ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas

Here's this year's ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas schedule!

Monday, December 1

(4:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1979)
(5:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) ELF
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(12:00–1:00 AM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
(1:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1979)

Tuesday, December 2 

(4:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH AND FROSTY’S CHRISTMAS IN JULY
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) ELF
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) PRANCER

Wednesday, December 3

(5:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) PRANCER
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) A VERY BRADY CHRISTMAS

Thursday, December 4

(5:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEAR
(6:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) SNOW

Friday, December 5

(5:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL
(8:00–10:30 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
(10:30–11:30 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
(11:30 PM–2:00 AM ET/PT) – FRED CLAUS

Saturday, December 6

(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) A DENNIS THE MENACE CHRISTMAS
(11:00 AM–1:30 PM ET/PT) FRED CLAUS
(1:30-2:00 PM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLAND
(2:00-4:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
(4:00-6:30 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
(6:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) TOY STORY 3
(9:00-11:00 PM ET/PT) ARTHUR CHRISTMAS - Network Television Premiere!
(11:00 PM–1:00 AM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
(1:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1979)

Sunday, December 7

(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) A DENNIS THE MENACE CHRISTMAS
(9:00-9:30 AM ET/PT) THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
(9:30 AM–11:30 AM ET/PT) RUDOLPH AND FROSTY’S CHRISTMAS IN JULY
(11:30 AM–1:30 PM ET/PT) ARTHUR CHRISTMAS
(1:30-3:30PM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1998)
(3:30–5:30 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
(5:30–8:00 PM ET/PT) TOY STORY 3
(8:00–8:30 PM ET/PT) TOY STORY THAT TIME FORGOT – ABC FAMILY PREMIERE
(8:30–10:30 PM ET/PT) ELF
(10:30–11:00 PM ET/PT) TOY STORY THAT TIME FORGOT
(11:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS

Monday, December 8

(5:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) ELF
(8:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) THE FOSTERS – NEW HOLIDAY EPISODE!
(9:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) SWITCHED AT BIRTH – NEW HOLIDAY EPISODE!
(10:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
(12:00–1:00 AM ET/PT) THE FOSTERS
(1:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) SWITCHED AT BIRTH

Tuesday, December 9

(5:00–5:30 PM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLAND
(5:30–6:00 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) THE LITTLE MERMAID
(8:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) PRETTY LITTLE LIARS – NEW HOLIDAY EPISODE!
(9:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) CHASING LIFE - NEW HOLIDAY EPISODE!
(10:00-11:00 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEAR
(12:00–1:00 AM ET/PT) PRETTY LITTLE LIARS
(1:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) CHASING LIFE

Wednesday, December 10

(4:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) THE LITTLE MERMAID
(6:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
(7:00-7:30 PM ET/PT) BABY DADDY
(7:30–8:00 PM ET/PT) MELISSA & JOEY
(8:00–8:30 PM ET/PT) MELISSA & JOEY – NEW HOLIDAY EPISODE!
(8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) BABY DADDY – NEW HOLIDAY EPISODE!
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
(12:00–12:30 AM ET/PT) MELISSA & JOEY
(12:30–1:00 AM ET/PT) BABY DADDY

Thursday, December 11

(5:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1998)
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) SCROOGED
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) THE MISTLE-TONES

Friday, December 12

(4:30–5:30 PM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1979)
(5:30–7:30 PM ET/PT) SCROOGED
(7:30–9:30 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(9:30 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1994)
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) HOLIDAY IN HANDCUFFS

Saturday, December 13

(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) UNLIKELY ANGEL
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) THE MISTLE-TONES
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) HOME ALONE 3
(1:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) PRANCER
(3:00–5:30 PM ET/PT) MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1994)
(5:30–6:00 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
(10:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
(11:00–11:30 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL
(11:30 PM–2:00 AM ET/PT) FRED CLAUS

Sunday, December 14

(7:00–9:30 AM ET/PT) MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1994)
(9:30–11:30 AM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL
(11:30 AM–1:30 PM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1998)
(1:30–4:00 PM ET/PT) FRED CLAUS
(4:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
(6:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
(9:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

Monday, December 15

(4:30–7:00 PM ET/PT) WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
(7:00-7:30 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S PREP & LANDING
(7:30–8:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S PREP & LANDING: NAUGHTY VS. NICE
(8:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) SANTA BABY

