As I have ever since I started this blog, this year I'm participating in Faith's 12 Days of Christmas blog party! Today I've got some of my most favorite Christmas albums to share with you, so hang tight!
Also, be sure that you click on the below image to visit Faith's blog and see all the other posts in the party!
The Ball Brothers—Christmastime, Vol. 2
*smirks* didn't see this one coming, did you? This was a super sweet early Christmas gift from some dear friends . . . and I've already listened to it over ten times (I kinda lost track after nine or so #oops). Surprised? You shouldn't be. xD
Chris Tomlin—Glory in the Highest
I love this song so, so much . . . and the rest of the songs in the album are fabulous. ;)
The Oak Ridge Boys—Christmas
I realized that it's been three years since I've shared music that I grew up listening to, hehe! This album isn't one that I'd normally listen to, but it's a family tradition to listen to it every year while decorating, baking, eating on Christmas Eve, etc . . . my family is rather sentimental. ;)
Craig Duncan—Bluegrass Christmas
*cackles* Didn't see this one coming either, did ya?? Random fact: Spotify said that my most-listened-to artist of the year was Craig Duncan . . . go figure.
Guy Penrod—Christmas
Guy Penrod was my second-most-listened-to artist of the year, so of course I'm gonna be recommending his Christmas music!
The Nashville Superpickers—Pickin' On Christmas
Bluegrass. Instrumental. Superpickers. Need I say more??
Michael W. Smith—It's a Wonderful Christmas
I love MWS's music, especially since Kordell and I got to go to one of his concerts last month (more on that in an upcoming post)!
What are your most favorite Christmas albums/artists?? Do you have any that are special to you because of the memories that come with them?
Fruitcake is the stereotypical Christmas dessert. I've personally only had it once (never again), but it's still everywhere this time of year. So during a conversation with my mother on the subject, and amid speculation, I began to wonder exactly why fruitcake is so traditional and popular, even though few people actually like it. So, I did some research. And I was surprised and slightly horrified to find that some fruitcake supposedly has a shelf life of 25 years.
Fruitcake actually started in Rome, where it was almost a delicacy, only affordable to the rich because of how rare fresh fruit was in the winter. Add liqueur to that, and you've got an expensive dish. Our American version stemmed from the British form of plum cake, a fruity dessert incredibly popular to eat during holidays. Obviously, it's not nearly as rare and expensive now, so it's not as popular as it used to be. But it's still iconic.
My personal experience with fruitcake came 3 or 4 years ago, when we visited a location famous for their fruitcake, and was handing out samples. I sunk my teeth into a bite, even though fruitcake isn't liked all that well and I'm not a fan of trying new foods. But I figured I might as well give it a try.
The bread was... very sweet, and the fruit was... well, something I tried not to chew too much. All this to say, no, I don't like fruitcake. But if you do—more power to you!
Also, don't forget to visit Faith's blog for the other participators and the giveaway!
Last time I talked about the memories behind our Christmas decorations, we ended in the front room. I'd like to now take you over to the family room, where more surprises await.
First of all, let's hop to the south side of the house, where windows offer perfect places to drape some greenery. And what better addition to the greenery than snowflakes? Probably about ten years ago, my grandma patiently attempted to teach me how to do a simple chain crochet stitch, which I promptly left to do other, more interesting things. Well, finally, a few years ago, she gave me the idea to make lace snowflakes for my mom. I readily agreed, not knowing how tedious it would be to learn new stitches and put them to use. But I'm quite pleased with how they turned out!
A hop and a skip away, and once again, we've got a homemade gift that the guys made probably six or seven years ago. Mom wanted stocking hangers, and so her sweet husband once again surprised her with eight shining, gold-painted hangers. I remember that we all gave them to her—Daddy and us kids—and though I didn't do a thing, they were still partially from me, and that was special. Though it made my brothers slightly irritated.
And let's just take a moment to admire these stocking handcrafted by my very talented mother, shall we? Not only are they simply stockings, but cowboy boots! Yeah, have I mentioned her love for western decor?
Now let's take a step back from the mantle (where we put the village every year until we decided to put it on the piano this year) to examine Kordell's fascination/obsession with lights. The dude seriously finds a new place to string lights every year. (Let's not forget that one year Birdo strung garland across the room suspended from the ceiling... but that's another story.)
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Our house is certainly all decked out this year! How about yours?
Today marks the start of the 12 Days of Christmas blog party!
Come with me, I'd like to take you on a tour through our house. Our Christmas decorations are put up, and there are some specific ones that I'd like to show you, each with a special meaning or memory. (And thanks to Kara for taking most of these pics!)
First stop is the front yard. Looking at the house, you'll see a tree covered in lights, and then a star of lights on top of the house. That star has been on the house every winter pretty much as long as I can remember. But once upon a time, Mom really wanted lights on the house, and one year Daddy suddenly surprised her with a homemade star. You can see it from a couple miles away, and it's certainly a major part of our Christmas decorations.
Next stop: front room. Remember the Christmas tree that I mentioned? If you turn to the right after entering the front door, you'll find that tree, laden with lights, garland and ornaments. Have I mentioned that handmade gifts are kind of a thing around here? Kordell made mom a box of cutout western (western decor is Mom's favorite) ornaments—bull heads, horseshoes, cowboy boots, etc., and Mom then wrote names of Jesus on them.
A few feet from the tree, you'll find Mom's grand piano covered with a ceramic village. This village has been collected over the years, with my grandma adding to it every year for quite a long time. It's probably the decoration us kids enjoyed putting up the most when we were little.
Next to the piano, you'll find a short chest of drawers with this nativity on it. Us kids had our own nativity scene that we were allowed to put up ourselves. I don't know how many pieces have been hot-glued (have I ever mentioned that hot glue is another of this family's specialties?) back together again. So if we got to put up Mom's good brown nativity, man, we were privileged! (If you look closely, you can see that the angel's wing has been glued together... yes, we did mess up sometimes)
On a second chest of drawers around the corner lies this nativity calendar. On each day of December, counting down to Christmas, you open one of the little doors and pull out an item to stick on the scene. I remember calculating the number of days to see which of us siblings got to open baby Jesus on Christmas Eve. We alternated every year, even though we argued about it every year.
These two characters are found pretty much anywhere in the house. Pushing the yellow sticker on the mouse's foot presses a button that activates it to start dancing and playing its guitar and singing Jingle Bell Rock. Santa has a switch to turn him on, and once that switch is flipped, he sings Jingle Bells any time he senses a loud noise, or when someone taps him. These two guys were the best white elephant gifts ever!
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Everyone has their favorite Christmas decorations and memories. What are some of yours?
Also, don't forget to check out Faith's blog for all the links to the other participants in the blog party! (Also, there's an epic-looking giveaway going on with all sorts of epic stuff like books and music and I don't even know what else.)
It's Christmas Eve, people. Like, wow.
To be honest, I'm still stuck in November–y'know, pre-Thanksgiving? XD
Anyway, these aren't traditional songs. But they're beautiful and... yeah.
Chris Tomlin - Glory in the Highest
Newsong - The Christmas Shoes
Point of Grace - Carol of the Bells/What Child is This?
For having grown up with brothers obsessed with country songs, I kinda learned to hate it.
But I have to admit, there's some really good ones out there.
So here. *shoves them at you* Enjoy.
The Oak Ridge Boys - Jesus is Born Today
Lonestar - Little Drummer Boy
Kenny Chesney - Thank God for Kids
Josh Turner - The First Noel
Alan Jackson - Have a Holly Jolly Christmas
George Strait (because we can't have a country music post without the King of Country, right? XD) - There's a New Kid in Town
Don't look at me that way; you're never too old to love kids' picture books.
Come to think of it, I can list more Christmas kids' books than I can Christmas books for my age.
Before you think I've gone completely off my rocker, let me say this: if you think you're too old or mature to be reading picture books, then... well, you might as well not read this post. Because it'd be a waste of your time.
ANYWAY.
In no particular order...
The Candle in the Forest by Joe Wheeler
Eight treasured tales will charm young readers and journaling pages will turn this book into a keepsake. Gather the family and pass on the tradition of sharing stories of faith, hope, and love.
