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Holidays:  Wishing for a simpler holiday season  |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 24 2009 : 4:28:44 PM
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Now this is coming from the girl that has four BIG rubbermaid totes of Christmas stuff...but just like it's important to me to have a clutter-free and simple life, its becoming important for me to have more meaning and memories from my holidays and less junk. I don't know where I'm going with this, but it seems that I've lost the basic joy of the holidays and gotten wrapped up in the commercial holiday machine! I've had enough!
In my younger days I "HAD" to have more more more for the holidays or it didn't "feel" right. Now I want less fluff and more value. I used to cook these HUGE meals and be totally stressed and overwhelmed by trying to get it "right" or the holiday would feel empty for me. I want to donate to the thrift all of the kitschy plastic ornaments from my Christmas bins and have an old fashioned, home-made, hand-made Christmas.....
Several years ago I realized that I didn't need all of the stress, rich food in an over-abundance and pressure to get it right, to have it be fun, but I haven't trimmed out all of the fluff and brought simplicity to that part of my life...so... it's going to be a home-made Thanksgiving, a simple candle and a simple pared down menu, it's going to be a home-spun Christmas with only the very favourite ornaments from my stash on the tree and everything but the lights newly home-made, a pared down feast, only a few meaningful and needed things as gifts and a good helping of aid to the local charities...I want most of all to relax and enjoy the warmth of the holidays, no more stress and commercialism to get the right feeling. This is my next step towards simplicity in my life, the holidays aglow with love and meaning.
I'm going to look for simple, home-made ideas to share with ya'll  and anybody who wants to try to bring sanity and simplicity to their holidays, please post and share your thoughts and ideas.
LOL! did any of this make sense?
Thanks for reading all of my rambling 
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
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Cindy Lee
True Blue Farmgirl
510 Posts
Cindy
Sparks
Nevada
USA
510 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2009 : 5:16:47 PM
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Annika, You are so right! I work for a major toy company and every year I watch people running around like crazy (going into more debt I might add) trying to "buy" a happy Christmas and in only a few weeks no one can remember any of the junky gifts that they gave or received!
My favorite Christmas memory with my kids is having a picnic on the floor in front of the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. So much enjoyment and zero $$$!
Keep us all posted with your ideas! I no longer have small children but I can always use new ideas for my grown children! |
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Cindy Lee
True Blue Farmgirl
510 Posts
Cindy
Sparks
Nevada
USA
510 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2009 : 5:22:34 PM
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| Ohhhh, I had to add something! I used to decorate Christmas trees for dept. stores so you can imagine the trees I had at home, it would take forever to put them up AND take them down! The last few years I did "natural' trees with raffia, birds nests, pinecones, popcorn, and dried oranges and apples. I can tell you, they have been darling trees and they just seem so sweet! I will be doing it again this year because it reflects who we have become! |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2009 : 5:31:21 PM
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My tree is mostly a LOT of white lights, some special ornaments we have picked out over the past 5 years and this year, I found a packaged of 18 pink balls, all sparkly and what not. Lots of lights is the key!!! : ) I do white lights on our porch and we have a HUGE lit star. I do like yummy smelling candles too.
As far as gift giving, Charlie gets 3 presents, just like the Wisemen brought baby Jesus- one from Santa, one from Chloe and one from Mama and Daddy. We do a "family" gift, then Scott and I each get something for each other and Charlie gets something for each of us and he chooses one $10 toy to donate to another child. We make a big deal over visiting the downtowns and malls for the decorations and we get hot cocoa and cookies. SOOO much easier and peaceful. I still cook a big meal because Scott loves to eat for like 4 days...lol...and of coure, there are the Christmas movies and music. We only have a small list of people who get the annual Christmas photo of the family.
Heather
"Hitch your wagon to a star"
http://somewheredownintexas-heather.blogspot.com |
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Roxy7
True Blue Farmgirl
1083 Posts
Robin
Denver
CO
USA
1083 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2009 : 10:02:53 PM
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We love our Christmas lights around here. They bring me a lot of happiness.
When we are home for Christmas and we usually are, we make a huge pot of a posole. Its a soup made with pork and hominy with red chile. Its very satisfying. If we have company we also make a ham or turkey and scalloped potatoes. We usually have a few salads that we love and of course the desserts we have been baking for friends. We just dont go all out on the foods anymore.
All of my family is happy to come and eat a simple bowl of soup and just spend the day together. I love that it cooks in one pot and is ready in a few hours. Simple.
I think the holidays are about traditions....and you can make them as simple or elaborate as you see fit. Its so very personal.
When I stopped cooking the full holiday meal that my mom cooked, my family was actually still very happy to come over for a more laid back dinner. It works for us now. |
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SheilaC
True Blue Farmgirl
1948 Posts
Sheila
Vermont
USA
1948 Posts |
Posted - Oct 25 2009 : 06:22:03 AM
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| As far as roasting a turkey goes, I like to roast and carve it a few days before and then put it in the oven to reheat on Thanksgiving day. . .saves time and stress on T'giving itself. We usually have lasagna on Christmas :) another easy make-ahead. |
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dutchy
True Blue Farmgirl
4427 Posts
4427 Posts |
Posted - Oct 25 2009 : 08:23:31 AM
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I will put up my small tree with pink decorations, the cards I receive and that is it. I will be on my lonesome during the holidays  have to work out to see what I will do. I am NOT gonna cook a big meal or anything, just something small for me and myself
Hugs from Marian/Dutchy, a farmgirl from the Netherlands :)
My personal blog:
http://just-me-a-dutch-girl.blogspot.com/
Almost daily updates on me and mine :)
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Oct 25 2009 : 08:34:23 AM
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Oh Marion! I wish I could invite you over sweetie! *HUGS*
Well, I've got to have my T'givin' bird, but Sheila, that lasagne is sounding better and better!
Cindy I found an idea for a dried apple slice wreathe and dried fruit is so simple and pretty to decorate with! Thank you for the natural tree suggestion. I love PLENTY of white lights and candles, but the tree is getting a major overhaul!
Everyone has such good ideas and plans, I love it! Thanks for sharing 
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Oct 25 2009 : 08:52:01 AM
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I still cook huge for Thanksgiving, BUT, with alot of help. Roast Turkey (my fresh home raised and butchered) and stuffing, mashed potatos and gravy, green beans with cranberrys and onion, candied yams, deviled eggs, honey/mustard ham (my fresh home raised and butchered),several differant types of bread/rolls, pecan/pumpkin cheese cake, chocolate/raspberry cheesecake, sweet potato pie. We have between 35 and 40 people here, it is served buffet style. It is fun and filling for all, lol.
Christmas is just immediate family, 4 ft tall artifical tree on a table in the living room, ( thats all the room there is and cut trees are too dangerous with my heat being a woodstove), presents are piled on the floor surrounding the tree. The tree is decorated with white lights and rose, pink and burgandy balls, some shinny, some glittered, pearl clear balls, pearl bead strings,white tree skirt that is lacy with hand applicated roses that are pink and burgandy. For dinner, its potluck, My daughter and I make several turkey enchiladas before hand and heat them up on Christmas, there is homemade chilli, salads (green and fruit) and what ever anyone else makes and brings. No rushing or fussing, just a warm fuzzy day for all.
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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dutchy
True Blue Farmgirl
4427 Posts
4427 Posts |
Posted - Oct 25 2009 : 09:27:58 AM
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Hope there are some nice Christmas movies on tv. I will watch those with some munchies. I'll manage, no worries.
