All the Believers in ‘Da House…

Authored By: ellie g Author/Writer
December 14, 2011 --2:17 AM

As our dear friends Kenny & Dolly so eloquently sing:

“I believe in Santa Claus, I believe in Santa Claus. I believe there’s always hope, when all seems lost. And I believe in Santa Claus.”

I have seen a lot of debate about this issue. And I want to clearly state, this blog is NOT about debating whether Santa is real. (because he totally is…)

I know, at my house he is so real, that I still can’t sleep on Christmas Eve. I know that he’s so real that when all us adult kids go home to my Mom’s…she still makes us go to bed on time, so Santa can come.

I know that as a child, my father embodied everything that was magical about Christmas time. And one of those things was his special relationship with the jolly, fat man. Like the year that he carried a hand-written list of every Strawberry Shortcake doll manufactured at the time so that he could check them off one by one on his business trips across the western US.

It was one of those magical things that parents do in order to help Santa make Christmas Morning unforgettable for years to come.

When my 9th Christmas came.
My father had passed away.
And Christmas was different.
We didn’t have a Dad, my Mom had just given birth to a brand new baby girl 3 weeks prior.

It was a turning point.
I would soon need to make a choice about the level at which I would continue to believe in Santa….and subsequently the spirit of the magic that Christmas brings.

I understand that people feel that Santa takes away from the true reason that we celebrate. But I feel quite differently.

That year, I needed magic more than I needed air to breathe.
I needed hope.
I needed laughter and singing.
I needed a wish to come true.
I needed to believe.
And I needed my belief to cover both the Savior; who would hopefully make it so that one day I could be with my father again, and my hope that the world I was facing had magic left in it. Even though my world was gray and uncertain.

I needed to believe that we would make certain treats. And read certain stories. I needed to believe that Charlie Brown’s Christmas Special would come on. And that my Mom would use it’s one-time-only-airing to bribe us all day long. And then we’d sit on the featherbed in front of the fire, and laugh when Lucy gets kissed by a Dog.

I understand the debate. I really do. I respect the parents who’ve decided to not bring Santa into their celebrations.
But…
He saved me.
In a different way than the baby Jesus saves us.

He gave me hope that the world I was facing with out a father….could still show me all the Strawberry Shortcake dolls magically under the tree. It wasn’t a material thing. It was a belief thing. Belief that the world was still as wonderful as it had been 4 months prior.

As I grew, I NEVER looked for our presents. My Mother told us exactly where they were being kept. We stayed AWAY. REALLY away. It taught us respect for her ability to give us gifts. And self control. And the anticipation………MY GOODNESS……..the anticipation. It’s a better rush then going off the top of a roller-coaster. Delightful.

There has never been “a time” where we had “that convo”. We’ve talked about it, sure. But it’s never been “we lied” or “he’s not real”. Because we BELIEVE. Honestly, I have enough reality. And I never want to be too old, or too realistic to believe that things can be magical.

And if you want to shoot me for this analogy…don’t…but I ask you to think about it.

Isnt’ teaching your kids to believe in the Baby Jesus (whom they’ve never seen, but holds such grace and love to share with them…) eerily similar to teaching them to believe that love, giving, kindness, and magic are real? That decision making skills are invaluable? And that surprises are what makes life the MOST special?

That Santa spirit…the spirit of love and giving…..it’s the exact same spirit that I believe in for that little baby.

So at our house we choose to believe.
In all of it.
And make it the most joyous celebration of giving and thinking and loving and laughter and song that we can possibly muster.

Our family philosophy is built from a line in The Santa Clause (which is WAAAYYYY high up on the “must watch” list at our house. I mean, the comment about “Where are you gonna get your sweaters when the Circus pulls outta town, Neal?” That’s frickin’ priceless right there!)

Anyway, it’s a conversation between Judy and Scott Calvin’s son. She is trying to get him to understand why he needs to keep his new knowledge about his dad’s new “job” to himself. Can you imagine? Just show Santa to everyone!! Problem solved.

