This year, I beat the radio stations and began playing my Christmas music before their traditional start of Thanksgiving. Every year, my favorite holiday song changes and I just can’t get enough of it. Sometimes it’s an old standard and other times it may be a new song. Some songs that will always be dear to me are from The Nutcracker. My daughter has performed in our local production of The Nutcracker the past 8 years. So depending on the role(s) she is in, my favorites change each year as well.

One thing that will never change is the excitement I get picking out the perfect Christmas tree and then trimming it while my favorite holiday songs are playing in the background. This year, I chose the 3rd tree that we saw … not that I didn’t keep looking. I made my family stand next to the tree while I made my way down 2 more rows just to be sure I had the perfect one. And yes, it was the perfect tree. It’s a rule--in my head anyway--that it has to take at least an hour to harvest the perfect tree.

With the stockings hung and the tree trimmed, it’s time to think about holiday baking. My favorite holiday recipe is … anything dipped in chocolate. I dip peanuts, pretzels, Peanut Butter Ritz crackers, graham crackers … do you get the picture?

My final preparation for Christmas is makin’ a list and checkin’ it twice. Don’t fret, I think I saw your name on the list. I’m sure you’ll be getting a delightful gift. And if I know all of you well enough, someone special will be receiving a handmade gift created with love from you talented crafters.

However you celebrate, make it special.
The Real Mrs. Claus