Hugs from Marian/Dutchy, a farmgirl from the Netherlands :)
My personal blog:
http://just-me-a-dutch-girl.blogspot.com/
Almost daily updates on me and mine :)
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StarMeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
940 Posts
T
MI
940 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2009 : 02:20:58 AM
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When I was younger and my brother was still alive...we used to get up on Christmas morning and head out to the 11am movie at the local theater. Then we'd hit a Chinese restaurant for dinner, and then grab another movie...sometimes 2! It was a great Christmas holiday!!! Once I was married, the hubby's family tradition was the whole family at his Mom's for the complete big doin's on Xmas Eve then everyone at their respective homes for the big day. We got used to getting up early with the kids and opening gifts, then staying in our jammies all day to watch movies, play games, or play with all our toys. I would read....and cook. :) We are morphing again as the kids get older and the Santa mirage has faded. My "holiday" spirit has waned considerably and it's all I can do to drag out ornaments of any ilk. We used to go cut down a tree together but last year, I put up a small artificial one that I had only put up once...when my father was ill with cancer. My hubby had to work on Christmas last year so that was very different. He is the sound engineer for a very large church so he's now working all the major holidays (I don't)... I'm hoping I can convince the kids that a couple of movies and a big Chinese buffet is the way to go this year!
Once for Thanksgiving, we were in the process of moving (as a kid), my Mom set out a Thanksgiving picnic in the "new" house in front of the fireplace. We roasted hotdogs!
Dutchy...If I could spend the holiday with you in the Netherlands...it would be sweet. A lovely quiet day, a walk, a movie, some tea, and LOTS of Christmas cookies! ;) |
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Montrose Girl
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm
1360 Posts
Laurie
Montrose
CO
1360 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2009 : 07:25:43 AM
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Last year I started a tradition with my nieces family. My mom used to make donuts for us when we were kids. Nothing fancy. a can of biscuits, punch a hole, fry and put in a bag with sugar and shake. The three girls had so much fun with this. The donuts vanished. They are already asking if we get to do it again this year. I'm excited to be there and introduce the boys 1 and 2 1/2 to this. They will get to grow up with it. The girls are older, 10's and 13. Our one tradition was to open a gift on Christmas eve. Just one, but that has continued through our next generation too.
I understand the simpler aspect. I try to make as many gifts as I can. Stocking stuffers are always hard for me. I do buy a gift card for my niece to her favorite coffee place. It's the only time of year she gets one. We used to get nuts and fruit is our stockings.
My grand niece has now moved into the arena of being able to help us play santa for her younger brothers. This will be an interesting year.
Laurie
Best Growing |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22937 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22937 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2009 : 07:59:41 AM
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| Annika- What a great post! I am also going through my ornaments and anything that isn't special is getting donated!! |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2009 : 08:10:36 AM
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I hear ya, Annika. Obviously, with our financial situation right now, I haven't really wanted to even THINK about Christmas. But, it occurrs to me, moreso, for the last few years, that Christmas really isn't about the "most stuff". It's about giving of yourself and of your heart. And, hopefully, the people that we love and give to, think the same way. I used to be as you described...shop for the "perfect gifts", not just one gift but many, big dinners, fancy china and then, after I divorced, I didn't have the funds nor the time for that, working 2 1/2 jobs!
When I remarried, we weren't much better off financially, and honestly, I had long since re-evaluated my happiness. I still decorate, but I have ornaments that mean something to me, whether homemade, antique or given to us to mark special occasions.
This year, we will be giving many homemade gifts. I will be up long nights, and spending lunch hours knitting and making things for family and friends. We have been brainstorming for weeks about ways to give creatively...and I know that we can do it.
