had buildings and buildings full of ornaments, lights, decorations, gifts, artificial trees, real trees, wreaths---everything you could imagine. A good place to kill a couple of hours! If they're not ready for Christmas, I have some shopping I can do.

Not sure if I'll be here for welcoming in the season at midnight---depends on what we do this evening. I wasn't aware of that tradition until recently.



In the Countdown, the traditional start of the season is Nov. 13. So folks gather in the Countdown to ring it in, kinda like New Year's Eve.



A brave guy to walk away from the wrong side of the war! You must be very proud of him.

merrycarey, now after the piano tuner leaves you need to play a beautiful song for your mr. as i said before that's soooo romantic.hope you find some Christmas in your outing today!!

So, last night the Wifey and I went out to eat, bought groceries, and looked at Christmas decorations again. Today is a big day for us. We decorate the house and put up the tree....gonna be a good day.

Hope it's a good day for you, too!

coach have a blast w/ your family.

Oh!
Only 13 hours and 17 minutes until Christmas Season 2011 begins.

I plan to be here with (Christmas) bells on tonight to ring it in with all willing participants!

count me in as willing, i've already put the coffee on hoping it will keep me awake for it!!

At this time of year, I always turn my heart toward home and look back into my childhood and recall all the blessings of my life. I know I am luckier than a lot of people for my loving family who embraced life and each other. Traditions were very special to us, especially at Christmas. The season began with Thanksgiving and went all the way into January when we kids returned to school. Those memories and traditions of dinners together, underwear and pajamas on Christmas Eve, Christmas caroling throughout our town, a party on Christmas Eve that would make you think that we were kings with all the bounty we had, scented candles in the windows, the smell of balsam and cedar, oranges with peppermint, homemade candies and cookies, hot chocolate with marshmallows melting on top, the lighting of the Yule log at the community center, treat bags for all the kids, midnight mass, the twinkling lights of the tree, and every once in a while a wonderland of whiteness on a starlit night. There were so many memories that it just makes my heart swell to recall them all. For those of you with no fond memories, take some of mine; or better yet, begin your own from this day forward.

The following is an excerpt from a letter I found on the Internet. It just about sums it up for me:

Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.

"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now

I'm not sure what others would've done had they known they wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted. I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner or for whatever their favorite food was.

I'm just guessing; I'll never know.

It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and parents often enough how much I truly love them. I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special.

And so to all of you, my MMC friends: "May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

And thus, dear MMC friends, we have come full circle since last year, and so it is now…the beginning of the new Christmas season.

thank you seawaters, that was beautiful!!

CHRISTMAS FAMILY

Many years ago a couple took a journey because of a census. The husband led the way with his wife seated on their donkey. She was growing quite tired and weary as their destination was so far and she was expecting her first child soon.

When they arrived there was not any place they could stay. The only shelter available was in a place where cattle are kept and there was no bed for her baby.

When he was born there were no fancy hospitals, no monitors to make sure he and his mother were okay, nothing but coldness and uncertainty about the future.

The mother and her husband knew everything would be fine as they had great faith and they were right.

As we celebrate Christmas let us remember it does not take money, extravagant presents, or bounties of fattening foods. It just takes being with the ones who are your family and being together. Let us embrace those we love and count our blessings and be kind to one another even if we have differences or are from different backgrounds, races, religions, etc.

Let us remember we are all family and not just any family, Christmas family and that the little child who grew to be a kind and wise teacher celebrates with us. He lives in our hearts not one day of the year but all 365 if we let him.

Merry Christmas, Christmas family. May each and every one of you truly have peace on earth and be blessed during this wondrous Season. xo

so often the reason for this wondrous season is forgotten, thank you cm3. think i'm gonna hang w/ my family a little more tonight after reading this!! beautiful!!

 

[Bradmac]

Good Morning Everyone!!!!!!! It's going to be a windy day here in central Indy. I have to be at my sisters house by 9 to finish setting up. I also just realized that I ddin't buy my niece a birthday card. So I have to stop by the store on my way to her house. Maybe I'll even swing by Bernie's to get some breakfast. I'll see you all tonight and I hope everyone is having a GREAT DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Come on! It's ready! If you don't want that, I just smoked two boston butts, two racks of ribs, and a beef tenderloin!

