Christmas Countdown - 2017

[Christmasstar]

A friend of mine and I got chatting about the joy of giving and helping others at Christmas. She has delivered for the Santa Fund many times and described how insensitive it was for families to receive a 20lb turkey when they had no oven to cook it in. Some people really have a hard time and not necessarily because they chose that way of life. I still donate to the local food bank through collections at work and a toy drive here or there, but this year I had a different idea strike me.

In my College days, I had to make choices and live within my budget, but I always had money to spend at Christmas. I chose not to work when I was in College because I would be too exhausted to study and work various hours. I got to thinking how I could help differently.

I decided to raise some spirits of families and youth living at the Crisis Centre not far from my home. I recalled the years after high school for me were tough financially, but I always made sure I ate at least two meals a day.

So, I dropped off a bunch of hygiene products to the local Crisis Centre because I wanted people to feel good. No matter what life throws at you, if you feel fresh and clean, you can hold your head up a little easier. I already know they're going to be fed at the shelter and people often donate winter clothing, but to feel clean and own your own shampoo, deodorant, razors, having cream, shower gel, soap, toothpaste and combs might help cleanse their worries and make them feel good about themselves.

When I was visiting my mom in the hospital, they were so swamped, the nurses never washed her hair; we wound up buying some dry no rinse shampoo for her and she felt like "a million bucks".

Stay jolly - stay clean and YULE be a-okay!

This is a great idea. Our church just did a big fundraiser and have people donate hygiene kits for that very reason. We ended up giving out about 100 kits( Final count not in yet )

 

[xmastidings]

Good evening all.

I got a text message from my church in Carroll county Maryland on thursday and they asked me if I would do a voice part in their Christmas play. I said absolutely yes! So the wife and I headed down this past weekend and I did the voice of Gabriel from the book of Luke for four parts. It’s was exciting for me and an honor.

Then we did some shopping, had dinner with my daughter and then we drove back to Connecticut. It’s not too bad to go back and forth, it’s like about a 4-5 hour road trip each way.

I am hoping we can make it back down there on Christmas Eve, it will be a candle lit service and the play.

 

[xmastidings]

I saw on several different weather sites that the mid Atlantic area of the east coast, may get snow on Christmas Day. Wouldn’t that be so wonderful.

I cannot even remember the last time I saw snow on Christmas Day. Fingers crossed, let’s see if the long range forecast holds true or not.

 

[NcGunny]

Maybe you'd enjoy this old gem.
I often watch old sitcom and family drama Christmas special for old time sake.

Ahh..I had forgotten about that one also!! Thanks Auntie!!

 

[Edge612]

I saw on several different weather sites that the mid Atlantic area of the east coast, may get snow on Christmas Day. Wouldn’t that be so wonderful.

I cannot even remember the last time I saw snow on Christmas Day. Fingers crossed, let’s see if the long range forecast holds true or not.

Yeah it seems like Christmas Day for us is going to be the transition day from milder to colder and possibly rain showers changing to snow showers on Christmas. I'm not getting my hopes up yet though because a few days ago they were predicting a mild above average Christmas.

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

Greetings my merry chums,

Let's start the day off with some festive humour!


What do you call an Elf that sings?

A wrapper

How many presents can Santa stuff in an empty sack?

Only 1 because after that, it's not empty.

Who hides in a bakery at Christmas?

A mince pie.

Who delivers gifts to Luke Skywalker for Christmas?

Star Claws

How do reindeer decorate their Christmas trees?

With Horn-aments of course.

What do you get if you cross Santa with a Duck?

A Christmas quacker.

Keep a merry thought in your head!

 

[Edge612]

Morning MMC! Happy Mid-Week and the last Pines Day before Christmas. Several times during the Christmas Season it really hits you and today is one of those days for me. It hits me today how hectic this time of year really is and yet how it is all more than worth it. Not to ramble too much but I really hope it all hits you in the best way possible too. Don't let it go by without really enjoying these days leading up to. These days are truly special coming up here. I've got work today and tomorrow. Friday and Saturday I've got a lot of final Christmas plans to make sure I am 100% ready and Christmas Eve/Day are just about all fun, traditions, food, cooking and family (of course and presents). And maybe this year we'll have a little Christmas magic. Up till yesterday we were predicted to have a mild Christmas. And now they are saying this cold front is going to come through faster than expected and a storm may head up the coast on Christmas Day and change rain showers to snow showers. Wouldn't that be amazing? Even if it's just enough to coat the ground. I would love that more than anything. Have a great day!

