From Where I Sit

By Pat Spilseth, Columnist

It’s mid-December and I’ m still waiting for snow to fall and blanket the lawn with white softness. Though the recent surprise warmth is lovely, 40 degree days are not Christmas weather. The lake is still not frozen for skating and skiing; ducks are swimming in Carmen’s Bay through the narrow paths of open water. Today I saw two gorgeous white swans gingerly walking on the ice. Why aren’t they swimming with their pals in Florida’s warm waters? The gray and cloudy sky makes it impossible to see the orange ball of moon at night. As I impatiently wait for the Christmas spirit to inspire me, I think maybe baking holiday breads and cookies with their  sweet smells will help put me in the Christmas spirit.

Remember “Away in a Manger,” “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World,” the old familiar carols we memorized for the Christmas programs at school? At Sunday church services I want the old carols sung by the congregation, not some new modern music with melodies I’m unfamiliar with.

Am I showing my age? Probably…but I don’t like too many treasured traditions to change. I miss the holidays as they used to be.

Don’t rush the season…savor it. Often I find myself stressed with finding time and energy for all I want to do. But there’s plenty of time for most everything you need to do. At Christmastime it’s more important than ever to take time to bask in the quiet solemnity of the season. Sit and watch the lazy snowflakes drift across your windows as you enjoy a cup of tea or sip a glass of wine. Add a cookie or two…  Remember treasured memories of yesteryear.

As the holidays approach, my calendar fills up with holiday lunches, church activities and festive parties at neighborhood homes. There are dinner parties, buffets, open houses, fireside chats and dessert parties. The days grow shorter, and gathering with friends is great, but often I’m bit anxious to get home where I can put on my cozy pajamas and pick up a good book.

We need to pace ourselves. Good food and drink are at the heart of holiday entertaining,  but watch out for those added inches on the waistline!

Baking makes me feel happy. Baking Christmas breads and cookies is my treat to myself. One of my favorite cookbooks is “The Silver Palate Good Times Cookbook” written by Julie Rosso and Sheila Lukins. Her illustrations charm me more each year when I open the book looking for holiday ideas. Her delightful drawings of nutcrackers, coffee pots and overflowing cookie plates accompany her recipes as well as her suggestion that we spoil our guests with the comforts of home.

Flannel sheets on the beds are so inviting on frigid nights, and who doesn’t enjoy finding a sweet-dream chocolate on the pillows. Indulge guests with breakfast in bed served with the morning paper. Put out fluffy giant bath towels, cozy robes, bubble bath, scented soaps and sachets. Let everyone sleep late and light fires in the fireplace. Hang stockings on the mantel for everyone in the house. Have a candlelight evening with supper by the fire. Spend an evening caroling for neighbors or the local hospital or nursing home.

If you’re stumped about stocking stuffers, did you know that the Victorian rule of thumb for filling a Christmas stocking was “Something to eat; something to read; something to play with and something they need!”

Most people today equate gift-giving with Santa Claus, but few folks are aware that there was a Christian man named Nicholas who lived in a town with poor children who didn’t have enough food, clothes or toys. St. Nicholas used his own money to buy them what they needed. He didn’t want the children to be embarrassed by his gifts so he gave them secretly, reminding us that it’s better to give than to receive.

As Christmas approaches, sit and look out your windows at the trees covered in white hoarfrost and the frozen lake preparing for ice houses, cross-country skiers and skaters. It’s a lovely scene. Take time to enjoy the quiet serenity. Christmas comes but once a year.

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To contact Pat, email: pat.spilseth@gmail.com.