Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Thinking of Christmas



I just wanted to drop a quick note to say that all is well here. I was not able to get my injection this morning as planned, due to an ice event. It was just bad enough here to close schools in our county and two other counties that I had to travel through to get there. I would have had to leave home around 6:30 in the morning so thought better of it. I will reschedule later.

I'm hoping to get to Walmart tomorrow morning to get what I will need for our Christmas Eve gathering. It is our family tradition to have a kind of snack night and open our gifts from each other. We will have deli ham and cheese for sandwiches. My daughter makes rotel dip, pigs in a blanket, deviled eggs and sausage balls. I make potato salad, spinach dip in Hawaiian bread, onion dip and chips and Christmas cookies. And of course, egg nog. It is my favorite day of the year. I love seeing their faces as they open the things I've bought for each of them. I put a great deal of thought into what I give so they are always happy with their gifts.

My family has been so fortunate this year. My daughter struggles (financially) but the boys do ok and I am comfortable too. We will all have nice gifts and enjoy each other on Christmas Eve. My granddaughter has a girlfriend who told her that her family doesn't believe in celebrating Christmas and they aren't having it. I happen to know this family and it is so not true. The child is embarrassed to say that they have no money this year and so have decided to just act like it is just another day. Both parents have lost their jobs in the last couple of months. They are not alone. This year, more than any other year, people need help. We need to pull angels off the angel trees and put clothes and toys into the boxes around town and give food to the food bank. We can all make a small difference if we just do these little things.

Hugs, Joyce


16 comments:

  1. I agree, we did the angel tree thing at Curves and so many gifts for kids went out of there when they came for them. John has bought a turkey for two families. Hope you get your injection soon. Have fun at your Christmas get together.

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  2. It is going to be a WalMart Christmas this year.

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  3. That's so sad about your granddaughter's friend, but we're certainly seeing a lot of it this year. My Mom and I were just talking about it yesterday...that we hope that everyone will remember that the very best part about Christmas is being with your family.

    Stay safe on those roads!
    Hugs, Beth

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  4. I feel so bad for all those who lost their jobs...........sooooooooooo sad.

    Hugs, Rose

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  5. this Christmas will be a bad time for many families, with economics being what they are.
    we must all remember the true meaning of Christmas, & try to reach out & help others.
    hoping that ALL give in one way or another.
    have a beautiful Christmas with your family my friend.
    may God bless...

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  6. Hi Joyce. Hope you have a nice day to shop at Walmart tomorrow. It's supposed to be around 74* here tomorrow and I'll be shopping as well. It's cold, damp and grey here today so I'm doing a few things in the house. My daughter would have financial problems if she was handed a million dollars!lol My boys do just fine.lol I do feel sorry for all the people without jobs any time of the year and it looks as if there will be more without jobs. Take care :)........

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  7. that is so sad about that little gir1! our church just is wrapping (funny pun LOL) up a ministry where we did an angel tree serving 2000 people; mainly kids/teens but elderly and missionaries as well and we tried to get them 2 gifts too; a need and a want; it was sad to read some of the needs; what I take for granted is a need for so many :(

    can you share your recipe for spinach dip? it sounds delicious and I love that Hawiaan bread (I spelled that wrong I know)

    sorry you didn't get out for your injection, but I don't blame you for not wanting to drive in those conditions

    the menu for Christmas gathering sounds soo scrumptious!!!

    betty

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  8. It's the same here Joyce so many people out of work, and they just don't have the money for Christmas. Your christmas eve sounds like fun.

    Take care

    Yasmin
    xx

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  9. There is nothing better than to be surrounded by a loving family during the holidays. I sort of don't have a lot of that. I do feel awful for so many this year. We have Toys for Tots at work. I've actually bought more this year than ever. I've also pulled some angels off of the tree at KMart locally. Still will be rough for many. HUGS

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  10. I think that is what we are gonna do this Christmas Eve too snacks and stuff. Then I'll fix a big dinner for Christmas Day.
    We don't have much by way of gifts this year. I think this will be the smallest Christmas we've ever had, but my grandson has plenty and he is the one we only worry about.
    I do know children who do not receive anything from their parents for Christmas and they depend on the charities to buy for their kids. That makes me mad. These people have money to buy drugs and liquor, but can't get their kids any presents. I don't mind helping those who have lost jobs or are just in need because they don't make enough money, but then there are always the few that feel they should be provided for.
    My sister went to deliver a complete meal and presents for four children everything they asked for on their list not cheap stuff either and bought for the mom and dad too. When she went to deliver the stuff the mother griped at her because she didn't bring the stuff sooner in the day and then had the nerve to tell her that they didn't want half that food they don't eat that junk. She never said thank you or anything and if my sister hadn't done that her children would have nothing to open for Christmas. After that experience, my sister was so upset and angry after she left there she has not helped again. She said the ones that truly feel blessed cry when they see you on their doorstep with all that stuff.
    Times are very had this year and will only get worse, but I feel as long as you have your family and everyone is healthy things will be okay.
    I'm glad you didn't attempt to get out in that weather. It was not worth the chance of something happening.
    Take care, Chrissie

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  11. Sorry you didn't get to go get your injection. Your food & Christmas Eve sounds wonderful!!!! Praying for all those that are having such a hard time...

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  12. Your Christmas Eve celebration sounds wonderful.

    Enjoy your evening.

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  13. Hope you get your injection soon. Your food & Christmas Eve sounds great.

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  14. Sounds like a fun Christmas Eve.

    We have adopted several families at work to make their holiday brighter :o)

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  15. Much is done through my volunteer group to help make the holidays brighter. A little bit can go a long way.

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  16. I guess we don't realize how much we have until we see someone who are really struggling.

    hugs...

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