HOST A CHRISTMAS CAROLING PARTY
Too often we forgo entertaining because of the mere thought of all of the preparation
that is involved. And more is not better. Often we try to out do each other with lavish
parties and expensive gifts. Stop and remember for a second what was important from your
own childhood. Was it an outing? Baking cookies with your grandmother? Building a snowman
with your dad? We need to connect. This doesnt require more time, just shifting the
focus of the time we already have. Here, a casual party and a very simple activity were
the catalyst that brought everyone together.
To get the entire neighborhood into the Christmas spirit we planned a caroling party.
Sing along with Christmas music from
Play along with
Christmas Carol Music,
Silver Tambourines
and
Silver Maracas
The day before our guests arrived, my kids and I spent an afternoon making decorative
candleholders to give to each caroler, to light the way for our caroling expedition.
Or you can choose to use
White LED Tea Lights which are nonflammable.
Dad, dressed as Santa Clause, provides your very own photo opportunity. Little ones whispered
their Christmas list in Santas ear. Grown ups, as well as kids, had their pictures
taken in Santas lap.
Adults, kids, and even a few dogs then joined us on our merry way. Our numbers grew as
we made our way caroling through the neighborhood.
As the carolers returned, we welcomed them with
Mexican hot chocolate and ginger spice
cookies. This party was a great way to engage everyone in an activity that the whole
family could enjoy. And for a few short hours we were able to turn our attention away from
the commercial marketing of the holidays to something much more personal.
1/2 pt Christmas Holly Cookie and Treat Pails
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Recipes are one of the most cherished traditions. Passed down from one generation to
the next, they conjure up memories of holiday preparations or time spent with a favorite
relative. Cooking provides a quiet time to pass on the wisdom of family lore.
Ingredients:
4 cups whole milk
4 ounces Mexican chocolate such as Ibarra or
3 ½ ounces semi-sweet chocolate plus 1 teaspoon cinnamon
4 tablespoons sugar
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla, preferably Mexican
2 eggs
1. In a medium sized saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until scalding.
2. Break the chocolate into pieces. Add to the hot milk along with the sugar and salt.
Stir until melted. Beat with a wire whisk until frothy.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla. Continue to whisk.
4. Pour into 4 mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Feliz Navidad Door Decor
Authors: Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes
co-authors of award-winning book Together: Creating Family Traditions. Their website
is jam packed with family ideas
http://www.togetherparenting.com
Article provided by the Family Content Archives
http://www.Family-Content.com
Quick Appetizers Make Perfect Last Minute Parties

(ARA) - Many holiday gatherings are planned ahead of time, but some pop up at the last minute and still require preparation. For these, every host needs to know a few tasty appetizers you can throw together in less than 20 minutes.
“Every now and then, party preparations go awry or you make last-minute cocktail invitations that allow you only a short time to put together hors d’oeuvres,” says John Macy, creator of John Wm. Macy’s CheeseSticks. “Our company developed the “Cocktails in a Crunch” kit so that you can quickly and tastefully get out of a pinch and enjoy your guests.”
Anyone can purchase a six-pack and chips. Throwing a stylish party at the last minute takes a bit more panache -- especially if you want to have something for your guests to eat besides the drink garnish. Tasty appetizers complement the fun cocktails or wine that you serve, and can transform a routine gathering into a festive celebration.
Thanks to the magic of the purveyors at John Wm. Macy’s CheeseSticks, the flavors of “Cocktails in a Crunch” kits of gourmet appetizers and tasty treats blend perfectly with your favorite cocktails. For example, the spicy garlic and chili flavors of chili chicken and Cheddar & Asiago CheeseCrisps naturally blend with the sweet and tang of a Mojito. Or, the mello bubble of a Bellini is accented perfectly by the sweet and savory crunch of brie and peach preserve on top of a Sesame Gruyere CheeseCrisp.
Here are a few appetizer and cocktail pairing suggestions for your next last-minute soiree: