2012
Welcome to our Christmas Issue This issue is dedicated to sharing lots of fun Christmas Traditions for families of all ages. We have gathered lovely Christmas tradition ideas of lovely families from all over the world. I have one warning for you. Do not try all of these traditions all at once! Read, ponder a bit, and then choose what suits your family.
Merry Christmas!
photo and snow globe photoshop template by
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76 The Nutcracker 6 Peppernuts 13 Roast Beef 18 Sugar Cookies 20 Flavored Caramels 24 Chicken a la King 28 Apple Puff Pancake 30 A Movie With a Treat 34 A party with a Purpose 36 Gingerbread Fun 40 Elves to Angels 44 Service Advent Calendar 46
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80 Straw for Baby Jesus 48 Elf 50 Frosty the Snow LAdy 52 3 D Stars 56 Grandma’s Ornaments 62 Cousins Polly-Anna 66 25 Books 67 Baking Up Some Love 72 Cinnamon Rolls and Scriptures 76 Family Memory Jar 80 The Nativity 82
the
Nutcracker
by Lindsay Silsby
Every year the week following Thanksgiving, my mom takes all of the girls in the family to see the local ballet’s feature of the Nutcracker. I remember from the time I was small anticipating the day of the ballet! All of us would get dressed to the “nines” in frills and fancy that every little girl dreams of and head to the theater! It was always magical….the music, the costumes, the set, the dancing….oh the dancing and the enjoyment of each others company! It has been a tradition for so long that even now in my…ahem…thirties, I still get taken back to that moment of being small and watching the magic unfold before me. Now that I live far from my mom and the tradition that I miss every year, I try to incorporate the Nutcracker into my own family tradition. My children are still too young to attend a performance…good heavens we would leave a trail of Cheerios in our wake! However, I have tried to find ways to bring it into our home. We listen to the music, display and use our own nutcrackers and watch the Royal Ballet version on the tele. I was particularly missing that sweet tradition when it suddenly occurred to me to photograph it. I tried to capture the beauty of those memories so that when my own daughters have grown and may no longer attend with me, they will look at the beautiful costumes, the tip toe of ballet shoes, the wonder, the mystery, the “twinkling” in their feet and remember the magic.
Peppernuts
an unexpected Family Tradition
by Lori Danelle Wilson amily traditions are a funny thing. Often those that become the most poignant to us as adults are the ones
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we don’t even recognize until we get away from our family. So it was with me.
I grew up in a small Kansas community with strong German Mennonite roots. As with most kids, the Christmas season was a magical time. My grandma would start baking her holiday treats in time for Thanksgiving dinner and the supply wouldn’t run dry until after New Year’s Day. We would indulge on bottom-less containers of fudge, peanut brittle and peppernuts for nearly a month solid. Though peppernuts are most likely new to you, to me they were as common a Christmas treat as candy canes. The spicy little cookies taste like Christmas, plain and simple. When I moved away for college the peppernut tradition followed with a container full of them arriving in the mail shortly after Thanksgiving. It was then I began to get an inkling that perhaps these cookies were something special. In 2002, I moved to Nashville, Tennessee. The holiday season came and so did my package of peppernuts. Even though I wasn’t home, I felt a little bit closer just by tasting those yummy little irresistible cookies. I offered some to my roommates and friends and was shocked to discover no one had any idea what they were — though the next year found them eagerly anticipating the annual shipment almost as much as me. Once I was married, I too began to make peppernuts right after Thanksgiving, sharing an old family tradition with my new husband and extended family, claiming it as my own personal tradition along the way. Having realized what a special tradition peppernuts were for my family, not to mention enjoying people’s response when introduced to them, I took it on as my personal mission to share peppernuts with the people around me at Christmas time — which is why, after 5 years, my co-workers start anxiously asking in Mid-October when I’ll be bringing them.
Melt in Your Mouth
Peppernuts ½ pound butter 1 ½ cup sugar 1 beaten egg 2 Tbsp. dark syrup 3 ¾ cup flour 2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cloves 1 tsp. ginger 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. nutmeg 1 tsp. anise oil (or 2 tsp. anise extract)
Cream butter, sugar, syrup and egg. Add dry ingredients and anise oil. Divid dough into 3 balls and chill overnight in an air-tight container. Roll dough into long rolls the size of your little finger. Keep chilled. Slice into small pieces and bake at 350° for 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Because the dough is so stiff, for the sake of your mixer, do not make a double batch. Instead, immediately follow one completed batch with another.
Something unexpected came from my quest to educate any one and everyone about peppernuts — I wound up educating myself about them as well — which only adds layers to an already meaningful family tradition. Now I have 2 daughters of my own. At 4 and 5-years old they are shocked to hear Daddy had never heard of peppernuts before he met me when they’ve known about them their entire lives! As the weather starts to cool they begin asking when it will be time to start baking peppernuts. They love helping me roll out the dough snakes — though I’m confident they eat more than they actually bake! Since their “snakes” tend to bear a closer resemblance to thread, I don’t really mind! Once baked, we gather at the table with a glass of milk or a mug of coffee and celebrate the start of the holiday season as we enjoy the fruits of our baking labor. I still get excited when Grandma sends her first batch of peppernuts — Yes, she still sends them. Even though I make my own — and she knows it — I love getting that package in the mail. I’m not able to make it home to Kansas every year, but popping one of those little cookies in my mouth transports me to Grandma’s kitchen, surrounded by the family I love, but don’t get to see often enough. Like most baked goods, there are many variations of peppernuts. While most recipes call for cloves and cinnamon, some also use nutmeg or anise. A Danish recipe for pebernødder requires white pepper, while most recipes don’t use pepper at all. Some versions of the German pfeffernüsse contain pecans, ginger, or cardamom. In the Netherlands, St Nicolas, patron of children, sailors and the city of Amsterdam, arrives by boat from Spain with his white horse and his helpers, chimney sweeps called Petes, to assist him. It is a busy time for St Nick, crossing the roofs with his horse while the Petes take the presents down the chimneys. Traditionally, the Petes also scatter “pepernoten” around for the kids. German Mennonite women used to make the dough several weeks before Christmas and let it chill for up to a week in a cold cellar to let the flavors mellow. A reader on my blog, excited to see a photo of what she called “our peppernuts”, shared that her husband’s grandmother made them every year. Her mother-in-law didn’t share the recipe with her until she had been married for 25 years as it was a closely guarded family recipe that they knew had been in the family for at least 150 years. She was told that each village or family had their own shape and version of peppernuts, and the recipes were never shared outside the family.
My Mother’s Roast Beef by Sandi Gentry
This savory roast is sure to be a crowd pleaser at your next holiday gathering.
One taste will send friends asking for the recipe. I love this recipe for more than just how it tastes. I love it because one smell transports me to Christmas Eve. It is my mother’s recipe. She makes it for us every Christmas Eve for the big family gathering. That is our family’s tradition. To gather on Christmas Eve for a feast and a night filled with cousin gift giving, sitting on Santa’s lap, a talent show and of course the acting out the Nativity Story. Each year, my mother works so hard to create the perfect party for us. As it started out, it was she and my father making this tradition for their own children. Now it extends to grandchildren and even great granchildren. My mother is always such a gracious hostess. As I grow older, I realize how much works goes into creating such a party for so many. My heart is full of gratitude for all of my parent’s many hours of hard work through the years. My father would ask us at times, “Is it worth it...all the running around and setting up?“ My answer then, and now, is definitely “YES!” I am thankful to my parents for giving us so many lovely memories and traditions. They have made us who we are. They are a part of us.
-1 Roast (My mother uses Filet Mignon. I have found Tri-tip works well too if you would like something more affordable.)
Combine all ingredients and pour over roast in a pan. Bake at 300 degrees for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, depending on the size of your roast and how well done you like your meat.
-1 Bottle Italitan Dressing -1 package Onion Soup Mix -1 packet Brown Gravy Mix -1 carton of sliced mushrooms
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The Best Sugar Cookie by Anne Boughton
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I love the anticipation and the wonderful spirit during this time of year. I love the traditions so many of us share. One of my favorite holiday traditions is baking sugar cookies. I’ve always had fun cutting them into holiday shapes and frosting them with pretty colors and adding finishing touches. I usually bake these only once a year at Christmas time and for the past few years it has been a family effort with everyone taking part. I got this recipe from a dear friend and it is my favorite, for sure. Have fun picking out beautiful or fun cookie cutters to add more variety. While I make them, I clear off my counters and tables to have a lot of work space and a place to spread out cooling racks. This recipe makes 26 large cookies. I make them fairly thick, with the dough approximately 1/4 of an inch thick. I bake one tray of six cookies at a time, so I do this when I have plenty of time (and maybe some Christmas music playing.)
I call these The Best Sugar Cookies Ever ~ Cream together: 2 cups sugar 4 sticks softened butter (try not to substitute) Add: 4 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla 2 tablespoons milk Separately combine: 6 cups flour 6 teaspoons baking powder Add the flour mixture, one cup at a time, to the sugar mixture until it is well combined. Put the dough into a bowl and cover, then chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes or more. When the dough has been chilled, break off smaller sections and roll out to approximately 1/4 inch, using flour so it doesn’t stick. Use cookie cutters and place the cookies on a non-stick baking sheet. Bake at 400 for 8-12 minutes, depending on the size of the cookies. Watch carefully the first time and as soon as browning starts to occur, remove them from the oven. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to cooling racks and you can prepare the frosting.
Frosting ~ Cream together until well mixed (will be dry) 5 cups powdered sugar 1 stick softened butter (try not to substitute) Add and mix for about 5 minutes: 5 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Add food coloring as desired (mix thoroughly) and any other decorations to make your cookies beautiful. If you will package them individually, be sure to leave enough time to dry so the frosting doesn’t stick to the packaging. I hope you have as much fun with this as my family does and I know they will be enjoyed!
Flavored Caramels by Kristy Dunning For as long as I can remember, my Grandma Jody would make us caramels for Christmas. She would spend hours making batch after batch. She would hand wrap each piece in wax paper and give us all our own baggie of them at Christmas time. I don’t know if I ever truly knew how hard it was to make caramels until I tried a few years ago myself! It made me feel so much love and gratitude for my sweet Grandma for dedicating her time to making such a yummy treat for her children and her grandchildren each year. I love having Christmas traditions. Making caramels is definitely a tradition I want to continue in my own family. I have a very close family friend who gave me a recipe for using anise oil and black food coloring to make ‘black licorice’ flavored caramels. Of course I had to try and they are incredible. These have been such a hit with my family that I’ve incorporated this flavor in with the traditional caramel flavor and even made up other renditions too. I use cherry flavoring and red coloring, orange flavoring and orange coloring, green apple flavoring and green coloring… you get the idea and the list is endless of the flavors and colors you can do! Then when you wrap these up, you have an assortment of flavored and colored caramels that everyone will love and it looks very pretty and festive for the holidays.
Caramel Recipe: 2 cups butter 2 cups sugar 1 ½ cups Karo syrup 1 can sweetened condensed milk ¼ tsp salt Melt all ingredients together in a heavy saucepan over medium to medium high heat. Stir constantly with a whisk as it cooks. Insert a candy thermometer and continue stirring until the temperature reaches about 240 F. Since we have recently moved to Georgia, I realized my caramels needed a lower temperature than in California, so follow the lines on your candy thermometer and cook until the temp reaches the “soft ball” line. When I was in California, I would cook until my thermometer reached about 248 F.
Now the fun begins… Choose a flavoring, for this batch I used key lime for the green and cinnamon for the red. I like using the Wilton brand coloring pastes rather than the food coloring drops. Your color will be richer and prettier. You can buy these at Michael’s. For the black licorice, I use the anise oil and black. Many baking shops and craft stores will carry flavoring oils, which are better than extracts, which are better than extracts because less flavoring is required with the oils. I use about ¼ to ½ tsp oil for every batch. You can always taste test it and add more if you’d like. Then I pour it into a parchment paper lined 8x8 pan and let it cool and set. Once it has set, you can lift out with the paper and use the plastic Ikea kids knives to cut the caramels (works so much better than a metal kitchen knife) into squares and wrap them in wax paper. Assort them together, add a tag, and you have a wonderful gift for family, friends, and neighbors this holiday season! Enjoy!
photo by Kelsea Fehlen of Simplee Photography
“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.� Albus Dumbledore
Chicken á La King by Sisters Cafe
Chicken a la King is a cherished Christmas tradition in The Sisters Cafe households, and it has been for generations. The Christmas festivities always start with a beautifully set table complete with china and a single candle clipped to each plate. There are steaming mugs of hot chocolate and special salads, but the main course is what we have all been looking forward to all year. Chicken a la King is delicious! It consists of a creamy chicken and vegetable gravy served over bread “crowns.” It is comfort food at its finest, and most of us save this favorite dish for only this night. Chicken a la King means “Chicken for the King.” The name along with the bread “crowns” make it the perfect meal to usher in Christmas and celebrate the birth of the newborn King! The Sisters Cafe Although we are scattered across the country, we are five sisters who enjoy a cherished sisterhood of love, support, friendship and good food! We love to prepare delicious food for our family and friends, since we know meal times are as much about nourishing the body as nourishing the soul! The Sisters Cafe is where we share our favorite tried and true recipes with each other, as well as all our friends (new and old!).
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Chicken á La King ½ c. butter ½ c. red bell pepper, chopped ½ c. green pepper ---------------------Sauté just until soft. Then add flour. ½ c. flour ------------------Add to butter mixture and mix well to make a roux. Let it bubble. 2 small cans mushrooms and juice 3 c. chicken broth ----------------------Add and bring to boil to thicken. 1 c. cream 5 c. cooked chicken, shredded ( Rotisserie chicken works beautifully!) salt and pepper ----------------------Add. Don’t boil after adding cream. (Add ¼ c. milk to thin if needed.) To make the ‘crowns’: Buy wheat bread at the store – not whole wheat, just the cheapo wheat kind. (Or you can use white if you prefer.) Get out your muffin tin. Place a slice of bread over a muffin hole. Push in on the four sides and push down into the muffin hole. Don’t squash the bread, but use enough force so that it stays down in the muffin hole. The four corners should be sticking up. Bake at about 250 until toasted and dry. I can’t remember how long it takes so keep checking them every 5 minutes. When done, the bread will be like toast, and you will be able to lift the crowns out of the muffin tin and they will hold their crown shape. To serve: Place one or two bread ‘crowns’ on your plate and ladle the chicken gravy over the crowns. Using a fork or a knife, cut the crown into pieces and eat with the chicken gravy.
by Sandi Gentry by Sandi Gentry
Apple Puff Pancake A perfect breakfast for Christmas Morning
Ingredients: 6 Eggs 1 1/2 cups milk 1 cup flour 3 tbsp. sugar 3 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 1 stick butter 2 apples, peeled and thinly sliced Preheat oven to 425 Degrees. In a large bowl, mix eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla, salt and cinnamon until blended. Batter will remain slightly lumpy. In the oven, melt butter in a 13x9 inch baking dish; add apple slices and return to oven until butter sizzles. Do not let it brown. Remove dish from oven and immediately pour batter over apples. Sprinkle with brown sugar and a few dashes of cinnamon. Bake in middle of oven for 20 minutes or until puffed and brown. Serve immediately. Makes 8 servings. Serve with whipped cream.
A movie with a Treat by Allyson Drake Don’t just watch a movie. Make a fun treat to go along with that particular movie. Here’s a fun list of ideas. -Favorite movies with some yummy fun treats: -Home Alone: Cheese pizza -Jingle All the Way: Jingle Jigglers -White Christmas: Coconut Cream Cake -Elf - Homemade maple syrup -Merry Christmas Charlie Brown: Christmas Tree Sugar cookies to decorate -It’s a Wonderful Life: Angel Food Cake
Green Grinchy Glop The creamy fluffy jello that makes my heart grow three sizes 2 large canned pears 6 oz. lime Jello 12 oz. cream cheese 1 pint whipping cream Heat 2 cups pear juice in microwave. Dissolve Jello in pear juice. Using an electric mixer, mix Jello with softened cream cheese. Refrigerate until cool, not hard. Mash pears and mix in Jello. Whip cream and gently fold into Jello. Pour in a 9x13 pan. Set in refrigerator until firm.
The Carters down in Carterville liked Christmas a lot, After Thanksgiving, our Christmas movies were sought. Some people don’t like movies that come with this season, Now, please don’t ask why. No one quite knows the reason. Who wouldn’t enjoy Bing dancing in his Christmas of white? Or Buddy finding his dad while wearing green tights? But I think the most likely reason of all, Is that their dinners that day were t wo sizes too small. So loved ones, young and old, should sit down to a treat, Turn on a movie, and kick up their feet. Welcome Christmas, while we sit, Heart to heart and hand to...spoon.
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A Party with a Purpose by Kelly Stocksen All eyes were on the birthday girl, the tiny one, hunched over cake and releasing her wish with a puff of breath just strong enough to extinguish six candles. My eyes and my attention were there too; my camera poised to capture the moment. And then, for just a second, my gaze shifted to the back of the room. There, with her eyes tight and brow furrowed, I noticed that the birthday girl’s older sister was making a silent wish of her own. After a bedtime story and just before prayers, I asked her about her secret wish. Shyly, she confided that she had wished for a party of her own. “A Christmas Party!” she exclaimed. But then she hesitated. She knew we were saving extra Christmas money to help those in need and worried that a party would hinder those efforts. “What if there was a way to do both?” I asked. And that night from a secret wish, our plan for ‘A Party with a Purpose’ was born. The plan was actually quite simple. Host a Christmas party, but let the theme be focused on helping others. After working at a resource center in our community, the kids were aware that one of the greatest needs for homeless men and women were meals and hygiene items. Because both of those needs were easy to tackle, we came up with a plan together. For the hygiene needs, we asked each guest to bring a set of travel sized items (shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant). At the party, each guest was given the opportunity to sew a fleece bag to put the items in. Since my sewing skills leave a little (ok, MUCH) to be desired, I enlisted the help of my sweet mom for sewing duty. She helped each child complete a simple, reusable bag. For most of the guests, it was their first time to sew, so this activity was huge hit. For the meals, we had several ‘stations’ set up. Each guest decorated lunch sacks with Christmas stickers and special messages, made sandwiches, decorated cookies, and then packed a sack lunch with those items. While they worked, they were able to sneak a few cookies of their own, so they loved this activity as well. By the end of the party, we had bags of hygiene items and dozens of sack lunches to deliver to a community resource center. We also had a crew of happy kids who enjoyed spending time with one another and were able to pool their time and resources to make a difference, together. We are already making plans for this year’s party and are all grateful that what started as a secret wish has now become a Holiday tradition.
Gingerbread Fun by Jenny Evans In our home Christmas and the holiday season can be identified by one smell, gingerbread. In fact while preparing for this article, I made a batch of gingerbread men and my kids asked me if it was Christmas time already! We started making gingerbread houses years ago when my husband gifted me with a cast iron mold to make them. I have six kids, three of whom have flown the coop, but we started making the gingerbread houses when they were little. They anxiously await the time each year when we make and decorate our gingerbread houses. They enjoy seeing what candy and other treats I buy to decorate each house with, and more importantly that they get to nibble on while we are decorating. The kids all want to eat their gingerbread houses on Christmas day. Each house smells and looks so delicious! Unfortunately, the recipe is more for sturdiness and construction than it is for taste, and they are surprised every year with the stale taste. This is why I started making gingerbread men, out of an entirely different recipe, so we can eat something that tastes as good as our houses look. My younger children request I make the gingerbread men for them to bring as their treat to their schools’ holiday parties. Just like with the gingerbread houses, both my younger and older kids love decorating the gingerbread men. Each year when we do these traditions, we are making memories as a family that are fun to reminisce about for the rest of the year. Someday I hope my children will tell their own kids how much they enjoyed our gingerbread decorating, and that they will continue this tradition with their families.
Gingerbread Men Cookies 1/2 c. unsalted butter, softened ¾ c. dark brown sugar 1 egg ¾ c. molasses, not dark 3 ½ c. flour ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. cinnamon ½ tsp. cloves ½ tsp. nutmeg 1 tsp. ginger
Royal Icing 1 c. powdered sugar 3-4 tsp. milk 2 tsp. light corn syrup ¼ tsp. vanilla extract Mix together well. It takes a little effort to get it to become uniform. I mix it with a fork. Place in a plastic decorating bag with a fine tip.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and all the spices together. In a stand mixer or with an electric hand mixer, beat together the softened butter and the brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and then the molasses. Mix well. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Divide the dough into two halves and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 F. Take dough out and start working with one half at a time, place on a well floured surface and roll to about 1/4 inch. Cut out gingerbread men. Using a flat thin spatula, transfer to a baking sheet. Combine the dough and roll out again on a floured surface and cut out figures again. Do not use the dough more than two times for best results. Repeat with the other half of the dough. Bake for 10 minutes. Take out on the oven and let the cookies cool about 10 minutes before moving them. After they are completely cool, you can decorate them. Let the royal icing harden before moving them again. Makes about 30 -4 inch gingerbread men
Finding Joy in Every Moment photo by Shanna Michelle Photography
Elves
to
angels
written by some anonymous Christmas Angels
few years ago, we decided that it was important to make sure our focus during Christmas was not on ourselves, but on the needs of others. It is too easy for kids, and actually even for us adults, to think about what we want for Christmas instead of what can give for Christmas. Ultimately, we sometimes need to be reminded why we celebrate Christmas and the ultimate gift that Christ gave to each of us. In order to increase our focus on others we decided as a family to be Christmas elves for someone else. We chose a family that we knew could probably use a little help that year because of their circumstances and decided to secretly leave something on their door each night from December 1st through December 24th. We didn’t have a big expensive gift to leave each night, but tried to leave something that they could use. Some nights we left a gift card another night it might be groceries, diapers or a toy for a child. Each night we left a little card saying that the gift was from the Christmas Elves. Everyone in the family, oldest to youngest, looked forward to our nightly service. We would take turns going to the door, knocking and running to hide. We would usually all hide somewhere to watch and make certain that they opened the door and got their gift. In fact, some nights they would shout out “Thank You” before they closed the door. Focusing on someone else’s needs during Christmas was actually a good time. It was fun to be a Christmas Elf.
A
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ne night, when we went to leave our gift on the doorstep, we found that there was something waiting for us on the front porch. We grabbed it, left our gift by the door, knocked ran like usual. After waiting to make sure they received their nightly gift, we went back to our car to see what they had left for us. There was a note that was addressed to “Our Christmas Angels� that thanked us for all we had done for their family and said that they hoped to do the same for someone else someday. They told us how much they needed and appreciated what had been given. Lastly, they let us know that they were giving us a gift, a cherished family ornament (an angel) that for years had adorned their Christmas tree. They hoped we would hang it on our tree each year and remember them. Their expression of gratitude moved us to tears. We were getting so much more out of this than we had ever imagined. We were supposed to be serving them, but their response gave us a feeling of fulfillment that I hope will resonate with my children for the rest of their lives. When we serve others, somehow we are always rewarded above and beyond anything we may have given. Every year that treasured angel ornament adorns our tree. It reminds us to move beyond ourselves during the holiday season and to serve others. That small gift has motivated us to make each December a season of service, a holiday tradition that our family loves. It was fun to be Christmas Elves, but it was life changing to become Christmas Angels.
o
A Service Advent Calendar by Sandi Gentry
When I was a child, we had a felt advent calendar filled with all the characters of the Nativity. I loved it. Each day I would hope it would be my turn to pick out the felt creature hidden in the pocket and pin it up to create the scene of the Nativity. I have seen so many darling advent calendars over the years. Of course, most advent calendars come empty and it is up to you to fill it. In addition to Nativity characters, many use candy, treats or other items. Following is another suggestion to try. Consider purchasing an advent calendar, or dusting off the one you have stored away, and fill it with listed acts of ser vice. Gather as a family and list out 25 acts of service on small strips of paper. They don’t have to be big things, but could include doing a chore for someone, reading a Christmas story to a younger sibling, making a treat for another, etc. Once the 25 acts of service are listed (with Mom or Dad double checking to make sure they are OK), they are inserted into the days leading up to Christmas on the advent calendar. Each day one member of the family, going in turn, gets to open that day’s surprise. Keeping their designated service secret, they set out to complete their act of ser vice. Mom and Dad can help where needed. This approach to the advent calendar can help us find the true spirit of Christmas as we seek to ser ve one another.
Straw for Baby Jesus This is another wonderful activity for familes to get each member serving one another and remembering the true meaning of Christmas. To start, you will need an empty manger. You don’t need a fancy one. You could even make one out of sticks. Place it under your tree, or on your kitchen table, anywhere your family will see it daily. Place straw or rafia in a different container, but keep it handy. If you have a Baby Jesus, keep him out of sight until Christmas Day. Meet together as a family. Write the names of each family member on individual strips of papers. Fold up those names and place them into a bowl or hat. Have each family member pick a name out of the hat each week. That person serves the person they have picked for that week. They can choose to serve them in any way they can dream up. Some examples include making their bed, completing their chores, making them a treat and leaving it for them to find, etc. Each week, everyone picks a new name and serves a new person. Each time someone does a nice act for their person, they get to place a straw in the manger. The goal is to fill the manger with soft straw for the arrival of Baby Jesus on Christmas Day.
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Elf
by Denise Baker
W
hen does the Christmas Season officially begin? For our family it’s when the Thanksgiving table has been cleared, the dishes are washed and our bellies, full from our turkey day meal, are trying to escape from our too tight waistbands. Thanksgiving dinner is over, bring on Christmas! And who better to help us usher in the holiday than our favorite, loveable, oversized elf Buddy. About 8 or 9 years ago we started a tradition without intending to do so. After stuffing our faces with Thanksgiving goodness we wanted to do something as family. Preferably something that would allow us to lounge around and not upset our “why did we eat so much” stomachs. We set up our movie screen and projector in the backyard, cuddled up together under blankets to ward off the evening chill and watched Elf starring Will Ferrell. Since that night our annual “Thanksgiving Outdoor Movie Night featuring Elf” has evolved from a family event to one where anyone is welcomed to join us. That first year it was our family of 6 but since then we have had as many as 40 people join us. So what do we do to prepare for all these people? No one wants to host a big shindig after having spent days in the kitchen whipping upThanksgiving dinner so this is a no frills kinda movie night. Our preparation? Well first, we rely on the fact that our guests all ate too much during Thanksgiving dinner earlier in the day. They certainly do not need to be fed. So this event is hot chocolate only. When we’re feeling fancy we put out candy canes to use as stirrers to add some Christmas flavor to the night. Set up is easy too. We put our projector screen out on the grass in the back yard and set up a small table for our projector and speakers. Via an email sent out a week or so before Thanksgiving our guests are encouraged to bring friends and family, to dress warm, and to bring a chair or blanket to sit on. See? It’s a pretty simple endeavor. Screen, projector, hot chocolate, candy canes, and friends….that’s it. So why did a family movie night years ago turn into a Christmas tradition for us? Well, we do like the movie Elf. It is admittedly over the top silly and not everyone’s cup of tea, but we are big fans. Though the movie may not be the most sophisticated fare, it does have a heartwarming message in the end. Christmas is really about spending time with and showing love for those you care about most. This tradition allows us, in a very simple way, to usher in the holiday season with people we care about. I smile thinking about the years we’ve enjoyed this tradition and in the profound words of Buddy himself,
“I just like to smile. Smiling’s my favorite.”
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Frosty the Snow “Lady� by Tamara Burross Gather some felt and sequins, along with your little ones, and build some memories.
One of the best presents we can give our children is our attention. Setting aside time for special activities with them will warm their hearts and create memories that will last long after all the wrapping paper is tossed. My daughter and I love to craft handmade decorations for her room. One of our favorite holiday projects is creating snow “ladies”! You can easily make snow “men” as well. It is simple to do and most importantly fun for BOTH you and your child.
This craft requires parent participation and supervision. Here is what you will need:
• • • • • • • • • •
Styrofoam balls in three sizes Craft glue Scraps of felt, ribbon or fabric Rhinestone stickers (check your scrapbooking dept.) Straight pins (for eyes & mouth) *with parental supervision Twigs you can find in your own yard Glitter Small paint brush Old book pages Fake snow
CREATE YOUR SNOW PERSON Place your Styrofoam ball on a cutting board and cut the bottom so that the ball has a flat bottom. Apply craft glue to the flat side of each ball attaching them from smallest to largest. Add arms by pushing twigs into the middle Styrofoam ball. Now you are ready to add the face.
GIVE HER A SMILE If working with older children you may use straight pins to create that signature smile and eyes. If your children are younger, glued buttons, stickers or any array of items will do. I used felt to make the “singing” snow lady’s mouth and fashioned their pointy noses by cutting a small triangle from felt and rolling it with a dab of glue. MAKE HER FABULOUS Now that your snow person is complete the fun can begin. Your imagination is the limit! Decorative trims from your fabric store or sewing box become skirts, scarves, hats, etc. Add rhinestone stickers for an elegant touch or pom-poms for adorable earmuffs. Cut a small rectangle from black felt and an old book page, glue together and you have a hymnbook! Lastly, make iridescent trees by painting the left over twigs with glitter and make them stand tall by inserting them into the left over Styrofoam pieces for a base. These little ladies are sure to be a hit with your children as well as your holiday guests. They make adorable gift or tree ornaments. I hope that you and your children enjoy this activity and perhaps discover a new tradition by adding a different snow person each year. Happy Holidays!
3-D Stars by Candice Ashment
This was the perfect winter kid art project for a Saturday morning while Christmas music was playing in the background. It had just started to snow at our house and my kids stayed in their jammies (that’s what call them) all morning, drawing and making a glitter mess while drinking hot cocoa. I think they enjoyed this little star project because they were able to project simple but fun ideas onto paper and then see them hanging so beautifully in such a short amount of time. Items needed to create a snowy 3-D star: 2 white square sheets of card stock (any size) Markers – permanent markers work best Mod Podge & brush Snow glitter, sequins or anything sparkly! Strong all purpose glue Paper clips Hot glue Hanging ribbon or string
Step 1: They can create any
Winter Wonderland or Christmas design on paper that their heart desires! We used regular markers on stark white paper to create bright results. I think permanent works best because it doesn’t bleed when applying the Mod Podge towards the end.
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Step 2: Fold and crease each opposite corner, tip to tip, making a triangle. Open and repeat with the other two corners.
Step 4: Cut along the fold just
Step 3: Then flip over, fold and crease the straight sides of the square together. Open and repeat again with the top and bottom.
Your square should look like this, with four creases.
enough to then fold to form half of the star point. You can estimate the first cut and then keep track on a little paper for the rest of the cuts. Finish cutting all four sides and fold to the center, creating four star points.
It will look like this on the back side.
Step 5: I use a strong multipurpose glue to adhere the fold flaps together. Secure with paper clips and let dry. Repeat this step with the remaining star flaps. Finish your other square by completing all the same steps so you will have two stars to decorate next!
Step 7:
After completely drying. Hot glue the stars together and hang! My kids had a messy art party creating artwork that we could beautifully display through this Christmas and Winter season!
Step 6: Throw some snow glitter on your stars! Of course, this is their favorite step, making a fun glitter mess! We got out the Christmas sequins, snow glitter and other sparkly paint and went to town! We used Mod Podge to adhere all of the shimmery stuff and then after I applied another layer of Mod Podge so it would flake off all over my house. Nothing is worse than finding glitter in all the wrong places!
Grandma’s Ornaments by Heather Johnson photos by Naoma Wilkinson of photosbynaoma.blogspot.com
My favorite family traditions are the ones that span generations, the traditions that connect us to family members before us. The year I was born, my grandmother started my favorite family tradition. For my first Christmas she gave me a Christmas Ornament. It was the first of many. Every year the tradition was the same. Christmas Eve brought a small box. Inside was the special ornament for that year.
When I was very young, they were gold medallions with the year engraved on them. Or small salt dough ornaments in the shape of dolls or teddy bears. As I got older my grandmother would choose ornaments for different reasons. Sometimes they would represent one of my accomplishments during the year. Other times they were an ornament she and my grandfather had picked up on a trip to a new state, or foreign land. The Sandbucket 62
My favorite part of Christmas wasn’t just opening a new ornament, but looking at all the old ornaments that my grandmother had given me in years past. She did the same for my brothers and we would sit around together and go through each one, talking about where it was from and what it represented. We knew which ornaments were ours and carefully placed them on the tree each year.
Growing up I didn’t realize that my grandmother had a long term vision for this tradition. When my husband and I got married there was a peculiar package amongst the wedding gifts. I opened the card to find my grandmother’s very familiar handwriting. The note explained that for the last 20 + years she had carefully chosen each Christmas Ornament for me. She went on to tell me how much she loved me, how thankful she was for our relationship and how much she loved my new husband. She wished us an eternity of happiness. She explained that she had waited for this day to give “us” the ornaments. She wanted us to have something to decorate our first Christmas tree together. She wanted our tree to be filled with memories and love. Each time a grandchild got married, she gave them their own box, full of all their ornaments from years past. Even after we were married, my grandmother continued the tradition. And when we had our first child, she continued the tradition with him also. She passed away over 8 years ago and my grandfather continued the tradition until he passed away. Three years ago my mom stepped in to continue this tradition that means so much to our family. Each Christmas Eve, our children look forward to opening their special ornament for the year. Our tree is still filled with these same ornaments. When I look at them, I can see my grandma. I can see her smile and smell her perfume. I have been able to tell our children all about the memories. I have been able to use the ornaments to teach our children about their great grandmother, who passed away when they were very small, or before they were born. This ornament tradition continues to span generations and turn our hearts to our ancestors who came before us. I am grateful my mother is continuing the tradition and I can’t wait to do the same for my grandchildren.
by Stephanie Corfee When my siblings and i started having kids of our own, Christmas took on a whole new meaning. It was Christmas 2.0 and we were excited to start some new traditions to add to the old standards. One tradition that we all look forward to these days is the Cousins Pollyanna. The cousins count is at 9 right now (with #10 set to debut next april, thank ya very much!) And since buying gifts for every child has started to get out of hand, pollyanna was the perfect solution. We adults pair the kids, keeping partners around the same age. Then each child gets $15 to buy whatever they want for their pollyanna. They even wrap the gifts themselves and they get such a sense of pride. Its a beautiful thing to watch the exchange on Christmas Eve after mass. Everyone gathers in a circle on my living room floor, by the tree, and the kids are honestly MORE excited to give than to receive in those moments. Last year, my son chose his cousin’s gift so carefully and so thoughtfully, he was fully invested. He was nervous, he was antsy...and then he was beaming when she opened it and squealed her approval. It is just too adorable to watch them hug and tackle each other with thank yous. I think the adults like this tradition over all the others too. We get to watch our littles experience that true joy in giving. It is the perfect tone to set as the night before christmas comes to a close. We will continue this tradition for MANY years, for sure.
25 Books by Audra Bender
The holidays are one of those times during the year that the labor pains, all the snotty noses you have wiped, all the time outs you have enforced, all the diaper rash cream that is still sticky in your hair, all the days of sitting in the carpool line...(well, maybe not the changing of the 9 million and fifty one diapers...that just is what it is)...but the daily grind of having four babies disappears and the true joy of life and of our own childhood memories flood our spirit, our minds and our hearts. The focus goes off of the grind and goes into the meaning and joy of the holiday season. The anticipation of the day of when I see my babies running to find what is under the tree, it does happen to make my heart full and happy and the true meaning of joy pours like rays of sunlight into my heart. My kids are my everything, my all, and it just so happens that they happen to love jumping on beds in their pajamas outside. It worked out kind of nice for our documentation of one of our favorite family Christmas traditions. I open up my antique suitcase each Christmas Season, where inside lay 25 of our favorite holiday stories, one a day for 25 days to countdown the day of the man in the red suit climbing on the rooftop and sliding down that chimney to lay those presents under the glimmering tree. I hide the suitcase for the rest of the days of the year, so the discovery and the opening of that suitcase floods their little minds of past memories and past seasons in their life and of times we were together. My kids have always taken to books and the memories that are created from seeing those books again remind them of the year before and for what I can only hope is very special childhood memories for them. I believe the written word allows our minds to float back to that exact moment when we heard those words or saw those pictures in our favorite book the first time. All I can hope for as their Mommy is that those memories bring them joy and love of their siblings and parents as the years go by, when that old antique suitcase comes out once a year, and holds their memories inside it in the form of their favorite books. The countdown is then on to a very special day at our home.
Baking up some love by DeAnna Mccasland
Traditions are about creating memories. Family ties are the closeness we crave. I can think back to my childhood and reminisce on things my family would do. Some of those I still carry on with my children. As our family grew we also created our own traditions. I feel as if the more the child is involved with the tradition the more meaningful it will be to them. Whether its is riding around the same park to see the Christmas lights for the 5th year in a row or creating memories in the kitchen and whipping up some yummy holiday treats, it’s all important! With a hectic world, revolving around smart phones, strict schedules and busy lives I feel like its more important now than ever to keep these traditions going. When time rolls around for us to celebrate one of our traditions it makes life slow down a little. My iPhone doesn’t matter, my emails can wait, and all that matters are my kids and husband in that very moment. Traditions serve to bring us closer as a family. One of my favorite things about the holidays coming around is our baking traditions! My family loves to bake. Well, when I say my family, I mean my daughter and I. My husband and son would just rather eat what we bake! But I really love this time I get with my daughter and creating these memories with her. I hope one day she carries these traditions on with her family. One of our favorite recipes is for Chocolate Chip Brownies! We are big time chocolate lovers in my house so these are like heaven in a pan. My daughter gets excited because we whip them up from scratch and not from a box like she is use to seeing me do! We even break out the old cookbook, which again throws her for a loop since she thinks recipes now days come from the internet! Let’s face it, life is a lot different now than it was 2 generations ago! I love adding in these small details to make the day that much more special! It’s also important for me to let her help and really get involved. So what if she makes a mess? My floor needed a good scrubbing anyway! During this time we have fun, we make messes, we talk, and we giggle. Most importantly we make memories!
Chocolate Chip Brownies 3/4 cup cocoa, unsweetened 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2/3 cup melted butter, divided 1/2 cup boiling water 2 cups granulated sugar 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans 2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
In a large bowl, combine cocoa and baking soda; blend in 1/3 cup melted butter. Add boiling water; stir until well blended. Stir in sugar, beaten eggs and remaining 1/3 cup butter. Stir in flour and salt. Stir nuts and the chocolate chips into chocolate brownies batter. Pour chocolate brownie batter into a greased 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Bake at 350째 for 35 to 40 minutes or until chocolate brownies are firm and begin to pull away from sides of pan.
Cinnamon rolls and Scriptures by Ashley Sparks
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M
y family is like any other living in Orange County, CA. With three daughters and a busy lifestyle, it’s hard to stay focused on anything, let alone the meaning of Christmas. Like many of our friends, my husband, John and I struggle to slow down during the Holiday Season. We feel the pull in so many different directions. The usual, shopping, parties and dinners adorn our calendars beginning just after Thanksgiving. I have heard so many times the lesson on priorities which says, if you put all the big rocks (or most important things) in your jar first, then the pebbles, then fill around those with sand (being the lowest on your priority list), the jar won’t get filled with sand first squeezing out any space for big rocks. The problem with this theory is that with a family of five, plus aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents, everyone has a different opinion on what the big rocks should be. It’s easy to just fill and fill and fill until you’re overflowing with “stuff” to do. We tried a few things to relieve our overflowing feeling when our kids were young. We realized that the problem wasn’t with all of the things we were doing. Most of those things are worth while important things (i.e. attending the company Christmas party, baking 7 dozen cookies for teachers, etc.) but it was what we were missing. We needed something to help us be intentional about celebrating Christmas so it wouldn’t get lost in the wrapping paper pile. At first we had a daily Advent Calendar and an Advent Wreath and books to read every night that had classic Christmas stories. As our kids got older though, we found that something every day is not only nearly impossible, but it added one more thing to do on top of an ever growing list. About 7 years ago, my husband had the idea to read the Christmas Story from the Bible on Christmas morning before the present opening frenzy began. I wasn’t sure how the girls would respond since the most anticipated moment of the year was going to have to be put off for another 30 minutes or so. Surprisingly, no one complained. As long as they had their traditional cinnamon roll and I had my coffee, everyone was happy to oblige their father.
In our house, it is not unheard of to have someone outside of the family living with us or stopping by to see us on Christmas morning. It has been a blessing to these friends to come in and sit down for the story. Everyone in the room knows it and has heard it 1,000 times but there is something about that morning, listening to it read aloud in my husband's voice that is almost magical. Now, I can't imagine having Christmas morning without that Bible reading and prayer. The timing is just right. Just as I have heard the Christmas Eve Sermon, then stayed up late wrapping only to be woken up at the crack of dawn by kids who have committed to not getting us up before 7am, just before the tipping point of all of that celebrating and wrapping being on the living room floor, I get to stop with my family and sit and listen to what it's all about. I get to look into the eyes of my children and tell them that I love them. I get to center myself and pray for my family and all of the families we know and don't know on another Christmas morning. It's calming and beautiful and something I hope to do for as long as I live.
Our Family Memory Jar by Laurie Brooks
Every holiday that approaches spurs a mental list of must-do traditions for the season. As Christmastime approaches, I often think immediately of the gift and goodie exchanges, and kindnesses rendered to honor the real meaning of the holiday. These traditions conjure an endless list of vivid memories when time stood still for a moment in those days surrounding Christmas. Many years later I can still feel the pride of my young heart wearing a Grandma-made flowing, flannel nightgown to bed every Christmas Eve as a child. I recall the unmatchable joy of anonymously delivering surprise gifts to friends and those in need through different schemes each year. I can almost feel the satisfied swell of my heart soaking up the cozy glow of Christmas lights cast on the end of December days. In fact, the treat-filled memories surrounding Christmas are some of the easiest to remember because they are so sweet. If only our recollection worked as well for the rest of the year. Children grow up in the blink of an eye in days jam packed with school, sports, music lessons, church, and friends. So many tender, happy, and proud moments make up the ordinary days, but the memories get swallowed up in my tired brain crowded with schedules, assignments, and stresses. Whether it’s my four year old’s tender declarations that he’ll always love me or playing a video game with my nine year old to connect after a not-so-pleasant round of math homework, I want to remember the moments. If only I could savor the rest of the year the way that I do Christmastime. Even the blog I keep doesn’t do justice to the little moments. I wish time and again I could write them all on my heart to cherish like Christmastimes past. This wish began what has become my favorite, though new, tradition – our family memory jar. Last December when clear glass jars went on sale for all the goodie-giving shoppers, I grabbed a wide-mouthed jar at the local market and went to work. With some scrapbooking stickers from the craft store, I put together a label for our jar with inspirational words like “treasure,” “discover,” “together,” “make, “celebrate” and “special day,” and tied it up with ribbon. The jar and its inspirational sign sit on our kitchen counter reminding us to record our sweet moments from the day or week before they slip away. Around the dinner table each night we discuss each family member’s sweet (and sometimes sour) experiences as a fun way to connect and share our day’s experiences. Whenever possible, I grab stacks of pre-cut paper, we jot down our favorite personal and family moments, and then slip them in the jar. On difficult or mundane days, our effort has shown us how to find simple joys. Input from each family member creates a unique collection of submissions, and more gratitude for the sweetness of ordinary days has been ours as the memory jar tradition has unfolded. I can hardly wait to sift through the piles of scrawled papers from our jar together around the Christmas tree this year. We’ll rediscover the memorable times of 2012 such as, “Beachgoers got a great laugh when Daddy donned gobs of seaweed, chased us wildly as the ‘sea monster.’ – 8/11/12” and less remembered but still sweet moments such as “Jack was thrilled to write his name in cursive for the first time today. – 2/12/12” These joyful moments are ours to keep, to laugh and smile about long after they’ve past. With our memory jar I know this Christmas won’t just be the sweetest time of year but the ending and beginning of an entire year of joyful memories treasured.
The Nativity by Sandi Gentry
All over the world, people gather as families, friends, schools, churches and communities to act out the Christmas Story. To put on the Nativity. Some are done with elaborate costumes in a sacred manner. Others use bathrobes and left over tinsel. It does not matter how fancy your costumes are or even how reverent your actors are. What does matter is the one phrase that unifies all of the Nativities all over the world. The one phrase of.....
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. “ Luke 2:11
Contributors Sandi Gentry Sandi is the creator and chief-editor of The Sandbucket Magazine. She envisioned a place where women from all over could share their talents and experiences with others. The magazine was born a year ago and what a wonderful journey it has been. Sandi lives with her sweetheart and her six biggest blessings in Southern California. (Gentry Family photo provided by Lindsay Silsby)
Candice Ashment Candice is a wife & mom, then printmaker and painter. She is all about color and creating unique, sinuous paper and getting messy! When she is not making art “things� with her kids, she squeezes time in for her own. Be inspired by her blog at candiceashmentart. blogspot.com
Audra Bender I am a God loving girl living in the South. Give me an Antique Mall, a Chai Tea Latte, a camera and if I could be wearing my pajamas...well, this would be my heaven. I am first and foremost a Mommy, having four kiddos in the span of six years. I loved them before I even met them and when I met them face to face, well, my heart is all mushy for them. They are my greatest joy. I have a wonderful hubby of 14 years who deals so bravely with all the shenanigans of our life. We are a true team and life is better with him in it. I am an avid lover of photographs and my profession is that of a Photographer. Being a Photographer allows me to leave my circus for a little while and come join yours. What a joy is this life, so happy to be here and be in it.
Anne Boughton Anee graduated from California Polytechnic University, Pomona in 1993 with a degree in Animal Science, Equine Studies and for many years, she devoted much time to improving my horsemanship, teaching riding lessons, and caring for my horses. When her daughter Aleah was born, she found herself wanting to save so many moments through photography and with encouragement from her husband, she took the opportunity to learn from her friend and mentor, Kamee Nuzman, of Kamee June Photography. In addition to working for Toastmasters International, she found she wanted to expand her involvement with photography and started, Annaleah Photography. She enjoys every minute she is behind the camera or with her computer working with images and love to learn from all the other talented photographers I meet.
Laurie Brooks Laurie Brooks lives in Irvine, CA with her husband and three boys. Everyday brings high-energy adventures whether she’s leading a Cub Scout meeting or running the boys around town to soccer and tae kwan do. However, her most favorite way to make memories with her family is to slow down and hang out at the beach. Nothing beats a Saturday morning breakfast visit to Ruby’s Diner on the pier followed by an afternoon of surf and sand with the kids.
Tamara Burross Tamara believes that what we hold in our memories is time never lost. We revisit special places in our hearts again and again through the gift of photography. Who we are and once were is a story that can be told through the pages of albums and framed tributes to our lives. Tamara’s intent is to create an artistic portrayal of her subject that reflects not only outer beauty, but a glimpse of their spirit. A background in clothing design contributes to her art, as she often creates ensembles based on a session concept. Her work has been described as masterful, classic, passionate and ethereal. Tamara Burross specializes in fine art, conceptual, commercial and child photography. Her studio, From the Treetop Photography, was established in 2006. Tamara lives in Fort Worth, TX. with her husband and three children. Her muse is her daughter, who is featured often in her work.
Stephanie Corfee Stephanie Corfee is a designer/artist born and raised outside Philadelphia. As with many creative types, she has tried her hand at many outlets from muralist, to graphic designer, to painter, to custom wedding gown maker, author and illustrator. “When i became a mom, (to Cooper, 6 and Grey, 18 months) my focus just naturally shifted toward creating with kids as my muse. Stephanie’s art is not only for kids, but certainly has a free-spirited aesthetic for the young at heart. She is always looking for items with just that MO in the marketplace.
Allyson Drake Allyson grew up in California, married a Utah boy, and is living in Philadelphia where her husband attends medical school. She is a mom and a nanny by day, and a crafter/tv-show-watcher by night. Whether it is her house, her wardrobe, or her dinner, she is always looking for new projects to make or recreate.
Kristy Dunning Kristy is a wife and a mother to three. She loves her family, music, photography, running, and making sweet things to eat. She and her family just relocated to Atlanta, Georgia from Southern California, and she has loved this new adventure!
Jenny Evans To Jenny, food brings people together, especially good food. She is a wife and a mother of six who loves all things culinary. When she got married she did not know how to cook and set out to learn how. She has not stopped learning since. She has taken dozens of cooking classes, learned multiple techniques and loves sharing what she has learned. Her classes, Gatherings‌ for the Love of Food, is all about learning to cook a delicious meal and then eating it together and hopefully having a fun time in the process. Consider it an educational dinner party. Meals are a time to get closer, build relationships and enjoy life.
Heather Ann Johnson M.S. Homemaker, wife and mother of 4. Heather writes FamilyVolley. blogspot.com, an online advice column for families. She also teaches students at Brigham Young University the principles behind successful families. A regular contributor on KSL Studio 5, her aim is to share information that will strengthen families. Heather does private and business consulting as well as public speaking. She helps individuals, families and organizations learn how to manage time, develop leadership skills and improve both work and personal relationships. She used to speak french, wishes she could dance, and will almost always choose fruity over chocolate.
DeAnna McCasland DeAnna is a lifestyle photographer based out of Northern Virginia. She resides there with her husband and two small children, but is from the upstate of South Carolina. She is a lover of light, thrift store shopping, and coffee.
Sisters Cafe Although we are scattered across the country, we are five sisters who enjoy a cherished sisterhood of love, support, friendship and good food! We love to prepare delicious food for our family and friends, since we know meal times are as much about nourishing the body as nourishing the soul! The Sisters Cafe is where we share our favorite tried and true recipes with each other, as well as all our friends (new and old!).
Kelly Stocksen Kelly lives in Oklahoma with her husband (her high school sweetheart) and their three children. She is a photographer who is constantly in awe of God’s creations and strives to capture beauty in the obvious and in the ordinary through her lens. Her life’s passion is to Love God and Love Others. She is a work in progress.
Ashley Sparks Ashley lives in Orange County, CA with her husband and three growing girls. She has a degree in Human Development and Family Life and has worked as a teacher and Director of Children’s Ministry. Now she spends her time speaking on parenting topics to MOPs Moms, Women and Parents and updating her Mommy Blog in between picking up kids, dropping off carpool and picking up again. To learn more about her take on fashion, decorating, Mommy-hood and more...visit Ashley at mommyishblog.blogspot.com.
Lindsay Silsby Lindsay Silsby, otherwise known as the Pied Piper of Pied Piper Photography has been “piping” faces and families since 2007. She has been featured with photography blogs and magazines throughout the US and UK. She loves PB&J’s, Crossfit, epidurals, beach runs, naptime, making cupcakes with her kids, listening to her English husband talk and taking pictures. She lives in London, England with her husband and three children who give her the greatest delight in life!
Lori Danelle Wilson Lori Danelle Wilson is a graphic designer, perfectionist, paper cut artist, and maker of things. She shares her many sewing, wood working, and other DIY projects on her blog. As a paper cut artist, she takes her clients fingerprints and meticulously hand cuts them out of a single sheet of paper, creating a special piece of artwork that is completely unique to the couple or individual, as well as larger paper cut illustrations. Both her paper cuttings and handmade projects have been featured in several international magazines and books, as well as many prominent design and wedding blogs, including Design*Sponge, Apartment Therapy, Brides.com, and Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP. Wilson resides in Nashville, TN with her husband and their two daughters. To learn more, visit loridanelle.com
May your Christmas be filled wtih loved ones while creating loved traditions. -The Sandbucket-
photo by Kelsea Fehlen of Simplee Photography
Cover photo by Kelly Stocksen Back cover photo by Anne Boughton