GOOD AM FOLKS.. 16.5 hours...

YOOOOOOO HOPOOOOOOOOO JAYISH,,,, time to appear..
Hi ya mr. Mayor

YABBA!

Hiya, Mr. Binger!

Mayor Bradmac cooking breakfast! Come on everyone here at MMC, breakfast is on the mayor today!

Come on, come on! cheesy

 

[Bradmac]

At this time of year, I always turn my heart toward home and look back into my childhood and recall all the blessings of my life. I know I am luckier than a lot of people for my loving family who embraced life and each other. Traditions were very special to us, especially at Christmas. The season began with Thanksgiving and went all the way into January when we kids returned to school. Those memories and traditions of dinners together, underwear and pajamas on Christmas Eve, Christmas caroling throughout our town, a party on Christmas Eve that would make you think that we were kings with all the bounty we had, scented candles in the windows, the smell of balsam and cedar, oranges with peppermint, homemade candies and cookies, hot chocolate with marshmallows melting on top, the lighting of the Yule log at the community center, treat bags for all the kids, midnight mass, the twinkling lights of the tree, and every once in a while a wonderland of whiteness on a starlit night. There were so many memories that it just makes my heart swell to recall them all. For those of you with no fond memories, take some of mine; or better yet, begin your own from this day forward.

The following is an excerpt from a letter I found on the Internet. It just about sums it up for me:

Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.

"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now

I'm not sure what others would've done had they known they wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted. I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner or for whatever their favorite food was.

I'm just guessing; I'll never know.

It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and parents often enough how much I truly love them. I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special.

And so to all of you, my MMC friends: "May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

And thus, dear MMC friends, we have come full circle since last year, and so it is now…the beginning of the new Christmas season.

Beautiful, Cherylle! Thanks for a wonderful Special Post! cheesy

 

[Crown 84]

Truly wonderful posts, Seawaters and Caninemom.
In fact, everyone's was really outstanding this year!

We have such talented members.
And not only that, but folks who REALLY know what Christmas is all about.

Thanks, EVERYONE!

 

[made582]

I just smoked two boston butts

Forget the family party. I'm on my way!!!!

 

[MerryCarey]

Thanks to everyone who shared their beautiful words from the heart this week about the coming Christmas season.

gabulldawg, happy to hear that you'll be back home tonight and dropping in on the Countdown!

merrycarey, now after the piano tuner leaves you need to play a beautiful song for your mr. as i said before that's soooo romantic.hope you find some Christmas in your outing today!!

Haven't had a chance to play yet, but I will ... it's just a little spinet piano, but it sounds like a dream now. The tuner tells me that spinet pianos are no longer being made ... folks just buy digital pianos. So I love my spinet even more. I've had it since I was about eight!

And BOY did I find Christmas in my outing! I spent two hours at a garden center in the next town over, wandering through trees full of ornaments, lit trees, unlit trees, big trees, little trees, theme trees, flocked trees ... Christmas stuff for the kitchen, bath, bedroom, yard, figurines, everything imaginable! I splurged on a bone-china Santa mug for my tea---they say that tea tastes better served in bone china, so I'll put it to the test. Santa's face is on the front, and his back is on the back, and inside the rim is holly-leaf design. Got a couple of ornaments for friends, and a little box of locally made chocolate fudge.

And CM3---I saw this little Byers polar bear there (didn't buy him, though):

 

[brent]

So, last night the Wifey and I went out to eat, bought groceries, and looked at Christmas decorations again. Today is a big day for us. We decorate the house and put up the tree....gonna be a good day.

Hope it's a good day for you, too!

Have fun, coach. Such an exciting day!!

 

[kerstig]

Seawaters and Canimemom, thanks for your great posts!

