Author Topic: Does it feel anything like Christmas yet? (Read 2194 times)

Bibbyman · « **on:** December 17, 2009, 08:18:20 pm »

Christmas is little more than a week away and I see very little excitement about it. I kind of start wishing people “Merry Christmas” after Thanksgiving if I’m not likely to see them again before Christmas. So far, I think I’ve just shocked them. “Oh.. yea. Merry Christmas to you too.”. I don’t think I’ve received a single “Merry Christmas” wish from anyone – even the Wal-Mart greeter.

A short Christmas story…

For the past several years the girls have been putting up a fake Christmas tree son Gabe and got someplace. It comes in three sections and in a permanent state of decoration. It even has strings of lights. Just get it out, stack up the sections and plug it in and you’re done.

Well, not this year. Brooke remembered way back in the “good ol’ days” when the girls and Uncle Chris went out hunting for a Christmas tree. Once “treed”, Uncle Chris blasted it off its stump with a handgun. Redneck Christmas for sure.

The girls wanted to go Christmas tree hunting again this year. Since the it gets dark about 10 minuts after they get home from school, I decided expedite the expedition by searching out a likely tree ahead of time. One was located about 50 yards from the house. When they got home, out we went in search of the allusive Christmas tree. Instead of a gun, we just took a hatchet. The girls were happy with the one I pre-selected and took turns whacking at it until it fell. It took more than 40 blows.

We trimmed a couple of bottom branches and set it in a 5 gallon bucket and wedged sticks of firewood around the trunk to keep it upright. The cedar stands at least 8' tall. We'll cover the bucket with a colorful sheet or something. It'll look homely but great.

Tonight the girls are making paper decorations from gift wrap paper.

Much better than the instant tree.

stonebroke · « **Reply #1 on:** December 17, 2009, 08:21:59 pm »

At least up north the snow reminds your it is Christmas time. Must be weird to have Christmas with green grass.

Stonebroke

woodmills1 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 17, 2009, 08:36:34 pm »

Bibby hope this helps, we once again bought the real tree. We have a 22 year old living with us this winter and got her friends to help us trim the tree with our real mostly wooden ornaments. It does feel like christmas here and I hope you pick up the sentement. Also hope the work is flowing and checks are coming in.

So. I say Merry ChristmasMERRY CHRISTMAS

wampum · « **Reply #3 on:** December 17, 2009, 10:48:18 pm »

Bibbyman,I see that you are 59. That seems to have a lot to do with it seeming like Christmas. The older I get the less I expect,I like to give more. But it is such a hassle to shop anymore. The traffic,the crowds,but most of us go through the grind. Christmas really is not about how much or how many gifts you can give on one day. I have found that doing what you can,and sharing all the love you can all year long is what Christmas is all about. However I really enjoy watching my Grandchildren get so excited on Christmas day. But I always make sure every Christmas they know that with out Christ there would not be Christmas. Jesus is the reason for the season,now I am starting to get into the Christmas spirit.

LeeB · « **Reply #4 on:** December 17, 2009, 11:42:51 pm »

It seems like Christmas is a pretty big day here in Croatia, but I don'e see much decoration and the comercial thing isn't as big as at home. I'm pretty sure there will be some kind of special meal for us, but it will be work as usual for the day. I'm holding off on my Christmas spirit till I get back home and we will celibrate then. I did however buy myself a new lathe tonight for Christmas.

logwalker · « **Reply #5 on:** December 17, 2009, 11:53:40 pm »

Hey Bibby, does that tree smell as good as I remember they do?

We havn't had a tree in a long time, $:-\$

zopi · « **Reply #6 on:** December 18, 2009, 12:46:38 am »

I can't seem to muster up much spirit either...too much commercial bs and idiotic christmas music...

Rockin' the Cheer Gut is about the best christmas song i've heard this year...

Warbird · « **Reply #7 on:** December 18, 2009, 12:56:31 am »

Merry Christmas, Bibby.