I know Santa brings different things to the neighbor kids, or to cousins. So what? We talk to our kids about how Mom and Dad have to work together with Santa. And we’re honest with them about what they can expect. (it hasn’t stopped me from expecting a brand new digital piano under the tree since 1996 though. Just sayin;)

I’m pretty much obsessed with this line. I think it applies so well to The Santa “Question” It’s not unlike the religion questions. It all takes just a little faith. Doesn’t it? My faith is still solidly intact. My kids’ are. It’s fabulous to have something happy to look for.

Click on the arrow with a line under it…in the above window. Just press it, and the image file should download right to your computer! Easy Peezy!

You can then print the file anywhere you’d like. This file is sized at 16×20. It will not print optimally at a bigger size. (But you can print it at a smaller size if you’d like.)

As usual PLEASE follow the following rules for Less Cake {more frosting} printables:

LCMF prinatables are for PERSONAL USE only. You may not re-sell, re-distribute, or claim them as your own.
Please do not remove the watermark.
If posting on the internet, you MUST post a link back to this website.
Personalization, color changes, and other customizations are not available on freebie printables. They are offered “as-is”.

We just hung ours up over the fireplace. A reminder that you’d best be believin’ if you want Santa to leave more than coal.

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The Story of Reindeer Feed

Authored By: ellie g Author/Writer
December 9, 2011 --12:16 AM

Probably my FAVE thing about the holidays is the traditions that it brings. The music we MUST listen to. The movies we MUST watch. And mostly….the food we MUST make! I promise myself that I won’t go overboard, every year. But, sometimes it seems downright wrong to skip one of the traditional treats.

One thing we have to make every year is “Reindeer Feed.”

Some people call it “Muddy Buddies”. Or something else. But it’s “Reindeer Feed” at our house and it only comes out at Christmas.

A few years ago, I decided to define why we call it Reindeer Feed.
I’m not sure what possessed me. I think it was a church activity. Or a bought of sleeplessness. (I have brilliant ideas at about 4am!)

Each year, before we begin to make our yummy chocolate treats, we have to read the tale of “Reindeer Feed”. My kids love it! Mom and Dad love it! And the Scout Troop loved it too.

The best part is the cliffhanger…how come the reindeer won’t fly?

Making your own reindeer feed is super easy-peasy. You start off with

6oz. of Milk Chocolate chips
6oz. Semi-Sweet Chocolate chips
1 cup Peanut Butter

The recipe calls for either melting them all in the microwave or over a double boiler. I have to admit my laziness and say I never use a double boiler. Just really low heat, and constant stirring. It’s always worked well.

Once the mixture is completely melted and smooth, pour it over 1 whole box of Crispix cereal and stir. Some of the pieces will break. It’s not a big deal. But don’t over stir.

Now comes the fun part! (and the best part of the story too!!) Pour the cereal (still wet) into a large sack. Paper grocery sacks work great! Next, pour 2 cups of powdered sugar into the bag. Fold down the top of the bag.

AND GO TO TOWN!

The kids will love to shake up the “feed” until it is completely covered in powdered sugar.

Reindeer Feed makes a really awesome neighbor gift as well. And SO EASY!

It’s even more fun to have holiday traditions when you share them with others. I’m never against sharing our “sugar secrets” with others!

I’ve made these super fun printable recipe cards featuring one of Santa’s Reindeer. You can print them out for yourself, or share with friends!

Click on the arrow with a line under it…in the above window. Just press it, and the image file should download right to your computer! Easy Peezy!

You can then print the file anywhere you’d like. This file is sized at 8.5×11. It will not print optimally at a bigger size. (But you can print it at a smaller size if you’d like.)

As usual PLEASE follow the following rules for Less Cake {more frosting} printables:

LCMF prinatables are for PERSONAL USE only. You may not re-sell, re-distribute, or claim them as your own.
Please do not remove the watermark.
If posting on the internet, you MUST post a link back to this website.
Personalization, color changes, and other customizations are not available on freebie printables. They are offered “as-is”.

AND….

I would LOVE for your family to be able to share “The Story of Reindeer Feed” as well!

Announced Design is offering the story as a printable E-Book.