We should all be so blessed to have one another this year. A roof over our heads, whether it's our "dream home" or not, warm food in our tummys, the wolf away from the door for another day. As other's mentioned above, creating simple traditions, and keeping them for generations to come. THAT'S what I remember, myself. I couldn't tell you what my favorite toy was that I was given--my mom ALWAYS went overboard for Christmas. The only thing I really recall is her sugarplum candles lit, and the smell of cinnamon rolls baking. That's what I counted on, each and every Christmas.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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Roxy7
True Blue Farmgirl
1083 Posts
Robin
Denver
CO
USA
1083 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2009 : 08:20:00 AM
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| We will likely be in a theater on Christmas to see the Chipmunk movie. DS is in love with the Chipmunks. As he says. "I Yove Chipmunks!" |
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Bear5
True Blue Farmgirl
13055 Posts
Louisiana/Texas
USA
13055 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2009 : 3:38:23 PM
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Annika:
I, too, would like to simplify things; the stuff, but whenever the holidays come around I get this celebrating feeling. I don't have kids to decorate for. But, I just cannot seem to NOT decorate for myself and my husband. In 2005 and 2008, we experienced two floods. All of the Halloween, Christmas, Easter decorations were ruined with marsh mud, etc.... We spent four years redoing our house, and then redoing it all over again. So, we've not decorated for four years. This year it was a necessity for me to decorate. By September 1 of this year, I had Halloween decor out! LOL I cannot wait to decorate for Christmas. If me and my DH are the only ones to enjoy the decor, so be it. However, I understand how you feel. With all the junk and stuff we lost in the flood, I realized the junk and stuff I did not need, and I realized, big time, the waste of it all. Just be sure to enjoy the holidays. Take care.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
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4HMom
True Blue Farmgirl
720 Posts
Kelly
Montana
720 Posts |
Posted - Oct 31 2009 : 11:43:00 AM
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We've always tried to keep it simple with the focus being on sharing time with friends and family. Christmas Eve has been with my DH family. When his Grandma was alive, we'd all gather in her tiny house and share cocoa and laughter and songs. The happiness it brought her (and all of us) was so cool. My MIL is almost 84 and we gather at her house now. We draw names for a gift exchange, but the focus is on games and food (we pot luck finger foods!)Christmas day is spent in our jammies playing games and enjoying my DH and DD's. In the afternoon, we either have friends over, or visit their homes for cards and yummies. Even thought my DD's are 15 and 17, we continue the "santa" idea by anonomously deliviring cookies or other food goodies to shut-ins or other folks who need a smile. We simply sign the card from "Santa". My girls love it! Our tree has lots of white lights too! The ornaments are all individual that we've gathered over the years and each one has meaning. I LOVE unpacking them each year and thinking about the circumstances surrounding how we aquired each one. Happy Holidays to all of you.
"Be the change you want to see in the world" -Gandhi |
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elisa in the woods
True Blue Farmgirl
69 Posts
Elisabeth
Central Florida
Florida
USA
69 Posts |
Posted - Nov 08 2009 : 4:28:07 PM
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Annika,
We also have downsized our holidays. Our gifts are homemade, and address need, such as a fleece blanket for both our moms, who are always chilly. We focus on family, on the meaning of each holiday, and reaching out to those in need. It is precious and far better than the excess of the past.
I loved your post!
Warmly,
Lisa
Bloom where you're planted |
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hotmamaj
Farmgirl in Training
26 Posts
janice
buckeye
az
USA
26 Posts |
Posted - Nov 12 2009 : 4:37:58 PM
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Oh yes it's that time of year, I think simplicity is the best way to go. I to have about 6 bins full of stuff,I too will
weed out all the ornaments that have no special meaning. My three kids are grown and they have their significant others family events to go to be it thanksgiving or christmas. I love to decorate but it is always very simple. The christmas tree is now a live tree from a nursery or home improvement store, We like to plant it somewhere in the yard a day or two after that special day, I place 2-3 strands of lights and very few ornaments.
For dinner we have danish sausage, pork loin, red cabbage, mashed potatos, carrots and desert ,rice porage with warmed rasberry sauce we have homemade cookies pies and breads for the holiday as well..You have to learn how to take alittle bit at a time and not over do.... I make this statement from experiance. Christmaas morning is the traditional stang/kriengle with hard rolls (jellies jams and choclate). To heck with the heavy stuff like pancakes and eggs.