Bibbyman · « **Reply #8 on:** December 18, 2009, 02:05:21 am »

Quote from: logwalker on December 17, 2009, 11:53:40 pm

Hey Bibby, does that tree smell as good as I remember they do?

We havn't had a tree in a long time, $:-\$

Well, sawmilling so much cedar as we have, I can hardly smell it any more. I could smell it when I had my face right in it when I was holding it while the girls wacked away at it. And I could smell it when I carried it into the house - holding onto the 5 gallon bucket with one hand and the trunk with the other. It must smell as Brooke noted shortly after it was in the house, "Mmmm! Smell that pine!" Mary corrected her. "Whatever." Was her comeback.

Mary and I have been into Walmart and some other stores earlier this week and there does not seem to be much of a Christmas shopping crowd. I took note of the toy isles and one time there was nobody shopping in them. The Westlakes hardware store had some big discounts on tools but still not enough that I would buy something unless I needed it. And I didn’t see anyone else buying anything other than what they needed.

My Mom and Brooke are the only ones that have been obsessed with Christmas. Mom has been asking sizes and such and “What does so and so want?” for a couple of months now. It’s tough on her not to have little kids on which to lavish tons of small toys and clothes. Christmas for her is watching the grandkids open their gifts and getting all excited and the big family meal. Brooke tends to find all kinds of things she’d like to have when she shops for gifts for others.

I guess Mary is in the Christmas mode. We had to paint the living room Sunday. She’s been working at getting everything back into some place ever since and far from done yet. She’s in the “deep cleaning” mode. That is, collect everything up that’s loose, shove it into a box, shove the box into a closet someplace.

Christmas for me in the past 10 years has been having the family around our dining room table. Thanksgiving this year was a depressing day for me. My folks elected not to come down due to the cold and nasty weather (although I drive them right up to the front door across the lawn). My son Chris and wife Heather couldn’t make it. So there was just me, Mary, son Gabe and the girls. It was a great meal but not the same.

My shopping has evolved into thinking about stuff I have and matching it with someone I think would really like to have it and giving it to them. The true value may be insignificant but more sentimental character. For example, I have a star quilt that my grandmother made Mary and I for our wedding gift. It is hand pieced, and hand quilted. She was well into her 80’s when she made it and the craftsmanship is poor but there is still a lot of sentimental value to it. But I’m thinking someday I’ll give it to my daughter-in-law. That kind of thing..

Jasperfield · « **Reply #9 on:** December 18, 2009, 02:23:46 am »

Well... Yes!

It IS feeling like Christmas. But, you've got to think about it, ponder it, recognize it.

Christmas means: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men".

It does not mean that there will always be peace everywhere on earth. And it does not mean that that all men will show good will toward each other. It means that God is granting to man, His peace. He is making peace with man.

Luke 2:13 says: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,"...

I believe that what those shepherds saw was like nothing they ever had imagined. I think that when the multitude of angels appeared, the shepherds saw the whole night sky open up with a light far brighter, and with a living clarity of perception. And they saw living, before-unseen colors and they saw salvation with their eyes.

I believe they saw, as they looked up, beautiful angels literally extending into eternity. I believe these most-lowly of men saw (with their human eyes) the absolute endlessness of the distance of time eternal. And, they saw, heard with their ears and shared in their minds, with the angels (and with the Angel of the Lord) the understanding of the event we now call Christmas.

Chris Burchfield · « **Reply #10 on:** December 18, 2009, 08:49:26 am »

