Here we are just days left in the 2010 holiday shopping season. If you're like most, you are busy finishing your shopping list and planning for a week of family events. If you're like most, you've already been to at least two Christmas parties and have your house decorated to celebrate this important religious holiday. You may, like most, wonder when Christmas started in October and when it became so stressful and list-filled.
Remember when you were a kid? Christmas meant time off from school, new toys, playing with cousins you hadn't seen in a year, and special holiday food. Some families bake cookies together, others have secret Santa...no matter the traditions your family chose you can look back at them fondly. In my family we traveled to my grandparents' houses in West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania. Both my mother's and father's families lived about 20 minutes apart so the trip brought time with both families and expanded our view of traditional. My father's family had quiet meals and listened to "The Chipmunks" on the old turn table. My grandfather made sure our family dog was well fed from his Christmas plate, something we never allowed the rest of the year. At my mother's parents we were joined by a bevvy of Aunts, Uncles, and distant cousins for a full house and dinner with so many places settings it was hard to determine which one was the "kiddie" table.
My list today is a reminder that this holiday is about more than shopping lists and visits to the mall. I hope a few of them are already planned for your Christmas. A few other ideas may round out your traditions or give you ideas for setting new ones. I got inspiration from my co-workers so I hope you enjoy their favorite holiday celebrations. As always, please feel free to add your own ideas by submitting comments at the bottom of this entry. Merry Christmas!
1. Cut your own tree- My brother and I went out in the woods just once determined to find the best tree ever. It was upstate New York, for which both of us were unprepared. Our search ended quickly as the cold lowered our standards considerably. I've never had more fun decorating. Somehow the imperfections made it more charming.
2. Watch a holiday special- My daughters enjoy "The Charlie Brown Christmas". As a child I was especially fond of the claymation specials with Rudolph and the Heat Miser.
3. Prepare a special breakfast- My coworker's wife makes apple cinnamon pancakes so good, her adult children and their families get up extra early to make sure they arrive in time for a hot one. My grandmother served pecan rolls warm from the oven and dripping in Karo syrup.
4. Donate to someone in need- My parents were especially good at teaching us to appreciate our own blessings by sharing at Christmas. Adopt an Angel, Make a Wish, or leave a plate of goodies on a neighbor's porch. There are so many opportunities to give this year and no time when it has been more needed.
5. Go Christmas caroling- I haven't done this since my younger daughter was in grade school. She still remembers our trip to the nursing home where we sang room to room. I haven't managed to get the kids together for a neighborhood version but would love nothing better.
6. Do something silly as a family- A close friend gets together with her small family on Christmas Eve. After dinner and dessert they sing and act out "The 12 Days of Christmas" with every family member taking two of the days. They don't quit until they've remembered their parts perfectly from start to finish.
7. Reach out to distant family- So many of us have family who cannot join us at the holiday. Find a special way to stay in touch. I love getting a Christmas card from my aunt in New Jersey. Reading about their year is always entertaining. My husband calls his mom in Denmark on Christmas Eve to send his love. A friend of mine scans family pictures and sends out the compilation on a CD to distant relatives.
8. Limit presents- One of my coworkers who has two young children buys three presents for each of her kids representing the three gifts brought to Jesus by the Wise Men. Another acquaintance asks her kids to choose one unopened present to donate to the Salvation Army. The kids never know what's inside but love feeling like it was probably the best gift of all.
9.Read the Christmas story in the Bible- It's easy to forget the reason for our celebrations. Take time with your family to read the gospel accounts of the birth.
10. Ring in the New Year- My favorite part of the family tradition came on New Year's Eve when my mother's side of the family celebrated the coming year with distant relatives and family friends. Because of this tradition, I got to know my distant cousins and my children got to meet their children. We dressed up, played very silly party games, sand songs, and watched the ball drop on Times Square. It hasn't been the same since my grandmother passed several years ago. Perhaps this is one tradition I will continue in her honor with my own grandchildren when they arrive.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
What's different about this blog?
Nothing really. I created a forum for people to share their expertise on any given subject using a simple format- the 10 things to do instead. Over the last few months, I've posted blog entries on college life, mid-life, and retirement. It's your forum!
As a young mother, I struggled with decisions on parenting and finances. Now that the girls are young adults, I want to be sure I am taking care of myself and working toward a middle age that looks different from my mother and grandmother's time. I write often about health topics because they are top of mind. You may have different intersts. Do you know about keeping your relationship fresh and fun? Are you interested in ways to save money when shopping online? Can you recommend great places to eat in Tacoma and Topeka? I would love to see your list. Write about what you know and submit your 10 things to do instead ideas so others can learn from you.
As a young mother, I struggled with decisions on parenting and finances. Now that the girls are young adults, I want to be sure I am taking care of myself and working toward a middle age that looks different from my mother and grandmother's time. I write often about health topics because they are top of mind. You may have different intersts. Do you know about keeping your relationship fresh and fun? Are you interested in ways to save money when shopping online? Can you recommend great places to eat in Tacoma and Topeka? I would love to see your list. Write about what you know and submit your 10 things to do instead ideas so others can learn from you.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Your vacation: Instead of Visiting the Little Mermaid
Thinking about a trip to Europe? If you're going at Christmastime of in the middle of summer, I must recommend Copenhagen. Not as many Americans visit so it feels very much like you are immersed in local culture. Being married to a Dane has given me lots of time to discover the back streets and fun events for this gorgeous city, housing the oldest monarchy on the planet.
