1. What does it mean to have the ‘holiday spirit’?
You know, peace on earth, goodwill toward men (and women). I believe it is a time for reminding ourselves how blessed we are to have the family and friends that we do, to celebrate the reason for the season and all the blessings in this life.
2. What sits atop your tree (s)? Why?
I have a glowing star and a porcelain china red-haired Angel.
The Angel is for my daughter Katie, who (I like to believe) is watching over me, just like this beautiful Angel.
3. When was the last time you gave yourself a pat on the back?
When I mailed my Christmas cards at the end of November! I was so proud of all my work, all of Hubby’s work and the fact that this year, I was organized!
4. Which of your senses is most sensitive this time of year?
My husband says my sense of cold…Haha…I think probably my emotions. It doesn’t take much for me to well up with tears. A TV ad, a Christmas movie, a picture from the past. So yes, my sense of feeling emotions.
5. What do you have too much of in your kitchen?
Pfaltzgraff! I have Pfaltzgraff’s Folk Art pattern dishes and I think I have almost every piece known to have been made! It really is beautiful and fun to be able to set the table with all the pieces!
6. What do you do for meals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? Big meal? Breakfast tradition? Open the cookie tins and have at it?
We’ve decided to have fondue on Christmas Eve. I’ll also make a nice garden green salad and roll some deli meats. For dessert I will make a pumpkin pie.
Christmas Day Morning we will eat scrambled eggs, with bacon and German Stollen Bread! (The Stollen is tradition.) About 2:30-3:00 I will set out some appetizers and then I plan a Rib Roast of Beef for about 6 PM, served with twice baked potatoes, butternut squash, green beans and pearl onions. Will also make apple pie for dessert.
7. What is the best thing about winter?
Fires in the hearth! Skiing. Playing with the doggies in the snow. The silence of snow when it is falling.
8. As the days draw closer to Christmas, I am actually pleased to say that this year I am ready for it! Last year I was not prepared and then had surgery on December 20th, so I never really finished preparing for the holidays. Maybe this is totally crazy, but there is less stress when you are prepared early on.
Of course I didn’t know what Pfaltzgraff was and asked Wikipedia. I learned it was created by a German Johann George Pfaltzgraff 7, who was a potter and businessman.
Born in Frielendorf, Germany, he moved to Foustown in York County, Pennsylvania. So if you have ALL his creations from 1889 I wonder if you don’t have a special garden shed to stock all this, lol ! We also have our fondu and Stollen. I am a little afraid to go to Amsterdam because it has started to snow again, hopefully it will stop for the 24th.
BTW did you get my emails or did they land in your junk mail ? It already happened.
I spent yesterday shopping online so am feeling a teensy bit better about it all…my house is decorated, cards are mailed and my daughter comes home today so we’ll get started with the baking. We love fondue and I think if it were just the four of us that’s what we’d do for our Christmas Eve. We’ll be with hubs whole family for the holidays this year which will be fun and perhaps a little bit crazy too : )
I love your sweet angel..sending a hug to you!
I love the Katie Angel!! Mmmmm, Fondue sounds like a good idea, I may do that myself. Love YOU, Mel
You can’t really have too much of Pfaltzgraff can you?
Your Christmas meals sounds delicious. I decided I want less work this year, I don’t want to spend my day in the kitchen. Loved all your answers. Merry Christmas.