Containing several different stories, these are perfect for reading by yourself or reading aloud to siblings. ;)
The Pine Tree Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs
The Pine Tree Parable tells the heartwarming tale of a Farmer and his family who nurture tiny seedlings into fragrant Christmas trees. When the trees are tall enough to offer their neighbors, the Farmer's wife plans to keep the most beautiful pine tree for her family, until one snowy December night when a child teaches her the true meaning of Christmas.
Ohh, yes. A simple reminder that we shouldn't keep things for ourselves—Christmas is a time for giving, and for thanking—thanking God for what He did for us.
The Legend of the Christmas Tree by Rick Osborne, adapted by Pat Matuszak
In this adaptation of the best-selling story of The Legend of the Christmas Tree, little ones ages 4 and under can discover the wonderful story of how the evergreen tree first became a symbol of Christmas and a way to tell people about God.
*Coughs* Yes, that's a board book. Yes, it does say '4 and under'. But hey, it's one of the few Christmas book that we've had around the house for as long as I can remember (see how it's worn?); you could say it's a keepsake. Of sorts. XD
Punchinello and the Most Marvelous Gift by Max Lucado
The Maker-Day Festival brings out the best that Wemmicksville has to offer. The best cake, the best bouquet, and the best music. But when Punchinello's disastrous mistake threatens to ruin the festival, all the Wemmicks discover the most marvelous gift. And they all sing out: "We like you. We love you. We all agree—without you, Eli, there'd be no we."
So, this has always been one of my very, very favorites. When I was little, and I got to pick a book for Daddy or Mom to read aloud, that's what I'd always pick. Kord, too.
The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado
Because Joshua the Lamb was different, he often felt left out-like on the wintry night when he was left behind in a Bethlehem stable. This touching tale helps kids see that even if they're different, God has a unique plan for their lives.
Another one that we've had for as long as I can remember. It's one of Mom's favorites, it's a sweet story, and I love the illustrations. ;)
The Gift of the Christmas Cookie by Dandi Daley Mackall
It's the Christmas season during a time when people had little money to spend. Cookie jars held pennies, not Christmas cookies. So when Jack smells something delicious coming from the kitchen, he can't believe his nose. Cookies!
But his excitement turns to disappointment when he learns the cookies aren't for him. Instead, Mother is baking them for the needy people at their church. While Jack helps roll our the dough, his mother tells him the story of the Christmas cookie.
In a captivating interplay of simple words and beautiful illustrations, The Gift of the Christmas Cookie tells a tender story of giving—not just cookies, but gifts of the heart that last forever.
Ahh, I love this story. Not only is it a great reminder about what Christmas is really all about, but it's also got cookies. Sugar, ya'll. I don't know about you, but I have a weakness for stories with food—especially dessert. XD
A Child's Christmas at St. Nicholas Circle by Douglas Kane McKelvey
In A Child's Christmas at St. Nicholas Circle, the artwork of world-renowned painter Thomas Kinkade brings to life a story destined as a Christmas classic.
Little Henry and his sister Katie will always remember the Christmas Eve that the mysterious message started to come through the telegraph machine at the town's train station. Yet after only part of the message had appeared, a winter storm suddenly snapped the power lines.
"Good news - stop an important guest will arrive at St. Nicholas Circle by train to—"
Amazed to think someone important was making a special visit to their little town, the entire community turned out to welcome this mysterious guest. But it is six-year-old Henry whose faith changed the lives of his family and those of a family of strangers. The lessons of treating others with respect and sacrificial love come alive, as does the enchanting art by Kinkade.
Hearwarming and thought-provoking, this story brings out the fact that we should welcome everyone—whether they're "important" or not.
Are you stressed, doing your last-minute shopping, getting ready for company, or just plain grumpy?
You've come to the right place. Now, before you start thinking I'm making a sales pitch, I'm not. XD Maybe one or two of these songs will make you laugh just a little bit, or at least put a smile on your face. ;)
United States Navy - Sleigh Ride
Straight No Chaser - The Twelve Days of Christmas
Farmer Derek Klingenberg - Walking Around a T-bone Steak
(Okay, I'll admit this isn't exactly a Christmas song, but it's a parody of Walking Around the Christmas Tree, and it does mention Christmas,sooooo)
Well folks, I'm back again!
