You are here: Home / Archives for christmas countdown

Christmas Countdown is About to Begin!

September 13, 2011 By 4 Comments
The Santa Clause

Image by gwen via Flickr

I know that it seems like it is too early to even think about Christmas, but the fact of the matter is that it is time to being AskBecca’s Christmas Countdown.  The goal of this years Christmas Countdown is to actually keep up with it.  For the past three years I have tried and tried to do a Christmas Countdown and the truth is that life tends to get in my way.  In September and October I am able to accomplish all of the posts and topics I want to.  From there it is all down hill.  Time becomes a problem and then poof Christmas is here.  This year I would like it all to go a little better!  So on Saturday, September 17th I will begin the Christmas Countdown 2011.  Here is what I have in store this year:

  • What is hot and what is not.  I will be in search of wonderful new products for kids and the family this coming Christmas season.
  • Sing a song… This year I would like to include some Lyrics to my all time favorite Christmas Carols.  One of my goals is to bring Christmas Caroling back this Christmas season.  In order to do that we will need to know all of the words to all of the favorites.
  • Movie time anyone?  We all know that Christmas time is the time for movies.  Christmas movies are a wonderful way to share time with your family and a way to look back to your childhood.  Christmas movies are not all I intend to post about.  We also know that many movies are released Christmas day.  Check in with me to see what movies you may want to stop into the theaters to see!
  • Santa Clause‘s Cookie Corner… We all know how the big guy loves his cookies.  The Christmas season is not complete without cookies.  I know that our family is not alone in baking dozens and dozens of cookies.  I will be sharing a cookie recipe a week to add to your recipe box.  If you have a favorite cookie recipe I would love to hear about it!  We all know that Christmas cookies are the key to a Merry Christmas!
  • Homemade Christmas Craft ideas.  Last year our family had a homemade Christmas.  For some members of our family this caused great stress, but for others it was wonderful.  There is nothing more special than creating a homemade Christmas craft!  We even encouraged the kids to get involved!  They loved making their cousins Christmas gifts!

As you can see there is a lot in store in this years Christmas Countdown.  You will not want to miss a day.

Just a reminder… Christmas is not about shopping and buying.  It is about sharing a magical time of year with our family and friends.  Do not get caught up in the hype.  Do not let it all stress you out.  Be sure to plan and I am sure that your family will have a wonderful Christmas 2011!

Becca

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Christmas Countdown, Main Tagged With: , , , ,

Christmas Countdown 2010

November 23, 2010 By 1 Comment
Santa Claus with a little girl
Image via Wikipedia

So as many of you have noticed I fell off of the Christmas countdown wagon yet again!  I have been having some personal medical issues but am hoping that I will be posting again, daily.  Thank you all for making sure that you have stuck in there and kept on watching to see what is new in the world of Christmas.  This Friday is the official start of the Christmas season and of course the biggest shopping day of the year.  Black Friday ads are already online and the secrets are already out!  So for today, a post of fun…A few questions to answer for you.  I guess you will get my answers as well… Please play along.

  1. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
  2. What is your favorite Christmas Movie?
  3. What is your families most precious Christmas tradition?
  4. When do you put your Christmas tree up?
  5. How early is too early to turn on your Christmas lights?
  6. What was the best present you ever received under the Christmas tree?

OK so here are my answers:

  1. My favorite Christmas song is the “Christmas Shoes” by NEWSONG.  I cry each and every time I hear it.  It makes me remember how blessed we are this and every Christmas to have each other.  I also love the classics with Bing Crosby and the gang!  “Santa Baby” still makes me feel cute and in a fun mood.
  2. My favorite Christmas movie is a tough one.  I am not sure that I can pick just one.  I love “It’s a Wonderful Life” because it again shows that all we need is one another.  I also love the original “Miracle on 34th Street”.  This is the movie that I must see Thanksgiving night.  It is a child who has no faith who sees that things are not always what they seem to be.  “Love Actually” is a movie that I usually watch this time of year as well.   I love British film and this movie met all of my expectations.  As far as some funny Christmas comedy, “Scrogged”  takes the cake.  It is a non traditional story with a whole lot of laughs.  So as I said earlier… how can I pick just one.
  3. I think that my most precious Christmas tradition is Elmer the Elf.  He has blessed the children in our family for almost a century.  Elmer works for Santa Clause himself.  He watched the children in the family and reports back to Santa daily.  If you are good he leaves a few small trinkets through out the Christmas season.
  4. We usually wait with our tree until a few weeks before Christmas.  We always get a real tree and if we put it up any sooner it would die before the new year.  My mother-in-law has an all white and silver tree.  It looks so beautiful but I cannot copy… so I have my miss match tree and it looks beautiful!
  5. I stand strong in the belief that the day after Thanksgiving is the EARLIEST you should turn on your Christmas lights.  Now I know here on the east coast the weather has been warm so I can understand if you have put them up so that you do not have to do it in the freezing cold weather.   On the other hand… this in no way means that you should be lighting those lights before we celebrate Thanksgiving.
  6. I would have to say that the best present under my tree was a shadow box that my husband made for me.  All of our children were in there and the things we like to do together.  It is a special thing that will live with me forever.

So there you have it.  I have shared… now it is your turn…

Becca

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Christmas Countdown, Main Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Christmas Countdown 2010

November 6, 2010 By 2 Comments
Christmas cookies (Left to right, top to botto...
Image via Wikipedia

50 Days Until Christmas 2010

So here we are!  Welcome to the 2010 Christmas Countdown.  I am so excited to be sharing the holiday season with you for the third year in a row!  This time of year can be busy and stressful but we will get through it together.  Here is a taste of what we have in store this year!

  1. Cookies:  Every day I will be posting one of my favorite holiday cookie recipes.  Nothing says Christmas like cookies!  I am hoping the husband can get a rate that cookie system up and running in the next few weeks.  Remember that many cookies freeze well.  It is not to early to begin baking your Christmas cookies!
  2. Homemade Holiday:  This year we are doing something extra special. Stay tuned for this exciting, money saving tip.
  3. Christmas Budget:  I know it is that B word again!  I think that it is important to know how much money you will have available to you this holiday and try to spend only cash.  Times are hard and digging a deeper hole is not advised.
  4. Christmas Movies:  If you are wondering when your beloved Christmas movie will be on… Stay tuned to Ask Becca!  I will let you know what will be on and when.  I know that I hate missing “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “Miracle on 34th Street“.   As soon as I hear about it I will let you know!
  5. Christmas Traditions:  I know that every family has their own traditions and I would love to hear about them!  I think that it is important to celebrate your traditions and perhaps steal a few to make your own.
  6. Fun:  We all know that with Christmas comes fun times.  Parties, caroling, the Christmas at Church and day trips for the family.

This is not all.  It is just a sweet taste of what is to come in the next 50 days!  So off we go… 50 Days of Christmas really means 48 Shopping Days remaining.  Have fun and remember when you need a laugh, idea or break… stop by and say hi!

Becca

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Christmas Countdown, Main Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

200th Post!

November 4, 2010 By 3 Comments
Holly, attributed to the Drummonds, MacInneses...
Image via Wikipedia

I wanted to take a quick moment to say that this is my 200th post.  Thanks to all who have been so supportive of Ask Becca over the past few years!  I feel like there should be so many more posts.  Life gets in the way of blogging so often.  I know that many of you understand where I am coming from!  Having three kids, 2 girl scout troops and a house to keep up are all time consuming.  Then I have my baby (askbecca.com) and my newborn (bipolar Kid Connection).

There are only 2 more days until I kick off my Christmas Countdown!  I am super excited and motivated to be sure that I post each day!  I usually get really crazed as the holidays get closer and my writing falls off.  I am committed to assuring the the 50 days of Christmas Countdown will be a complete success this year and I am hoping that you will all stop by and join in the holiday fun!

Becca

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Main Tagged With: , , , , ,

Christmas Countdown: 75 Days of Christmas

September 10, 2010 By 2 Comments
WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 03: A Christmas wreath ...
Image by Getty Images via @daylife

I am already thinking about Christmas.  For those of you who know me… you know that this is what I do.  Once there is a slight chill in the air I feel that it is my job to remind you all that Christmas is coming!  I have decided this year not to stress you all out too early.  I will be changing my 75 days of Christmas countdown to 50 days of Christmas Countdown.  There are a lot of things that I want to cover this year so I hope that beginning November 6th you will join me on a holiday excursion.   Some of the things that I am hoping to cover this year are:

  • Hot Toys This Christmas:  Find out early what will be hot this holiday and what will not!
  • Cookies:  I am planning on baking my way through my 101 cookie recipe book.  This was semi inspired by Julie and Julia.  I will be adding a rate that cookie button which will allow you to tell me what you think once you have baked a certain cookie!
  • How to have a homemade Christmas:  This year our family has all decided we will have a homemade holiday.  Take a look at what I have been crafting, baking and share some of your own ideas.
  • Daily Featured Videos from Youtube.com
  • Holiday Traditions Now and Then
  • How to Pick the Perfect Live Christmas Tree
  • Holiday Christmas Cards
  • Christmas Organizational Tips

There are many more Christmas adventures I hope to share with all of you.  So be sure to mark your calenders for November 6th when Ask Becca launches 50 days of Christmas: A Christmas Countdown!

Becca

Related articles by Zemanta
Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Featured, Main Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Christmas Countdown 2009: Little Santa Hat Cookies

November 18, 2009 By 4 Comments

38 Days Until Christmas
36 Shopping days remaining

The Cookie Exchange Week

For most of us cookies are an important part of the Christmas season.  Holiday baking can be a fun way to bond with the kids, enjoy extended family or relax alone.  In the 2008 Family Fun Magazine I found the cutest Santa Hat Cookies.  They are simple and fun to make and they come out super cute.

Ingredients:

  • 2 egg whites at room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • Red colored

Heat the oven to 200 degrees.  With an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until a soft peaks start to form.  .  Beating all the while, add the cream of tartar and vanilla extract,then slowly add the add the 1/2 cup of sugar.  Continue to beat until the peaks stiffen.

Spoon the meringue into a quart-size plastic bag.  Snip off a corner and pipe 2 dozen 1 1/2 inch-tall Santa hat triangles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet ( you should have about 1/4 of the meringue left).  Sprinkle the triangles with the red sugar then use the remaining meringue to add one pom-pom and trim.  Bake until the hats are hard but make sure they do not brown.  It should take a hour and 20 minutes.  Turn off the oven and leave the cookies for an additional hour with the oven off to allow crisping.

Becca


Related articles by Zemanta
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Filed Under: Christmas Countdown, Main Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Christmas Countdown 2009: Holiday Checklist

November 1, 2009 By 2 Comments

75 Days of Christmas Countdown:

55  Days Until Christmas

It is so important as the holidays approach to have a game plan.  I think that there are some simple things that can be done early.  These are not things that will be rushing the holiday.  They are things that will help you to be more prepared when they get here.

Image by disneyspeak.com via Flickr
  • Start Baking: There are many holiday treats that can be frozen and thaw well.  By starting holday baking a little at a time now you will have a chance to enjoy friends and family more at the holidays.
  • Get the calender out: It is never too early to start firming up plans for the holidays.  If you are planning a holiday party discuss them with friends and family now.  If there is a special trip you would like to pick the weekend now.  If there is a special day you would like to go shopping with a friend confirm the date and make the plans now.  If you would like to go see Disney‘s, “A Christmas Carol in 3-D” pick the date now.
  • Update Address Book: All through the year people move, pass away and change their phone numbers.  Go through your address book and make sure that you have all of the correct addresses for friends and family.  This will mean that when it comes time to send out Christmas cards you will be ready.
  • Make a Master Gift List: Write each person you need to shop for.  As you think of things that they will enjoy add it to your list.  Remember to leave room to check off when you buy it.  ALso remember to keep it away from the kids.  This also helps you hunt for the best price.
  • Develop a Budget: This is more important this year than it may have been in years past.  Many people have said that they will be spending less this year.  This means that we will all have to plan more and spend less.  
Related articles by Zemanta
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Filed Under: Christmas Countdown Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Christmas Coundown 2009: Christmas Cheer

October 27, 2009 By 4 Comments

75 Days of Christmas Countdown

60 Days Until Christmas:

Unfortunately this year we have had some turbulent, personal issues.  This has meant that I have neglected the first 15 days of my famous 75 Days of Christmas Countdown.  With all of that being said I think that the most important thing to address this year is Christmas Cheer.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (TV special)
Image via Wikipedia

What is Christmas Cheer you ask?  It is that special kind of happiness that only comes one time a year.  It is a time that we should all be a little nicer.  For some it is a time for family and friends and for others it is a time for giving back to their communities.  It is the desire to gather around with others and just be cheerful.

Now I am not sure why, but many people are lacking in their holiday cheer.  I have kept my mouth closed about this long enough.  I cannot contain my disappointment any longer.  It seems like Christmas has been taken over by the Grinch.  Christmas cheer is a quickly dying experience.  In the stores, on the street, in community centers, Christmas Cheer is dying.

So here is what I plan on doing about it.  I am going to be the Christmas Cheerleader.  I am going to spread Christmas cheer even to those whose hearts are three sizes too small.  I am going to help out our troops with the Girl Scouts, I am going to visit the nursing home with some presents, I am going to do everything I can think of to infect the people in this country with some good old fashion Christmas Cheer!  Join me in my quest to revive what we all love about Christmas!

Becca

Related articles by Zemanta
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Filed Under: Christmas Countdown Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Christmas Countdown 2009: 75 Days of Christmas

September 29, 2009 By 4 Comments
Edinburgh on the hill 2 - christmas corner
Image by Today is a good day via Flickr

Well it is almost that time of year again.  Yes I said it… Christmas is upon us.  I know that you are thinking that I am a bit over the edge but it is only 12 more days until my 75 Days of Christmas Countdown.  Day 75 is on coming quickly and I have begun to think a lot about what I am trying to cover this year.

Last year I offered my ideas of what the holidays should be and what they actually are.  If there is one thing that I have learned it is that Christmas never goes the way that I plan it.  It has more bumps then I am ever ready for but in the end the memories are fond when I look back.

I was thinking that this year there are some important things that I would like to cover.  I know that we are all on tight budgets this year.  Many people are out of work and even others are just struggling to make payments on their mortgages each month.  I am going to try and make this year a cheap, yet fun year.  I will be posting budgeting ideas, low cost gift ideas, easy crafts for kids and adults, and of course my insight and humor.  Yet again there is a lot to do and what feels like a lot of time to do it in!

I would like to ask all of you what Christmas topics you are looking for this year?  Shall I post recipies, survival guides, crafts, gift ideas or even a funny story or two?  What are we looking for this year?  What do you want your Christmas to be?

Becca

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Filed Under: Christmas Countdown Tagged With: , , , , ,

42 Days Until Christmas

November 14, 2008 By Leave a Comment
After the party.

Image via Wikipedia

Have a Christmas Party

This past week I did something great.  I had a PartyLite party.  It was nice for many many reasons.  I want to start by saying I do not sell PartyLite so I do not care if we talk about an At Home America Party, A Tupperware party or a PartyLite Party.  The point is that I had a party.  Why was it so great?

  1. It was fun.  The ladies and I had an evening to relax and unwind.  There was no pressure to buy.  I told everyone I do not care either way.  All I wanted was a night full of friends, laughter and fun.
  2. I Christmas Shopped.  You know what the best part of this for me was?  I did it for free!
  3. There are good deals.  This is the time of year that these companies are trying to make their extra money.  The are all offering deals.  My guests had two pages of half prices items to choose from.  They also could pick out any half priced item they wanted with the purchase of just one regular priced item.  Even if the regular priced item was $1.  They could also choose from a few other offers.  This made Christmas shopping for them discounted!
  4. I gathered some orders from outside the people who came.  This is a great way to boost what you will get for free.
  5. It was nice to entertain.  I never get a chance to have people over.  I am usually too busy.  I was able to have a nice time and enjoy.  We had some great snacks and cakes and laughed.  We all needed it.
  1. Other then the baby throwing up in the middle of it the party was a great success.  I was able to cross three people off of my list without spending anything and the whole time I was able to enjoy!  I would suggest you have a party this month and you will be able to Christmas shop for free too.
Related articles by Zemanta
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Filed Under: Christmas Countdown Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
« Older Posts