The week that was Christmas

The week of Christmas came and went as it does each year. I learned that Christmas can be wonderful regardless of what is or is not decorated, baked, bought, or wrapped. We had a great time just being together. I am going to try and carry this attitude forward to next Christmas, but also hope I will not be sick for 2 weeks prior to it so maybe I can get a little more done. If not, that's ok too!

 

What was planned: 

1. Christmas brunch: Breakfast casserole, ham, turkey, broccoli, cranberry relish, crescent rolls, green bean casserole, potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, assorted individual desserts. So more of that for dinner.

2. Steak, baked potato, tossed salad

3. Soup

4. Soup

5. Leftovers

6. Leftovers

7. Sandwiches, coleslaw

What happened:

Monday joy: Christmas Eve, eve and I spent the morning tying ribbons and trinkets on the gifts. Several years ago I started using fabric ribbon on all the presents and I really do like the look of it. Plus the presents, even if they are not spectacular, look so much better when they are festooned with the ribbons tied into bows.

TheHub and I wrote checks for some of our charitable contributions, got them in the mail and did a tiny bit of running around before settling in the house for dinner and a Christmas movie.

Monday dinner: We grabbed lunch while we were out and about and neither of us were hungry. I passed on dinner but TheHub never skips a meal, even a meager one. 

Tomato soup, cheese toast

Tuesday joy: I got a notice that 2 of TheHub's gifts from me would be delayed until after Christmas. Though it is not a big deal, and we both understand the realities of shipping, I only had him a couple of things under the tree. I ran out to buy him a little more to unwrap: exciting things that he uses daily like shaving cream, etc. 

I got those wrapped, and put the wrapping supplies in the laundry room out of sight. 

The house was as ready for Christmas as it was going to get.

As I said in my last post, decor was at a minimum, the foods I usually make were altered, and the gifts were much less significant (mainly because we gave our son's families cash). 

All 3 have specific things they need/want for their houses and they are things we can't physically buy for them, however we could help to make the buying process a little easier.

I did some cooking, making things I make every year that the sons expect, peanut butter fudge being one of those. I also had to make Nanaimo bars which TheHub requests every year.

Tuesday dinner: When my parents were alive we went to their house every Christmas Eve for take out Chinese food. Even though they are gone we still honor the tradition they created. (sans china, crystal and tablecloths)

Mongolian beef, spring rolls

Wednesday joy: It was Christmas morning. TheHub and I woke, had coffee or tea and opened our gifts to each other. We are both incredibly practical so no one here ever gets things like jewels or fancy electronics.  We have lived with each other long enough to know what the other needs/wants and both of us have simple tastes.

After we opened our presents we cleaned up the mess then I started getting food for our brunch ready.

Both families were to be here at 11, but I was running a little behind schedule and son2 and DIL2 caught me still in my pajamas. 

Oops! I had to run do the super fast shower and dress but at least everything that needed to be done, was done, and all the food was either already made or in the oven .

We had a flurry of unwrapping, laughter, and oohs and aahs, followed by brunch. 

For the first year ever I did not use the sterling, china, crystal or table cloths. Instead I used the everyday Christmas dishes, charger plates, stainless flatware, and our daily use glasses. It was still a wonderful brunch. Lesson learned!

Food, laughs, music, games and general discussions happened. Son2 and DIL2 stayed until well after dark and Son3 and DIL3 stayed overnight. 

Wednesday dinner: After an overabundance of brunch foods, dinner was an every one for themselves meal

Leftovers however each person wanted them. For me it was just crackers and cheese.

Thursday joy: Son3 woke and made breakfast. I loved getting up with coffee waiting on me! All I had to do was pour me a cup. What a gift!

DIL3 was struggling with some gastric issues and seeing her face after she nibbled on breakfast told us everything about how bad she was feeling. They left much earlier than they intended to but I get it. When you feel bad it is much easier to feel rotten at home instead of somewhere else. 

She made the drive to Nashville without feeling too much worse, and was able to get in her own bed. I am sorry she had a flare up but am happy she got home where she recuperate easier.

After they left TheHub and I went to the satellite courthouse to take care of a couple of things. Best day ever to go there. 

They had a skeleton staff, but when we went in there was no one but me in the entire waiting area and only 2 other people were at the windows conducting business.

I would advise anyone who had a December birthday to get their drivers license renewed the day after Christmas since there was no waiting. The same for car tag renewals, business licenses, tax payments and all other county business.