 

[HomemakinGirl]

Good morning ~
Merry Pines Day!
I hope everyone is doing well. I’m heading to the mall with my youngest this morning, she’s looking for an outfit to wear on Christmas. We’re going to stop at the supermarket on the way home to pick up a few things we need to bake cookies later this afternoon. I’ll be working on the laundry in between and wrapping more gifts. Dinner will be spaghetti & meatballs. That’s it for me. Wishing everyone a Christmassy day, see you tonight!

 

[Irishsnow]

Good afternoon friends

 

[Crown 84]

** CHRISTMAS SEASON DAY 38 **


Good Morning, Folks!

This is getting scary. Christmas is lurking just around the corner, now.
We are moving forward to the end with breakneck speed!

Today's count:
Days to Christmas Day: 5 (WOW! 365 DOWN TO FIVE!!)
<< Is it too late to slow things down a bit, Crown >>
I'm afraid so, little voice.


Beautiful weather yesterday. Our high reached 70 by the afternoon. Dry and sunny, too. Fantastic!
Today? No so fantastic. We are at 53 degrees with a light rain falling which could continue all day with little increase in temperature.


But regardless of the weather, conditions are perfect at the 'Pines where the holiday cheer is in full swing for this last open house before Christmas. Carl is letting it all hang out with never-before-heard of deals on his signature fired twinkies (green and red frosted, of course). Get them while they're hot and wash them down with Carl's delicious iced tea, all while being entertained in the inn's theater by old-time Christmas-themed movies like "Miracle on 34th Street", "It's a Wonderful Life" and, of course, "Holiday Inn".
Don't miss this one, Folks!


Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

 

[Holiday]

Good morning MMC!! Merry Pines Day!! The very last one before Christmas. How in the world did that happen???

I still have several of packages coming in between today & Friday!! Hope they all make it in time!!! My MIL just told me we should have 2 gifts each for ourselves to open at their house on Saturday. (so the little ones who still believe don't question why we didn't get any gifts) I guess I better come up with something to wrap! I'm not shopping anymore!!! (I hope!)

2 1/2 more working days this year. WOO HOO!!!
Everyone, have a great day!

 

[Bradmac]

Good Wednesday morning, Christmas friends!

I was called back to work at 10pm last night, and even though it didn't take long, I didn't sleep much last night. Now I can't stop yawning.

Tonight is Bernie's Store Christmas party, and it's always good food!

I hope y'all have a great day!

 

[Holiday]

Merry Tuesday!

Merry Pines Day M!

 

[Holiday]

Well; I wasn't as bad as I thought. Turned out to be 5 pin bowling. I only wound up with 98, but it was the second highest score for my team of 6 so I wasn't the worst player. It was fun, but we didn't get to chat much with other people because we were all focused on the friendly competition. The team playing against us were better at the game; I haven't held a bowling ball since I was 15 so it could have been worse.

Well done, I would say!!!

 

[Holiday]

Maybe you'd enjoy this old gem.
I often watch old sitcom and family drama Christmas special for old time sake.

I just watched this, this week on DVD!! So fun!

 

[Holiday]

Well, I'm out of town for work. I don't know when I'll get to upload them, but I managed to take some lovely Christmas pics across the street from my hotel. Totally decked out with a sparkly merry wonderland. I noticed it last time I was here and the photos on my phone didn't turn out so well so I packed my digital camera this time. There's also about 6 Christmas songs playing in a loop so it was a nice relaxing sight for these merry eyes.

Haven't quite finished my shopping yet. Couldn't find the book my dad wanted or the special CD for my mom, but I will track those down and give them to my parents for no special reason. Got one gift for my dad and we chatted about what was sensible for my mom. Haven't anything for my husband yet, but the rest of my shopping is done.
I haven't wrapped anything yet, I need to find a few gift bags or decorative boxes.