I won't be here tonight, as it is already late here, and we had a full day. We went shopping and also visited some christmas stores! It was amazing furthermore i had some walnut ice-cream as dessert today, which was really enjoyable, and i created a Super Mario birthday cake for my boyfriends 24th birthday (which was wednesday, but we celebrated it today) and it was a gingerbread cake with chocolate ganache filling it was the first cake i was able to make in my new kitchen, which was great!

gabulldawg, hope you returned home safe!
all of you who will be here tonight: enjoy yourselves.
ALL OF YOU: A happy Christmas season

 

[brent]

Wonderful special post, Seawaters. Thank you to all the special posters. All were incredibly written. You are all very talented. The posts also helped me look forward to something else other than the first day of the Christmas Season - tomorrow!!

 

[brent]

Hello friends!

Good late afternoon. I missed the morning. I'd rather miss this morning than tomorrow morning, however. I woke up pretty early for a Saturday, but caught myself playing a video game for a couple hours before I headed to the gym. The gym was followed by groceries and a few other things, which we are just returning from now.

It's been a beautiful Christmas Season Eve Day in Ottawa. Mostly sunny skies and the sun is setting to bring in the final night before the Christmas Season. Pink skies are in the distance, letting the world know that the Christmas Season will be embraced by all tomorrow. I know I am ready to chime in the Christmas Season tonight at midnight. I can't wait to see you all on here tonight, too. It would be a magical moment. The 2011 Christmas Season is nearly upon us!!

I will be here off and on from now until about 10 or 11, when I will be hitting refresh with all of you as we ring in the Season! Now, I must figure out what music will help me bring in the Season. Oh, the marvellous decisions!

I hope you all have had a wonderful day so far. Looking forward to seeing you on here tonight!

 

[MerryBells]

Spent a very busy day here, putting up Christmas decorations. This evening I'll haul my laptop upstairs, and watch the season come in while I sew a new Christmas jacket. I can't wait!

 

[snowflake22]

At this time of year, I always turn my heart toward home and look back into my childhood and recall all the blessings of my life. I know I am luckier than a lot of people for my loving family who embraced life and each other. Traditions were very special to us, especially at Christmas. The season began with Thanksgiving and went all the way into January when we kids returned to school. Those memories and traditions of dinners together, underwear and pajamas on Christmas Eve, Christmas caroling throughout our town, a party on Christmas Eve that would make you think that we were kings with all the bounty we had, scented candles in the windows, the smell of balsam and cedar, oranges with peppermint, homemade candies and cookies, hot chocolate with marshmallows melting on top, the lighting of the Yule log at the community center, treat bags for all the kids, midnight mass, the twinkling lights of the tree, and every once in a while a wonderland of whiteness on a starlit night. There were so many memories that it just makes my heart swell to recall them all. For those of you with no fond memories, take some of mine; or better yet, begin your own from this day forward.

The following is an excerpt from a letter I found on the Internet. It just about sums it up for me:

Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.

"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now

I'm not sure what others would've done had they known they wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted. I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner or for whatever their favorite food was.

I'm just guessing; I'll never know.

It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and parents often enough how much I truly love them. I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special.

And so to all of you, my MMC friends: "May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

And thus, dear MMC friends, we have come full circle since last year, and so it is now…the beginning of the new Christmas season.

CHRISTMAS FAMILY

Many years ago a couple took a journey because of a census. The husband led the way with his wife seated on their donkey. She was growing quite tired and weary as their destination was so far and she was expecting her first child soon.

When they arrived there was not any place they could stay. The only shelter available was in a place where cattle are kept and there was no bed for her baby.

When he was born there were no fancy hospitals, no monitors to make sure he and his mother were okay, nothing but coldness and uncertainty about the future.

The mother and her husband knew everything would be fine as they had great faith and they were right.

As we celebrate Christmas let us remember it does not take money, extravagant presents, or bounties of fattening foods. It just takes being with the ones who are your family and being together. Let us embrace those we love and count our blessings and be kind to one another even if we have differences or are from different backgrounds, races, religions, etc.

