Let it Snow, Let it Snow, ........*)>%&*)%^#@

Quite a holiday wasn't it? We don 't often get a White Christmas in northeast Oklahoma. Now I'll remember to not get too sentimental about a snowy Christmas morning. It was doubly difficult because many can't just hunker down and stay by the fire like a normal snowy day. There were groceries to buy, gifts to deliver and families waiting for their loved ones arrival. Lots of plans were changed and lots of people were disappointed.

My group was pretty lucky. Everyone was here before the snows came. My oldest son blasted out of OKC at 8:00 or Christmas Eve morning. If he had left much later, he would have had to turn around. Christmas Eve Dinner went from 60 to 20, my cousin was resigned and gracious as the calls kept coming in. She always hosts a beautiful party for her extended family-and those of us who made it had a wonderful time!

Christmas morning my boys and husband fashioned an "Over the River" sleigh to bring part of the family up from across the street. Grandchildren and in-laws arrived via a 4 -wheeler and flatbed, wrapped in lap blankets with Champ the Wonder Dog running merrily behind the entourage. My son-in-law's San Diego brother called it a red neck snow-mobile. He was right!!

Christmas night, the kids' friends found it no problem to make it up our icy driveway. As Mel advised, there was plenty of food and drink and a fire roaring in the outdoor fireplace. Snowball fights resulted, just as when they were little. There is nothing I like better than going to sleep with the sound of their laughter echoing through the house.

We did have a bump in the next day's plans. Traveling to my brother Eddie's in Bixby to spend Christmas with our extended family was a little harrowing. In a two car caravan, we set out.....turkey, presents and grand babies in tow. Husband Warren was not to sure about the roads, as he repeated often during the drive........I pish - poshed his concern, commenting on the beautiful scenery between Haskell and Leonard. The scenery was a lovely backdrop as daughters Catherine and Annie (with two little ones in car seats), gracefully slid off the highway into a rather large and deep ditch. Let it be noted there were only two "I told you so's" -then my hero of a husband swung into action.

We barreled through a cattle gate with three NO TRESPASSING signs. Two huge dogs lunged on their chains as Wag knocked on the trailer door. A bearded man answered in his pajama bottoms. After a short explanation with much gesticulating , the good soul reved up his huge backhoe thingy and chugged through his pasture toward my stranded family. Grandson Wagner's (John Deere Tractor Boy) dream came true as he woke up from his travel nap to the huge machine coming right at him. The car was pulled out and we turned around, our lovely December 26th afternoon thwarted by icy roads and my husband's unwillingness to try again. I mean, we were almost there!

I know you all have your own tales from Christmas 2009. We can either laugh or cry, and it was kind of a grand adventure. One thing that happens when we can't control events is that we appreciate our times together even more. My brother is still waiting for that Wagner smoked turkey! I'm coming bro. Just waiting for the next snowstorm to pass. chrissie

I'll Be Home for Christmas, For a Minute

Christmas brings with it a certain sentimentality and expectation of tradition. Part of that tradition is the anticipation of spending time with our teenaged and college-aged children. But part of their growing up is also growing away and developing other friendships that will carry them through long after we are gone. After the dirty laundry that piled up during final exams is deposited, friends will call and a mad dash will be made for the door. The day after Christmas, they will be bored. What should we do?

First, sync everyone's plans and let the kids know when their attendance at family functions and social events is mandatory. That will help allay any miscommunication and get everyone where they are supposed to be on time and in good form.

Next, make sure your children's friends are welcome at your house. Have food on hand. Rent movies and video games. Make being at your house fun, that way the kids won't have to run away. You can also make it a tradition to take in a holiday movie with all the gang.

Never underestimate the power of being in a good mood. You can't be in a good mood all the time, but you can be aware of when your holiday passive-aggressiveness is about to show. Remain calm. Be happy - it's Christmas only once a year. Keep in mind what is important regardless of money or gifts that are the wrong size or color. Be mindful of when your expectations for perfection are overpowering being in the here and now. Help others keep perspective, too. It will improve everyone's holiday.

Finally, just go with the flow. They'll be home for Christmas, but only for a minute!! Enjoy it!! Merry Christmas and a happy, happy New Year!

Focus. Focus.

Deep Breath. Put the "To Do" List down. Relax. Remember Moms- it's our holiday too.

I let myself get into a twit over Thanksgiving this year. All the family had a wonderful time, which was the point, but I hardly remember the day. I called my daughter the a few days later and asked her, "Did I have gravy?" Well, I did but I have absolutely no recollection of making the roux, adding the stock or seasoning the gravy. Now, gravy is something that takes a little planning. Is it thickening? Is it lumpy? Does it need a little salt? Gravy was on the table, I just don't remember how. That is preoccupied with a capital P.

So, Christmas. Shopping. Baking. Decorating. Wrapping. Polishing. Cleaning. Traveling. If your house is where everyone comes, it is daunting. I have heard people say they aren't putting up a tree this year. Others who bring Christmas dinner home- baked, roasted and ready to put on the table. I say, it you can get away with it, more power to you! I guess, though it is more work, the traditions and the work that goes along with it is what means Christmas for many of us. Dragging out the scraggly Santa that Aunt Mary made, polishing the silver bells to hang on the wreath at the front door, cutting out endless cookies and children, now grandchildren,getting sprinkles everywhere-somehow that is Christmas for me.

I promised myself after Thanksgiving that I would approach Christmas with a clear head and common sense this year. Two good examples that support my objective. # 1. I attended the Community Choir's Messiah last night with dear friends. #2. I drove around the parking lot at Woodland Hills Mall yesterday and drove right back out again. There is nothing there that warrants the traffic and the crowds.

I just mailed a "Finals Box" for my youngest. It contained some goodies to study with. Below are two favorites that are easy, fast and travel well. They are both great to tie up in cellophane gift sacks for little thank you's or favors.

Seasoned Pretzels

Mix together the following until well blended.
1 pkg ranch dressing mix
1 T lemon pepper
1 heaping tsp cayenne pepper
1 T garlic powder
3/4 cup vegetable oil

Put pretzels in a plastic bag and pour mixture - seal and shake to coat. Soak overnight.

Puppy Chow
Microwave until melted and smooth
1/2 cup margarine
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

In a large bowl -Pour above mixture over one 15 oz pkg Crispix cereal
Mix gently to coat well.
Place 4 cups powdered sugar in a large bag. Add cereal mixture and shake to coat well. Spread on foil or tray to dry. Store in airtight container.

Enjoy the season. Remember the reason. Don't only be pleasin'. chrissie