Don't get too used to me—I might disappear without a word of warning again at any given moment. You've been fairly warned. XD
Have you ever walked by someone—someone elderly, to be specific—and, making eye contact, smiled at them?
Have you ever visited a nursing home just to say hello?
Have you ever opened the door for them?
Even a greeter at Walmart—do you smile and politely tip your head, or do you ignore them and brush past?
Or your grandma. Do you ever sit down and talk with her, or do you ignore her and turn on the TV when you visit? Just a simple hug and a "how are you?" or a five-minute shoulder rub would do wonders.
You may be asking what in the world this has to do with Christmas.
Well, this month, our pastor started his sermon with this song:
He then went on to talk about various things, but one thing that stuck out to me was this:
Give a gift that money can't buy.
A simple handshake, a short hug, help across the street, even putting hand lotion on the ladies at the nursing home—you never know what your actions can do for a person.
We had an apartment in the city, Me and Loretta liked living there. Well, it'd been years since the kids had grown, A life of their own left us alone. John and Linda live in Omaha, And Joe is somewhere on the road. We lost Davy in the Korean war, And I still don't know what for, don't matter anymore.
Ya' know that old trees just grow stronger, And old rivers grow wilder ev'ry day. Old people just grow lonesome Waiting for someone to say, "Hello in there, hello."
Me and Loretta, we don't talk much more, She sits and stares through the back door screen. And all the news just repeats itself Like some forgotten dream that we've both seen. Someday I'll go and call up Rudy, We worked together at the factory. But what could I say if he asks "What's new?" "Nothing, what's with you? Nothing much to do."
So if you're walking down the street sometime And spot some hollow ancient eyes, Please don't just pass 'em by and stare As if you didn't care, say, "Hello in there, hello."
As you do your last-minute shopping, don't ignore those around you.
Hey hey hey, I'm back again for the third day in a row! Don't fall out of your chair in shock.
This time I've got for you a peek of my life around Christmastime.
Let's get started, shall we?
You know you're a farmer's daughter when...
...'Getting a Christmas tree' means going to a nearby pasture and cutting down a cedar.
...You dream of a white Christmas, but your father dreams of exactly the opposite.
...'Sledding' means being pulled on a bobsled behind the 4-wheeler. Or sledding down a nearby dike on tractor tire tubes.
...Your family pictures for Christmas cards is taken with a piece of farm equipment, in a hay barn, or with animals in the background.
...You will randomly receive a text that has a video of your brother dancing in the workshop to Christmas music.
...'Snowball fight' means everything from throwing balls of snow at each other to tackling each other into snowdrifts.
...'Christmas shopping' for the kids means usually going to the nearest small town and picking up most of your gifts from Dollar General or the hardware store.
...Can't figure out a gift for the guys? Tools. Tools everywhere. It makes them happy.
...Icy roads = looking out the window and you at first think there's a lighthouse in your yard, but you soon realize it's the guys having fun on the 4-wheeler.
I would've named this post "A Secular Christmas" but that would've been an oxymoron.
There is no such thing.
So, I'm going to simply title this post "A Vintage Holiday"... because all these songs ended up being from the early 1900s, and that's what Christmas has become in the world—a simple holiday, I mean. Just like Valentine's Day or St. Patrick's Day or Thanksgiving or... well, you get the idea.
Jesus has been replaced with Santa Claus, gifts and advertisements saying "you deserve this gift—come spend big bucks and reward yourself!"
I know, not all stores are this way.
It's just society.
ANYWAY, the purpose of this post was not to go on a rant. Sorry about that. XD
It was to share some of my favorite holiday/winter songs.
So I'll get off my soapbox and do that now. *nods*
Dean Martin - Winter Wonderland
Frank Sinatra - Let it Snow
Johnny Mathis - It's Beginning to Look at Lot Like Christmas
Bing Crosby - Silver Bells
Andy Williams - It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