This is a feast the family really enjoys it.This year we will pare down to just the favorites.
Gift are to be hand made.... So I say I am the Mom.
This will be fun to see what the kids come up with. I have planned to get some kitchen towels and embroider those for the girls, the boys who knows they are guys and guys want guy stuff. I am thinking hard on this. Oh yes everyone will get the gift of fresh bread, fudge, cookies and what ever else we can put in the goodie bag. I was thinking of making turtles.
what say you... Now I really am in the mood for Christmas.
If anyone has any Ideas for what to make the guys let me know drop me a line, time is short.
Welcome the dawn of everyday with a smile & open heart |
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Miss2Missus
True Blue Farmgirl
407 Posts
Karen
Asheville
NC
USA
407 Posts |
Posted - Nov 12 2009 : 4:46:55 PM
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This is my last christmas at home before i head off to start my own family, with our own traditions. Next year we will more than likely be in an apartment thats less the 250 sq ft. yes 250! i think instead of a christmas tree we might do a christmas plant. but we will deffently be keeping it low key.
i prefer handmade christmas items. they seem to make the house warmer.
Karen ^_^
http://frommisstomissus.blogspot.com/ |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Nov 12 2009 : 5:10:18 PM
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Karen, I don't know when your wedding day is, but congratulations! May you have a wonderful life together =) and yes, homemade is always a great way to make a place a home. BTW, I've had a birch branch for a Christmas tree LOL! It was fun, tiny loft apartment and very little to our names, but it was still a wonderful Christmas.
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
Posted - Nov 12 2009 : 6:40:14 PM
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Good topic..I am remembering a Christmases a long time ago when my husband and I lived in a one room studio apartment. I bought a little tree about one ft tall I then made tiny crochet ornaments and was thrilled when I found a package of minature ornaments. The next year he promised that I could get a Christmas tree if I learned to say Merry Christmas in Spanish within a couple of days. He was Spanish..he didn't think I could do it! lol ...but found a person in the apartment building to tell me and I kept repeating it (to remember) until I announced it to hubby. He was very surprised...but I got the tree...this time 2 ft tall and I think it ended up also on the kitchen table.
simple, sweet and good memories. Sometimes I think less money or possessions make life sweeter and happier.
Linda in Scranton, PA
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vintagediva1
True Blue Farmgirl
1251 Posts
Michele
Brighton
Michigan
USA
1251 Posts |
Posted - Nov 21 2009 : 1:44:29 PM
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I love the decorating past. What I don't love is the mall andshoppong part. This year I decided to make as much as possible or buy handmade from other farmgirls and on Etsy.
What a relief to spend time at my sewing maching or crafting table insted of the mall
Michele
www.2vintagedivas.etsy.com
www.sissyandsisterstitch.etsy.com
Love that good ole vintage junk |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Nov 21 2009 : 5:44:14 PM
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I cannot believe it's almost here. I have not done a single thing. It seems like the last 5 years I have not even wanted to think about Christmas. Then I panic at the last minute and go overboard. I think this year I am going light for everyone. Just a few things. I might just give my DDs gift certificates for dinner and a movie with me. It's just too much anymore. I am ALL for simple and easy and more natural decorations.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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debbies journey
True Blue Farmgirl
635 Posts
debbie
anchorage
ak
USA
635 Posts |
Posted - Nov 21 2009 : 11:31:46 PM
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When my husband and I were newlyweds we lived on a boat, and for a Christmas tree we got a branch from the Christmas tree lot.
The man gave it to us, I think he felt sorry for us. But we were happy as clams with our Christmas branch tied to the top of the
mast! Happy times! |
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yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
Posted - Nov 22 2009 : 5:19:35 PM
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Dinner and movie sounds like the perfect gift!
Linda in Scranton, PA
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Holidays: Wishing for a simpler holiday season |
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Wishing for a simpler holiday season