Tuesday, December 16

(2:00–4:30 PM ET/PT) WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
(4:30-6:30 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH AND FROSTY’S CHRISTMAS IN JULY
(6:30–8:30 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
(8:30–11:00 PM ET/PT) HOME ALONE
(12:00-2:00 AM ET/PT) SANTA BABY 2: CHRISTMAS MAYBE

Wednesday, December 17

(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) HOLIDAZE
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) SANTA BABY
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA BABY 2: CHRISTMAS MAYBE
(1:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL
(3:00–4:30 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S TWICE UPON A CHRISTMAS
(4:30–5:30 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
(5:30–6:30 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
(6:30–9:00 PM ET/PT) HOME ALONE
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) CHRISTMAS CUPID

Thursday, December 18

(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) CHRISTMAS CUPID
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) UNLIKELY ANGEL
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) 12 DATES OF CHRISTMAS
(1:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) HOLIDAY IN HANDCUFFS
(3:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) PRANCER
(5:00–6:30 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS
(6:30–8:30 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(8:30–11:00 PM ET/PT) FRED CLAUS
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) HOLIDAY IN HANDCUFFS

Friday, December 19

(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) DESPERATELY SEEKING SANTA
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) UNACCOMPANIED MINORS
(11:00–11:30 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL
(11:30 AM–1:30 PM ET/PT) PRANCER
(1:30–3:30 PM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1998)
(3:30–6:00 PM ET/PT) FRED CLAUS
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) HOME ALONE
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) ELF
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) SCROOGED

Saturday, December 20

(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) THE DOG WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS VACATION
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) SANTA BUDDIES: THE LEGEND OF SANTA PAWS
(11:00 AM–12:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
(12:00–2:00 PM ET/PT) ARTHUR CHRISTMAS
(2:00–4:00 PM ET/PT) HOME ALONE
(4:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) ELF
(8:00–10:30 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
(10:30 PM–1:00 AM ET/PT) HOME ALONE
(1:00-2:00 AM ET/PT) A MISER BROTHERS’ CHRISTMAS

Sunday, December 21

(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) SANTA BUDDIES: THE LEGEND OF SANTA PAWS
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) ARTHUR CHRISTMAS
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) RICHIE RICH’S CHRISTMAS WISH
(1:00-1:30 PM ET/PT) THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
(1:30-2:00 PM ET/PT) NESTOR, THE LONG EARED CHRISTMAS DONKEY
(2:00-3:00 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEAR
(3:00–4:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
(4:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
(5:00–7:30 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
(7:30–10:00 PM ET/PT) HOME ALONE
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS

Monday, December 22

(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) RICHIE RICH’S CHRISTMAS WISH
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) A DENNIS THE MENACE CHRISTMAS
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) UNLIKELY ANGEL
(1:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) SNOWGLOBE
(3:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) THE MISTLE-TONES
(5:00–5:30 PM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLAND
(5:30-6:30 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEAR
(6:30–7:30 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
(7:30–8:30 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
(8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) TOY STORY THAT TIME FORGOT
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(12:00-2:00 AM ET/PT) RUDOLPH AND FROSTY’S CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Tuesday, December 23

(7:00–8:30 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS
(8:30–10:30 AM ET/PT) CHRISTMAS CUPID
(10:30 AM–12:30 PM ET/PT) SANTA BABY
(12:30–2:30 PM ET/PT) SANTA BABY 2: CHRISTMAS MAYBE
(2:30–4:30 PM ET/PT) HOLIDAY IN HANDCUFFS
(4:30–6:30 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(6:30-7:00 PM ET/PT) TOY STORY THAT TIME FORGOT
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) HOME ALONE
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) ARTHUR CHRISTMAS

Wednesday, December 24

(7:00-7:30 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL
(7:30–9:30 AM ET/PT) ARTHUR CHRISTMAS
(11:00 AM-1:00 PM) SNOW
(1:00 PM-3:00 PM ET/PT) JACK FROST
(3:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
(5:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) HOME ALONE
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) ELF
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) SCROOGED

Thursday, December 25

(7:00–7:30 AM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLAND
(7:30–8:00 AM ET/PT) THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
(8:00–8:30 AM ET/PT) NESTOR, THE LONG EARED CHRISTMAS DONKEY
(8:30–9:00 AM ET/PT) ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
(9:00–9:30 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) HOME ALONE
(1:00-2:00 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEAR
(2:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN (3:00–4:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
(4:00–4:30 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S PREP & LANDING
(4:30–5:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’ S PREP & LANDING: NAUGHTY VS. NICE
(5:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) ELF
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) HOME ALONE
(12:00 AM–2:00 AM ET/PT) HOME ALONE 3