1. Stay at The Palace Hotel
Located in the heart of Copenhagen across from the town square and close to Tivoli it is amazingly absent of American tourists. Get to breakfast early though or you'll find the orange juice rather tepid.
2. Eat Italian food at Vesuvio's
The Danish cuisine is like ours in that they enjoy food from all over. This one is terrific and not overly expensive. I am a huge fan of the calzone but the menu will satisfy any taste. The owners and waiters hail from Italy so enjoy getting another culture imfused with the Nordic feel.
3. Take the train to Bellevue
You'll find a nice beach area with gorgeous sand and sun. An amusement park awaits the kids and an animal park provides a nice walk through the forest.
4. Sit on the dock at Nyhavn
This is an amazing combination of tourist attraction and local hang out. When the weather is nice you'll find locals sitting on the docks with friends and beer. In the wonter, the restaurants provide heaters and blankets to keep you warm while you watch the boats.
5. Nap in the King's Garden
A beautiful park with many families and students awaits you. A small lake provides great scenery for a nice stroll and the grass is wonderfully inviting for an afternoon siesta.
6. Shop at Illum
This is the Danish version of Rodeo Drive. You can find delicious, hand made chocolate and other delicacies along side boutique clothing and even office equipment. Be prepared to spend some Kroner here since it is the most expensive store in the coutry.
7. Have a drink at The Mouse and the Elephant
No tourists here. It is a unique, four story bar filled with people playing chess, sitting on their two patio areas, and drinking beeer poured out of an elephant trunk. When we went it was smoke-filled but new laws should keep the smokers sitting outside.
8. Hear American oldies at Rosie McGee's
If you need a dose of Billy Joel or James Taylor head to Rosie McGee's for some fun. It gets hopping late in the evening. The dance floor is empty most of the time but a brave American could teach some partying Danes how to two-step is she were so inclined.
9. Walk through Tivoli at midnight
Tivoli is a small amusement park in the heart of Copenhagen famous for being the first of it's kind. You'll find lots of great restaurants within the park as well as fast food stands with a Danish flair. Many little shops carry tourist trinquets galore. The real fun though happens late when few park goers remain. Stay fo rhte light show and you wol not be disappointed.
10. Eat a hot dog at the airport
Picking up your baggage has never been more delicious. A Danish hot dog is nothing like our offering. You'll have to see for yourself. Not calorie friendly but well-worth the indulgance.
1. Stay at The Palace Hotel
Located in the heart of Copenhagen across from the town square and close to Tivoli it is amazingly absent of American tourists. Get to breakfast early though or you'll find the orange juice rather tepid.
2. Eat Italian food at Vesuvio's
The Danish cuisine is like ours in that they enjoy food from all over. This one is terrific and not overly expensive. I am a huge fan of the calzone but the menu will satisfy any taste. The owners and waiters hail from Italy so enjoy getting another culture imfused with the Nordic feel.
3. Take the train to Bellevue
You'll find a nice beach area with gorgeous sand and sun. An amusement park awaits the kids and an animal park provides a nice walk through the forest.
4. Sit on the dock at Nyhavn
This is an amazing combination of tourist attraction and local hang out. When the weather is nice you'll find locals sitting on the docks with friends and beer. In the wonter, the restaurants provide heaters and blankets to keep you warm while you watch the boats.
5. Nap in the King's Garden
A beautiful park with many families and students awaits you. A small lake provides great scenery for a nice stroll and the grass is wonderfully inviting for an afternoon siesta.
6. Shop at Illum
This is the Danish version of Rodeo Drive. You can find delicious, hand made chocolate and other delicacies along side boutique clothing and even office equipment. Be prepared to spend some Kroner here since it is the most expensive store in the coutry.
7. Have a drink at The Mouse and the Elephant
No tourists here. It is a unique, four story bar filled with people playing chess, sitting on their two patio areas, and drinking beeer poured out of an elephant trunk. When we went it was smoke-filled but new laws should keep the smokers sitting outside.
8. Hear American oldies at Rosie McGee's
If you need a dose of Billy Joel or James Taylor head to Rosie McGee's for some fun. It gets hopping late in the evening. The dance floor is empty most of the time but a brave American could teach some partying Danes how to two-step is she were so inclined.
9. Walk through Tivoli at midnight
Tivoli is a small amusement park in the heart of Copenhagen famous for being the first of it's kind. You'll find lots of great restaurants within the park as well as fast food stands with a Danish flair. Many little shops carry tourist trinquets galore. The real fun though happens late when few park goers remain. Stay fo rhte light show and you wol not be disappointed.
10. Eat a hot dog at the airport
Picking up your baggage has never been more delicious. A Danish hot dog is nothing like our offering. You'll have to see for yourself. Not calorie friendly but well-worth the indulgance.
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