Before Halloween, I would take Madison our three and a half year old grand daughter to Lowe's with me when I made the trip for whatever. We'd go down the isles where they have the pumpkins, witches, scarybones (skeletons) and goblins. Day after these were all gone and Christmas* stuff was hitting the shelves. Later trips we'd see Santa, Mrs. Clause, Snowman, Reindeer, penguins in all sorts of fashion sledding, rocking. Madison would say where's the Halloween stuff Gdaddy? I'd say gone till next year. Day after Thanksgiving, we have a radio station that plays continuous Christmas music. I keep it on to help get me in the mindset and mood. I tagged a nice eight point Black Friday bout 7:25 a.m. Passing the Walmart and Target store about 10m till six I don't know how they could squeeze another car into the parking lot. Wife wanted me to see if I could find some Zhu Zhu pets (battery operated hamsters.) Lot nicer than the real ones that multiply, have to be fed, watered and cage cleaned out. They are more elusive than deer in the woods when you look for them on the store shelves. Finally found some 20 minutes after Target opened. Within 30 minutes they were all gone limiting customers to two each. I knew we were getting close to Christmas yesterday, wife said the night before the dryer is out. After a couple of hours with an ohm meter and knowing I'd done a good rebuild bout 5 years ago, it was time to get a new dryer. Had to put it on the Blue Box card. Almost messed up and ran through on a debit card. Man you think I wouldn't have been in trouble. Time are tight but, I have my family close by and all are well. We wish you all Merry Christmas, and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Qweaver · « **Reply #11 on:** December 18, 2009, 09:33:23 am »

Each year we make a point of reminiscing about Christmas as in was in our youth. Selecting and cutting a tree, making most of our decorations, a big family dinner where the house was full and warm and fun. Not much money for fancy gifts but it was a great time for us and my memories are that it was better then than it is now. I still love it tho'
Quinton

Sprucegum · « **Reply #12 on:** December 18, 2009, 09:50:29 am »

My grand daughter just found out Santa is not real

Her Mom persuaded her to keep the secret from the younger ones but now when her Dad says "I can't wait for Santa to come" she gives him a real funny look

This is the first year we are not having a tree - none of the kids can make it home. Instead we are gathering at my sons house New Years Day to celebrate (and eat).

motohed · « **Reply #13 on:** December 18, 2009, 10:17:46 am »

I am looking forward to Christmas this year as my family will all be home this year , and we won't be house jumping this year ! I know that sounds selfish , but we usually have to travel around to different family homes all day. This year we finally got the idea to all celabraite Christmas at my home this year , and switch next year to another family home. I am glad as it gives us all more time to celbraite together .

Merry Christmas everyone and Please be safe in your travels .

Dodgy Loner · « **Reply #14 on:** December 18, 2009, 10:18:09 am »

It feels more like Christmas at my house than it did at this time last year. Last year, I decided that it was not worth the time to put up a Christmas tree since I had no visitors in the month of December. This year, my fiance insisted that I get a tree, just so she could have one to decorate (her roommates had taken the initiative of decorating their tree while she was away $:-\$ ). I bought a 6-foot fir for $20, and she chipped in $12 for some ornaments. I already had the lights. We had a great time decorating, and now I always turn the lights on when I'm home and enjoy the smell and the ambience.

As a woodworker, though, I can always tell when it's Christmas because I spend all of my free time in the shop. So far this month, I've built a cedar blanket chest, turned 2 rolling pins and 5 bowls (with more bowls to come), I'm working on refinishing and recaning an old rocking chair, and I'm in the middle of building a small dovetailed box. It is exhausting but I love it

Patty · « **Reply #15 on:** December 18, 2009, 10:57:05 am »

I love Christmastime. It is a magical time for children, so I do all that I can to keep the magic alive for them. Every year, after Thanksgiving weekend, I gather up whomever will go with me to saw down a beautiful tree, drag it home, and squeeeeeze it into the house! Next come the decorations collected throughout the past years.... Ornaments the kids made in school, baby's first Christmas ornaments, handmade ornaments received as gifts from special (and oftentimes long-gone) friends, and the unique hand painted glass balls each beautifully decorated with scenes of Iowa white Christmas's. Stockings get hung, little winter villages put up, and the Mary & Joseph scene with baby Jesus is a must.

This year we will have two special children over on Christmas day along with our sons , our daughter-in-law, and girlfriend. My goal is to make this day one the children will remember for a very long time. We have had so much fun buying them toys! This is the first time we have had the pleasure of buying toys for a little girl. I try to remember back when I was her age (8 years) and what was important to me then.