O'Malley the cat is set for the groomers early Saturday morning. That Christine is a cat whisperer, she can calm Mr. O'cat like nobody else can and as long as I leave them to work things out on their own, he's pretty patient with her. She takes him before the big dogs are scheduled to arrive.

The place across the street from your hotel sounds quite quaint. I hope you enjoy your time there!
Good luck fining a gift for your hubby. Part of my hubby's gift arrived yesterday. Hopefully he likes it - I think he will! xx
Good luck to O'cat at the groomers Saturday. He will be all handsome for Christmas. That's great you found such a good groomer!

 

[Holiday]

A friend of mine and I got chatting about the joy of giving and helping others at Christmas. She has delivered for the Santa Fund many times and described how insensitive it was for families to receive a 20lb turkey when they had no oven to cook it in. Some people really have a hard time and not necessarily because they chose that way of life. I still donate to the local food bank through collections at work and a toy drive here or there, but this year I had a different idea strike me.

In my College days, I had to make choices and live within my budget, but I always had money to spend at Christmas. I chose not to work when I was in College because I would be too exhausted to study and work various hours. I got to thinking how I could help differently.

I decided to raise some spirits of families and youth living at the Crisis Centre not far from my home. I recalled the years after high school for me were tough financially, but I always made sure I ate at least two meals a day.

So, I dropped off a bunch of hygiene products to the local Crisis Centre because I wanted people to feel good. No matter what life throws at you, if you feel fresh and clean, you can hold your head up a little easier. I already know they're going to be fed at the shelter and people often donate winter clothing, but to feel clean and own your own shampoo, deodorant, razors, having cream, shower gel, soap, toothpaste and combs might help cleanse their worries and make them feel good about themselves.

When I was visiting my mom in the hospital, they were so swamped, the nurses never washed her hair; we wound up buying some dry no rinse shampoo for her and she felt like "a million bucks".

Stay jolly - stay clean and YULE be a-okay!

What a great idea!! You rock!

 

[SnowflakeMom]

Good evening all.

I got a text message from my church in Carroll county Maryland on thursday and they asked me if I would do a voice part in their Christmas play. I said absolutely yes! So the wife and I headed down this past weekend and I did the voice of Gabriel from the book of Luke for four parts. It’s was exciting for me and an honor.

Then we did some shopping, had dinner with my daughter and then we drove back to Connecticut. It’s not too bad to go back and forth, it’s like about a 4-5 hour road trip each way.

I am hoping we can make it back down there on Christmas Eve, it will be a candle lit service and the play.

That is so nice...hope you have a great day!

Good Wednesday morning, Christmas friends!

I was called back to work at 10pm last night, and even though it didn't take long, I didn't sleep much last night. Now I can't stop yawning.

Tonight is Bernie's Store Christmas party, and it's always good food!

I hope y'all have a great day!

Sorry you did not get much sleep, Brad...hope you can catch up tonight!

 

[SnowflakeMom]

Happy Pines Day!! Just work for me today and I have to go to the dentist at 1:00. I chipped one of my back teeth so they have to fill it in. I have to wrap a few gifts tonight. Hope you all have a great day!

 

[Edge612]

** CHRISTMAS SEASON DAY 38 **


Good Morning, Folks!

This is getting scary. Christmas is lurking just around the corner, now.
We are moving forward to the end with breakneck speed!

Today's count:
Days to Christmas Day: 5 (WOW! 365 DOWN TO FIVE!!)
<< Is it too late to slow things down a bit, Crown >>
I'm afraid so, little voice.


Beautiful weather yesterday. Our high reached 70 by the afternoon. Dry and sunny, too. Fantastic!
Today? No so fantastic. We are at 53 degrees with a light rain falling which could continue all day with little increase in temperature.


But regardless of the weather, conditions are perfect at the 'Pines where the holiday cheer is in full swing for this last open house before Christmas. Carl is letting it all hang out with never-before-heard of deals on his signature fired twinkies (green and red frosted, of course). Get them while they're hot and wash them down with Carl's delicious iced tea, all while being entertained in the inn's theater by old-time Christmas-themed movies like "Miracle on 34th Street", "It's a Wonderful Life" and, of course, "Holiday Inn".
Don't miss this one, Folks!


Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

Thanks Crown! We're in the 20s of December now...not much left to say!