It is a 12 page fully illustrated story, with original artwork and illustrations. Also included are the recipe cards (without a watermark) and as a bonus you will also get the “WARNING: May Cause Flight in Reindeer” labels that are pictured above.

The book comes as a .pdf file. It can be printed on a home printer or taken to a professional printer as well. Ours is just printed at home, then we put it in a very thin binder and covered the pages with page protectors.

The E-Book is just $12. But until Christmas:

Less Cake {more frosting} readers can get a 20% discount by entering code

ILOVEFROSTING

at checkout

(that makes the book only $10)

THIS DISCOUNT WAS ONLY GOOD FOR 2011. IF YOU ARE VISITING FROM PINTEREST….WELCOME….BUT THIS DISCOUNT WAS ONLY FOR THE 2011 HOLIDAY SEASON. THANKS!

I have to be honest, I’m sitting here eating some chocolatey goodness right this second.
And it’s WAY too late to be eating chocolate.
I am not currently flying….however, I hold out hope that might still happen.

HAPPY EATING!

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The Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer….

Authored By: ellie g Author/Writer
December 7, 2011 --12:52 PM

You know how that one ends….don’t you?

Let’s say it together:

Is Singing Loud for All to Hear

If you can’t quote this line. Immediately head to a store. Buy Elf. And watch your holiday enjoyment soar to new levels.

I didn’t know it…but I’ve been living by the code of the Elves my whole life. I LOVE CHRISTMAS MUSIC! Like, love, adore, can’t wait for, listen to in July just for fun, etc.

If you’re one of those people who gets mad about Christmas music. This post might not be for you. Wait. Yes it it. This post is to state (with 100% accuracy) that everyone can find the spirit of the season in it’s music.

I’ve made it no secret that I love music. All the time. But there is just something about this music that is special. Music can move us, teach us stuff, mend a broken heart, or make it broke-ee-er (it’s a word), which sometimes feels cathartic and good. (anytime I need a good sob, I get out Collin Raye’s “Love, Me”. It brings the ugly cry out)

As kids we had so many Christmas tapes (yes, tapes) and CD’s that we’d have to start right after Thanksgiving to get to it all. And now….well….with iPods my collection has truly gotten nearly out of control.

This is a screen shot of my actual iTunes. If you look really closely at the bottom, it says it would take 2.6 days to listen to it all. That’s 54 hours (for you math majors).

I pride myself on the diversity of the collection. From symphonies, to country, and vocal powerhouses to people who don’t even celebrate Christmas. (yes, I’m talking to you Neil and Barbra. You two rock the Christmas music!)

On the 4th of July I shared my Patriotic Playlist for anyone who needed some ideas. But FOR REAL, I cannot share my Christmas lists. I have 3 of them. The biggest one has 540 songs in it. (told you….I’m not kidding on the gargantuan nature of this love!)

I will tell you that Kenny Rogers is the king of Christmas and “Once Upon a Christmas” from the Kenny & Dolly album is probably my favorite all time tune.

O Holy Night is my favorite traditional one. And I haven’t heard one that shakes me as much as Celine. But the Lea Michelle version from last years Glee Album is a close second.

Nothing sounds like Christmas without some Bing, and Burl. (what? I’m on a first name basis with all these dudes. We understand each other)

And I have to say, the years singing in choir with a full symphony and Handel’s Messiah. Well, those touched my soul. When not a lot of things were doing that at the time. I had a very strong feeling, as we sang the Hallelujah Chorus. I will never forget it.

For the past few weeks I’ve been preparing for a Christmas program that I’m performing in. I’m SUPER nervous. It’s been YEARS since I have done anything of this nature. I have to carry a whole evening with 8 songs and some chit-chat in between. EEK! What was I thinking? Anyway. I must say I HAVE enjoyed preparing. And it was SO hard to choose songs when I love so many. But I think I’m ready. The event is tonight. Cross your fingers for me.

But all of this brings me to one conclusion:

Holiday Music ROCKS!

If you’re a Holiday music junkie, I’d LOVE to hear some of your favorites. And if you’re a music Scrooge….challenge yourself to branch out. There is so much out there. There’s BOUND to be something that fits you.

Promise. It will make your holiday Merry and Bright!

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