Yesterday I went shopping all by myself. I enjoyed visiting with the bell-ringers and donating to the little red buckets. The check-out girls were so pleasant, when I greeted them with a smile and a Merry Christmas.

I guess I believe in the magic of Christmas. It is not a feeling that just happens on its own......you have to feel it in your heart and then go make the magic happen.

Merry Christmas everyone. I hope your Christmas is filled with wonder and hope.

Mooseherder · « **Reply #16 on:** December 19, 2009, 08:32:41 pm »

I know a lot of folks are struggling with the economy but if ya gotta send a Christmas card with Postage Due, maybe just maybe, you might want to skip the card this year.

We received this one from Lolita's cousin today. There wasn't a return addy on either.

thecfarm · « **Reply #17 on:** December 20, 2009, 04:27:45 am »

When I lived alone many years ago and not home much I did not put up a tree.Well my little nieces came to visit me just a little before Christmas and said all wide eyed,You have no tree.Where will Santa put your presents? Under Grammies tree,was my quick reply.A return to normal expression was back and an OK and everything was fine now.
Christmas is in full mode here.Just had the work party.Lots of good eats.I'm ready for it to come.

isawlogs · « **Reply #18 on:** December 21, 2009, 03:35:18 pm »

Bib , here clic and listen , one of the best Christmas songs ever .

JusT for you :

Ok ya might have to copy paste , but well worth the listen .

Bibbyman · « **Reply #19 on:** December 21, 2009, 03:51:28 pm »

Thanks! I did.

Now here is some real good Christmas songs by my ol' pal Gene Autry.

Link to Jango

http://www.jango.com/music/Gene+Autry?l=0

Here is a classic on YouTube

jim king · « **Reply #20 on:** December 21, 2009, 05:28:46 pm »

It is 90 degrees and raining about 3 inches an hour. Not to much like a Christmas in Wisconsin BUT. Today in the kitchen I saw the bread drying for dressing, the local version of cranberries to make into sauce and a lot of Christmas cookies being made for the neighbor kids.

This is our first year here without a bunch of employees and I miss that part. Christmas here is when the employers have a small party for the employees and give out food baskets with everything they would not normally buy so they and their families have a nice Christmas.

Christmas Eve will be fireworks all over town and scare the whatever out of the animals. It is not the same.

We always have enough foreigners over to fill out the table and eat well. I remember the first time we had a Christmas Eve dinner we only had three employees and we invited them and their families. My wife at her best set the table with enough forks , spoons and glasses to confuse even a foreigner. When everyone sat down to eat it started out very quiet as most of them had only ever eaten out of a bowl with a table spoon. Finally I realized what was going on and I started eating my mashed potatoes and gravy with a table spoon and then started with a fork.

None of them had ever had a meal of turkey and everything that goes with it. After the meal we opened a gallon of "Bulls Blood" wine from Brazil and everyone started joking about the table setting. I said just pour it in whatever glass seems right. It was one of the nicest Christmas dinners ever for us.

Ianab · « **Reply #21 on:** December 22, 2009, 12:18:30 am »

We aren't in the 90deg range here, but a nice 70F and sunny.

BBQ for lunch etc.

The real sign that it's Christmas is that the Pohutukawa trees are out in flower. Like a pre-decorated tree.

This is the flower

And the tree grows fairly big.

Old pics from previous Christmas*, but you get the idea.

Ian

Bibbyman · « **Reply #22 on:** December 22, 2009, 09:24:35 am »

Well its starting to feel like Christmas now. Mary started baking and making yesterday and started up early this morning. To get my breakfast I had to elbow my way into the kitchen and fight for counter space. It was like a fight under the basket at a basketball game.

Warbird · « **Reply #23 on:** December 22, 2009, 09:55:04 am »

He shoots! HE SCOOOOORES!!!

thecfarm · « **Reply #24 on:** December 23, 2009, 08:12:37 am »

Lucky Mary did not foul him with an elbow to the eye.