My Beloved Sister needed a little help with her dogs. I went over to let them out and feed them. 

Normally they bark like I am a robber and they are protecting the house but they have been left alone so much lately that any human attention was welcomed. 

Riley stood at the baby gate blocking the living room from the den "talking" and wiggling all over  while waiting for me to get close enough to pet him. I had to wake Trinket, but she did the same wiggly "happy to see anyone" dance once she woke.  I loved on them both a bit after letting them out to do their business. 

They are kind of funny dogs and do not eat when the food is put out. They like to wait and eat when no one is watching. 

Thursday dinner: We both wanted something other than Christmas leftovers

Chicken bulgogi over noodles, cucumber slices

Friday joy: The weather was not great, overcast with showers, but it was not cold. In fact the hibiscus that I moved from the house back to the deck on Christmas morning was blooming and bright coral colored flowers are brightening the otherwise gloomy day. 

I had been waiting on a call from My Beloved Sister. She needed some help and I was glad to be able to offer some. She had a very difficult 4 weeks and there was not a lot I could do to help her, especially since I was contagious through a lot of it. 

She could not afford to be sick and she especially could not pass it on to her husband.

They do have some resolution now, but not what they wanted. It makes me so happy United Health Care is not our insurance provider. I guess all their recent bad press has not changed their stance on denying coverage to things people truly need. 

I was able to go help them get into their house, but the biggest joy was Son2 being able to help. He is as strong as an ox and though I can figure out the best way to navigate a situation, I lack the strength to lift a 6'2"man tethered to an oxygen tank up 12 stairs. 

Friday dinner: There was still boatloads of brunch foods in the fridge

Turkey, green bean casserole, sautéed cabbage, dressing (baked stuffing for those of you who have no clue), cranberry relish*

Saturday joy: I know this sounds a little hokey but I was seriously joyful My Beloved Sister would let me help her. Sometimes she does not want to accept assistance and honestly she needs it. She has been carrying the load for a long time and sometimes does not understand it is not a sign of weakness to accept help.

I only hope she will continue to let others lend a hand.

I missed a call and a potential visit from Sluggy when they were passing by on their way home. I hate that, but was busy with MBS.

Saturday dinner: We still had a lot of food left from Christmas and we needed to eat some more of it.

Ham, au gratin potatoes,  coleslaw

Sunday joy: Our church just had one combined service Sunday morning, with no Sunday School so TheHub and I opted to stay home and just stream it. It is the first time I have heard our new and youngest minister conduct the sermon. High praise!

TheHub and I went to different parts of the house to do a few chores, then met back in the kitchen for lunch. We had just finished eating when I heard someone at the door.

In her past career DIL2 was an occupational therapist. My Beloved Sister had asked her to stop by her house to offer some encouragement to her reluctant patient. Since they were already on this side of town, they went out to lunch then came by here. We do love surprise visits from them.**

Sunday dinner: Though some of the Christmas leftovers had been frozen I still had a lot of rice left. When I was straightening the kitchen pantry I kept thinking about how I could use said rice for dinner.

Black beans and rice, cooked red cabbage with apples

Planned for the week***

1. Pasta with pesto, tossed salad, rolls

2. New Year's Eve dinner out

3. New Year's Day traditional meal: ham, black eyed peas, collards, cornbread

4. Soup

5. Salmon croquettes, coleslaw, green beans

6. Steak, baked potato, brussels sprouts, mixed green salad

7. Soup

Books read in December: I have not been reading much at all

We Used To Live Here

Yellowface

All I want for Christmas is Fudge (cozy mystery read in a little over an hour)

Have a great week staying on plan, going off plan, or with no plan at all.

May all your weeds be wildflowers.

Anne

* I can't stand cranberry sauce but love fresh cranberry relish. I make it every year at Christmas and Thanksgiving. I like it so much I really should keep it in the fridge the entire time fresh cranberries are available. No idea why I don't!

** They had already caught me in my pajamas once during the week. I am so glad I had gotten up, showered and dressed early. No makeup, but they have seen me without it scads of times. The main thing was being clean with clean clothes. Small victories are still victories.

***I am trying to use only foods I already have at the house. There is nothing I really need (other than a loaf of bread) and what a great idea to start the year without shopping for anything. Of course this discounts any recreational shopping TheHub might so. I have no control over what he buys, but whatever it is will be something he wants for him anyway.