Let us remember we are all family and not just any family, Christmas family and that the little child who grew to be a kind and wise teacher celebrates with us. He lives in our hearts not one day of the year but all 365 if we let him.

Merry Christmas, Christmas family. May each and every one of you truly have peace on earth and be blessed during this wondrous Season. xo

Thank you, Seawaters & CM3! These are both filled with love, truth, and beauty~ Very touching! xo

 

[ballcoach]

House almost decorated...supper in the oven....tree is ready.....

6 hours and 20 minutes....

 

[brittd19]

Christmas music has started at work today...

 

[merrymistletoe]

Wonderful special post, Seawaters. Thank you to all the special posters. All were incredibly written. You are all very talented. The posts also helped me look forward to something else other than the first day of the Christmas Season - tomorrow!!

i agree w/ you totally brent..great posts!!

Hello friends!

Good late afternoon. I missed the morning. I'd rather miss this morning than tomorrow morning, however. I woke up pretty early for a Saturday, but caught myself playing a video game for a couple hours before I headed to the gym. The gym was followed by groceries and a few other things, which we are just returning from now.

It's been a beautiful Christmas Season Eve Day in Ottawa. Mostly sunny skies and the sun is setting to bring in the final night before the Christmas Season. Pink skies are in the distance, letting the world know that the Christmas Season will be embraced by all tomorrow. I know I am ready to chime in the Christmas Season tonight at midnight. I can't wait to see you all on here tonight, too. It would be a magical moment. The 2011 Christmas Season is nearly upon us!!

I will be here off and on from now until about 10 or 11, when I will be hitting refresh with all of you as we ring in the Season! Now, I must figure out what music will help me bring in the Season. Oh, the marvellous decisions!

I hope you all have had a wonderful day so far. Looking forward to seeing you on here tonight!

i was just wondering the same i think. with everyone on the site does the computer lock up or drag? please let me know so i can expect it.

Spent a very busy day here, putting up Christmas decorations. This evening I'll haul my laptop upstairs, and watch the season come in while I sew a new Christmas jacket. I can't wait!

you should post pics of the Christmas jacket. i'd love to see it!!

just a note to snowflake, i've missed talking w/ you & you're always so kind to everyone. hope to see you on tonight. hope you got all your Christmas unloaded this afternoon!!:hi:

 

[Crown 84]

Five hours and 40 minutes to go to Christmas Season 2011!

 

[Seawaters]

I am sitting here waiting on the Season and listening to a St. Louis station playing Christmas music all the time. WOW!!! Loving it!

 

[merrymistletoe]

oh my goodness ya'll, i'm super excited this evening. i got my tree completed w/ the help of my daughter. we think it looks great. hubby is gonna get the rest of the Christmas out in the morning from the attic.
i took my mama & daughter out this afternoon. poor little mama had to hobble w/ the aid of her walker (customized w/ brakes, handlebars, & seat, seriously you should see this thing, but it's a rental) to my car but after that we went to chick-fil-a & got lunch, went to a local park & ate ( in the car since she can't really put her foot/leg down) we just talked & talked & i really think she enjoyed it. after a short stop @ the grocery store we went back home & she hobbled back in the house. bless her heart. this little lady is so sweet ya'll, gotta tell you, she only ate half her sandwich & fries & took it back home to my daddy. she never eats much but daddy had asked us to bring him a milkshake anyway & she said, "well, he wouldn't ask for nothing else but i'm gonna take it to him anyway. he'll enjoy it." they've been married 57 years & little things like that are just so sweet to me. when we got back to their house daughter & i helped her in & changed their bedsheets for them. haven't mentioned it but my daddy hurt his back a little over a week ago & can't hardly move. doc may have to give him shots in his back as he's had this happen 2x before. so neither parent is mobile @ all now. things will def get better though.
dawg, my family & i have been praying for you & your family ongoing.
see ya'll in a little while!!:gift:

 

[ballcoach]

Binger, should we take a nap so we can be awake or should we just push through?

Made, you here?

 

[Christmas-A-Holic]

Seawaters and CM3, AMAZING post! Bravo!!!! :thumbsup: