Christmas Light Spotting

I saw two house on Thursday night with Christmas lights on. Its so late, though, it makes me wonder if they were on for another reason. Especially since the houses were located on the same block.

Any thoughts? Also this week, I saw an ad announcing a local mall's 2009 Christmas events. But Christmas sightings are becoming rarer and rarer.

For that reason, although I intended to post weekly until we were 100 days out from Christmas, I have decided a vacation is in order. I'll be back refreshed and ready as ever on July 25th- 6 months until Christmas- with weekly postings. And back to daily writings starting 100 days out- September 16. In the meantime, have fun looking through the archives, reminiscing about Christmas '09, and dreaming of Christmas 2010!

If you have any website ideas or other Christmas thoughts/sightings/plans/recipes/ideas/you-get-the-idea, please let me know! Either via the comments or you can always email me: sassysnowflake365@gmail.com.

The Christmas Tree is Gone

I finally, finally took advantage of a snow day on Monday to take down my Christmas tree. My friend noted, "Probably a good idea...considering its February!"

I admit, I leave my decorations and tree up longer than most, but this was a record for me and probably a bit too long. But a combination of many factors- travel, weather- helped me break my record.

As I was taking down the ornaments and lights and tinsel and tying up and putting away the tree, I realized laziness was definitely another factor. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I must remembered how much work taking down the tree is and that helped lead to my apathy! Organizing the ornaments, fitting everything into tubs, stuffing the tree into the attic (no small feat at my place!)...When you are putting up the Christmas tree, its a fun and festive event. Taking down the tree is just a bummer!

Until next year!

Storage for Christmas Decorations

As I begin to contemplate taking down my Christmas tree (yup, its still up!) and putting away my other holiday decorations, I started thinking about the storage and organization of my Christmas decorations.

I use the big plastic storage bins for my items, and try to group the contents of each box by category: items for the Christmas tree, decorations for certain rooms, miscellaneous. But often, decorations are stuffed into whatever tub has room. But the tubs aren't clear, and I don't label them, so its always a bit of a surprise as to what is inside.

I do have a separate, smaller tub with dividers for ornaments. Inevitably, though, there are the ornaments that don't fit into the partitions. I save boxes, such as those from 100-calorie snack packs, for those larger ornaments and stick them in the "tree tub."

I do have one Christmas wreath I use for the door- right now, it is shoved into a tub too. Is it worth it to buy the separate wreath holders? And don't get me started on my wrapping paper! The rolls are shoved, standing up, in the back of my coat closet! Definitely room for improvement there!

What are your best practices in regards to storing these items (often many of which are sentimental, treasured, and/or fragile). Especially considering that they are only pulled out and used once a year?

Decorations Still Around?!

"Did you see the Plaza Lights?!?!"

Unfortunately, no... I arrived in Kansas City this week- one day after the big holiday lights decorations were turned off at the Plaza. “Its really a great thing to see- the lights and decorations are beautiful!” my colleague told me. I can’t believe I missed it by one day- the lights are even still on the buildings, just not turned on. And counting by the number of people who asked me if I saw them, the display must be spectacular!

But it seems to me that visible Christmas decorations are much more widespread at this late date than in previous years. In the past few days, I have seen holiday lights decorating houses, large blow-up Santas standing in several yards, and bows and wreaths everywhere.

Have you noticed more Christmas decorations around, even though we’re past the halfway point in January? I think part of the phenomenon is attributed to the cold and snow that much of the country experienced in early January. Any other explanations?

As for me, my Christmas tree is still lit and decorated, but I’ve taken down all other holiday decorations. I still haven’t set a date for putting away the tree- partly because I love my tree, and partly because it takes so much effort to put away!

Food Recipe: Blackeyed Pea Salsa

My aunt made this super-easy dip/salsa for our Christmas get-together this year, and I loved it. We used Fritos to dip, but the salsa would be really tasty with pita chips. I've also spread the salsa in regular pita bread for an easy lunch to take to work. And it stores well- nice for making a day ahead of time!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 can blackeyed peas (washed and drained)
• 1/4 cup chopped onion (I also like to add scallions)
• 1/3 cup each of green and red peppers
• 3 slices of jalapeno peppers chopped
• 1 small can green chiles

DIRECTIONS:

Combine the ingredients in a bowl. Pour Italian dressing over the mixture- how much you use is really up to you. I just lightly coat the ingredients. Mix the ingredients and dressing together and let set in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.