My wife got up a 3 AM and started cooking. I heard the mixer going and thought,yep,someone can't sleep.

Magicman · « **Reply #25 on:** December 23, 2009, 09:11:08 am »

We made that last little shopping trip yesterday. The only person on the list was her. It was her day, and I was a dutiful tag-a-long. I've said it before: Happy Wife......Happy Life......

isawlogs · « **Reply #26 on:** December 23, 2009, 09:51:56 am »

Quote from: thecfarm on December 23, 2009, 08:12:37 am

My wife got up a 3 AM and started cooking. I heard the mixer going and thought,yep,someone can't sleep.

I think that it was two someones that where not sleeping

pineywoods · « **Reply #27 on:** December 23, 2009, 10:41:55 am »

I took the wife to Sam's club yesterday. The place was a madhouse. Traffic backed up half a mile just to get into the parking lot. I got out for a little under 200 bucks

Norm · « **Reply #28 on:** December 23, 2009, 11:55:40 am »

It's sure beginning to feel like Christmas* at our place.

Her's on the right, his on the left.

beenthere · « **Reply #29 on:** December 23, 2009, 02:11:31 pm »

Hey, that looks great. Bet Patty gets to town faster'n you do.

SPIKER · « **Reply #30 on:** December 23, 2009, 03:14:18 pm »

Lots of people sure love this time of year, We get together still on my side of family, but not much else have a good meal and chat a bit. My sister was big into the holiday spirit no matter what the holiday she threw the shindig, after she passed it has not been much like a holiday for our family...

we all miss her more this time of year and it has been nearly 10 full years now...
Be thank full of the family & friends as that is more important than gifts for sure...

Mark

Bibbyman · « **Reply #31 on:** December 24, 2009, 12:35:27 pm »

Day before last there were seven deer in the field below the house. But alas, they were only white tail does and fawns not reindeer.

This morning I stepped out on the front porch to find this little snake. I’d never have expected to see a snake out on December 24’th. The rain may have driven him out of a hole some place.

He may be our only guest for Christmas. Son Chris and wife Heather may not try to drive in from Kansas City, Kansas because of the expected freezing rain and snow. I doubt now that my folks will want to get out as well.

Warbird · « **Reply #32 on:** December 24, 2009, 12:44:00 pm »

Well you've got all of us here to hang out with, Bibby. If you and the Mrs feel like an extra long road trip, we'll set a place for you at our table.

Ianab · « **Reply #33 on:** December 24, 2009, 01:20:04 pm »

Well, dont know if it's feels like Christmas yes, but it IS

7am Christmas morning, little Lara is still asleep so things are still peacefull. Warm sunny day so we are going to take things easy. BBQ this afternoons with Lil's family and a few quiet ales. Had dinner with my folks last night as they live in the opposite direction.

Anyway, it's a good Christmas so far.

Ian

jim king · « **Reply #34 on:** December 24, 2009, 01:39:07 pm »

Yes it is starting to feel and smell like Christmas. This morning I got drafted into the effort, I dreid the bread and made the cubes for dressing, did up the giblets for the dressing, peeled the potatoes, shucked the peas and drank some wine. Boiled the squash for pumpkin pie.

A few days ago I made sweet pickles, dill pickles and pickled heart. Yesterday my wife made lemon bars, chocolate covered brownies, sugar cookies and others for the neighbor kids and I made fake cranberry sauce out of the local fruit that is like cranberries.

Things are improving a lot here. When we first came to the Amazon we were lucky to find a skinny chicken, last year we had a turkey from Barron , Wisconsin. How they got here I have no idea. This year a 12 kilo one. Now there are spices available and almost anything one needs.

The Christmas baskets for our two employees were just delivered.

I DO MISS fruit cake.

The turkey and dressing are in the oven

The fake cranberries are now cooked up into sauce

The Christmas baskets for the two employees are here and the live chickens are waiting in the market. They dont have refrigerators so live chickens are best.

News:

Author Topic: Does it feel anything like Christmas yet? (Read 2194 times)