And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were so afraid. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill toward men.”
Happy Birthday, Jesus!
It’s the week of the best holiday of the year.
Glory to God in the highest!
Why does December always seem to fly by so fast? There is always so much to see and do, but it always feels so rushed. We just went from December 1 to December 18 in like, two days. How is this possible!?
With our family, a lot of our Christmas get-togethers aren’t until January, so that really spreads it out for us. But this time of year, is always so special and magical. It just makes me sad to see it end — especially all the beautiful lights, music, and Candy Cane Lane. I hope a lot of you got to go over and see it and have fun doing the scavenger hunt. I enjoy doing it each year for you!
My gift to you this year is blessing you with this story of me on Candy Cane Lane a few years ago. It cracks me up every time I think about it. Every year we walk up, my kids and hubby (even me) point to the exact spot where it happened, and we all laugh.
We always walk up on the left side and walk down on the right. It had snowed a lot that year, and everything was covered with snow, which made it look so beautiful. There is nothing more beautiful than Christmas lights covered in glittery snow. I’m infatuated!
My husband and I strolled hand in hand through Santa’s workshop area while the kids walked ahead, checking everything out, their breath making little clouds in the cold air. Fresh snow had fallen earlier, giving everything a picture-perfect Christmas-card quality. I was feeling downright festive!!
Halfway down the right side, we approached the two homes that look almost alike but there is so much to see in both yards. Colored lights cascaded over every surface, and their front yards featured this gorgeous bank covered in lights and decorations. I was locked on the lights twinkling under the snow, and that’s when things went sideways. Literally.
My foot caught on one of those uneven sidewalk slabs. Ya know, the ones where winter has pushed them up just enough to create a booby trap. Instead of falling forward like a normal person, I somehow defied physics and went completely sideways, like I’d stepped on a banana peel from a cartoon. And where did I land? Right on that beautiful, light-covered bank. *enter head smack here*
There I was, sprawled out in someone’s Christmas display like a life-sized chubby snow angel gone wrong, arms and legs just sprawled out in every direction. I was legit stuck and trying to get momentum to get my fat butt out of this predicament before more people could see me just lying there. Immediately, I thought of that scene from “A Christmas Story” where Ralphie’s little brother is so bundled up in his snowsuit that he falls over and just… lies there. “I can’t get up!” he wails, flailing like a turtle on its back.
That was me. Except I was 40 years old, wedging myself into someone’s landscaping, taking out a strand of lights in the process!
I tried to roll. I tried to sit up. My winter coat had other ideas! My hubby rushed over, trying not to laugh, while my kids stood there giggling so hard they could barely breathe. They were concerned, but I was cracking up at myself, so they were too.
My hubby helped me up as I brushed snow off my coat. I tried to straighten a string of lights I’d definitely displaced, and checked to make sure no lawn ornaments had met their demise. The house was still intact. My dignity? Not so much. Leave it to Andrea.
We continued our walk, but not before I turned back to admire the scene of the crime. That bank really was beautifully decorated. I’d just given it an unexpected focal point: ME. I giggled that you could see exactly where my body lay on the bank. I wonder if anyone walked by later and thought, “Some sap must have taken a fall here!” Haha!!
The thing is, we’re still laughing about it. Every time we drive past Candy Cane Lane now, someone brings it up. “Remember when Mom took out those Christmas lights?” (I do pay attention to that uneven sidewalk now because I know right where it is!)
So if you visit Candy Cane Lane this season and see a particularly well-decorated bank on the right side of the street, just know that I’ve already quality-tested it for you. Five stars. Very soft landing. Would fall again.
Merry Christmas, everyone!! And hey, watch your step.
Homemade Egg Nog
This is one of the most scrumptious Egg Nog recipes I have ever tasted.
(Does contain raw egg! Hey, I’m still here and have made it for years.)
Ingredients:
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon or three cinnamon sticks
• 1 vanilla bean pod, split and seeds removed
• 1 tsp nutmeg, plus more for garnish
• 5 eggs, separated
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
Directions:
In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, cinnamon, vanilla bean, vanilla seeds, and nutmeg. Bring to the boil over a medium heat. Once boiling, remove from the heat and allow to steep. (Steep meaning let the cinnamon sticks and vanilla bean pod infuse in the milk.)
In a large bowl or a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks and sugar until combined and until thick ribbons form when the whisk is lifted. Slowly whisk in the cooled milk, then continue whisking until the mixture is combined and smooth. (Don’t forget to take out your vanilla pod and cinnamon sticks!) Refrigerate overnight or for up to 3 days. Serve and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