30 Days of Thankful (Day 30)

My 30 days of Thankful

Day 30

I am thankful that it is the end of the month.. the end of the week... the end of the school quarter.
One more month to the end of this year as well!
Good bye November and hello to December. I can't wait til my birthday.  Even though nothing huge is planned, I am still looking forward to it. Shocking considering I'm thirty.. ::mumbles:: and some more this year.
I love that Christmas music is everywhere. My wonderful husband will even sing various holiday carols on demand.
Christmas is just around the corner.   With 5 kids that morning is always so fun and exciting. Paper flying everywhere.. screams and shouts of joy. All the new stuff to play with. They are going to lose it when they see what my parents got them for Christmas.  ::whispers::  It's a Nabi 2 for each kid. 

The pressure to hit our achievement goals in school lets off. With 37 % needed in all subject by today.  With 5 kids illness circles the house like carrion scavengers taking one family member down after another.  We sometimes fall behind on lessons, but our school is very understanding. (it's never more than a day or two)

Live Reindeer cam

Your kids can watch Santa feed his reindeer at 11 AM 6 PM and 9 PM EST starting today! Visit the live feed at ~> Live Reindeer Cam   The live feed it always on but you wont want to miss their special visits from Santa.  I can't wait to see my kids' faces when they spot Santa feeding his reindeer.  Santa will be feeding his reindeer everyday from November 16th to December 24th.  You have plenty of time to catch him. There is also a Reindeer Cam App to watch the reindeer on the go.  Visit the Live Reindeer Cam website for more information.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from the Nutty Bunch. 

I am very grateful for the experiences of the past year and we are looking forward to the coming new year.  May everyone have a safe and joyful holiday season.  Thank you for my loving supportive family, great friends wonderful readers and awesome customers.

• Geseende Kerfees en 'n gelukkige nuwe jaar (Merry Christmas in Afrikaans)
• Gzuar Krishlindjet Vitin e Ri! (Merry Christmas in Albanian)
• Gozhqq Keshmish (Merry Christmas in Apache)
• I'D Miilad Said ous Sana Saida (Merry Christmas in Arabic)
• Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand (Merry Christmas in Armenian)
• Zorionak eta Urte Berri On! (Merry Christmas in Basque)
• Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok (Merry Christmas in Czech)
• Vasel Koleda; Tchestita nova godina! (Merry Christmas in Bulgarian)
• Seng Dan Fai Lok, Sang Nian Fai Lok (Merry Christmas in Cantonese)
• Danistayohihv & Aliheli'sdi Itse Udetiyvsadisv (Merry Christmas in Cherokee)
• Naadelik looan na looan blethen noweth (Merry Christmas in Cornish Gaelic)
• Bon Natale e Bon capu d' annu (Merry Christmas in Corsican)
• Sretan Božic (Merry Christmas in Croatian)
• Gldelig Jul og godt nytr (Merry Christmas in Danish)
• Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar! ('Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year' in Dutch)
• Colo sana wintom tiebeen (Merry Christmas in Egyptian)
• Gajan Kristnaskon & Bonan Novjaron (Merry Christmas in Esperanto)
• Rmsaid Juluphi Head uut aastat (Merry Christmas in Estonian)
• Sal-e no mubarak (Merry Christmas in Farsi)
• Me Nomuni na marau ni siga ni sucu dei na yabaki vou (Merry Christmas in Fijian)
• Hyv Joulua or Hauskaa Joulua (Merry Christmas in Finnish)
• Zalig Kerstfeest en Gelukkig nieuw jaar (Merry Christmas in Flemish)
• Joyeux Noel et Bonne Anne! ('Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in French)
• Gilotsavt Krist'es Shobas & Gilosavt akhal ts'els (Merry Christmas in Georgian)
• Frohe Weihnachten und ein glückliches Neues Jahr! (Merry Christmas in German)
• Kala Christougenna Kieftihismenos O Kenourios Chronos (Merry Christmas in Greek)
• Mele Kalikimaka & Hauoli Makahiki Hou (Merry Christmas in Hawaiian)
• Mo'adim Lesimkha. Shanah Tova (Merry Christmas in Hebrew)
• Shubh Naya Baras (Merry Christmas in Hindi)
• Boldog Karácsonyi Ünnepeket & Boldog Új Évet! (Merry Christmas in Hungarian)
• Gleileg Jl og Farsaelt Komandi r! (Merry Christmas in Icelandic)
• Selamat Hari Natal & Selamat Tahun Baru (Merry Christmas in Indonesian)
• Nollaig Shona Dhuit (Merry Christmas in Irish Gaelic)
• Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo (Merry Christmas in Italian)
• Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto (Merry Christmas in Japanese)
• Sung Tan Chuk Ha (Merry Christmas in Korean)
• Seva piroz sahibe u sersala te piroz be (Merry Christmas in Kurdish)
• Pax hominibus bonae voluntatis (Merry Christmas in Latin)
• Prieci'gus Ziemsve'tkus un Laimi'gu Jauno Gadu! (Merry Christmas in Latvian)
• Linksmu Kaledu ir laimingu Nauju metu (Merry Christmas in Lithuanian)
• Streken Bozhik (Merry Christmas in Macedonian)
• Selamat Hari Natal (Merry Christmas in Malayan)
• Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan (Merry Christmas in Mandarin)
• Zul saryn bolon shine ony mend devshuulye (Merry Christmas in Mongolian)
• Krist Yesu Ko Shuva Janma Utsav Ko Upalaxhma Hardik Shuva & Naya Barsa Ko harkik Shuvakamana (Merry Christmas in Nepali)
• Eg ynskjer hermed Dykk alle einGod Jul og Godt Nyttr (Merry Christmas in Norweigan)
• Wesolych Swiat i Szczesliwego Nowego Roku (Merry Christmas in Polish)
• Boas Festas e um feliz Ano Novo (Merry Christmas in Portuguese)
• Nave sal di mubaraka (Merry Christmas in Punjabi)
• Craciun fericit si un An Nou fericit! (Merry Christmas in Romanian)
• Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva i s Novim Godom (Merry Christmas in Russian)
• La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou (Merry Christmas in Samoan)
• Bonu nadale e prosperu annu nou (Merry Christmas in Sardinian)
• Nollaig chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ur! (Merry Christmas in Scotish Gaelic)
• Sretam Bozic. Vesela Nova Godina (Merry Christmas in Serbian)
• Bon Natali e Prosperu Annu Novu (Merry Christmas in Sicilian)
• Wjesole hody a strowe Nowe leto (Merry Christmas in Serbian)
• Ciid wanaagsan iyo sanad cusub oo fiican (Merry Christmas in Somali)
• Vesele Vianoce a stastny novy rok (Merry Christmas in Slovakian)
• Vesele bozicne praznike in srecno novo leto (Merry Christmas in Slovenian)
• Feliz Navidad (Merry Christmas in Spanish)
• Wilujeng Natal Sareng Warsa Enggal (Merry Christmas in Sudanese)
• Krismas Njema Na Heri Za Mwaka Mpya (Merry Christmas in Swahili)
• God Jul och Gott Nytt r (Merry Christmas in Swedish)
• Ia ora i te Noera & Ia orana i te matahiti 'ap (Merry Christmas in Tahitian)
• Suksan Wan Christmas lae Sawadee Pee Mai (Merry Christmas in Thai)
• Kristo abe anduwe muciindo ca Christmas (Merry Christmas in Tongan)
• Noeliniz ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun (Merry Christmas in Turkish)
• Veseloho Vam Rizdva i Shchastlyvoho Novoho Roku! (Merry Christmas in Ukrainian)
• Chuc Mung Giang Sinh - Chuc Mung Tan Nien (Merry Christmas in Vietnamese)
• Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda (Merry Christmas in Welsh)
• Gute Vaynakhtn un a Gut Nay Yor (Merry Christmas in Yiddish)
• Sinifesela Ukhisimusi Omuhle Nonyaka Omusha Onempumelelo (Merry Christmas in Zulu)

I Caught Santa

Every year it feels like a battle to keep my kid's believing in the wonder and magic that is Santa.  We've had our whole tree on Christmas morning appear covered in candy canes with a letter from Santa.  Had "snowy" boot prints left on our carpet.  The traditional cookies, milk and carrots left out for Santa and his reindeer.  Every year it's a new battle against the party poopers that try to ruin the magic of the season for my gullible sweet kids.

This year there is a new trick in my arsenal.  My very own photo of Santa caught delivering presents. Can you imagine the look on your child's face when they see your proof that Santa really was delivering presents to their house?

 There is still time to get your custom Santa photo from iCaughtSanta.com You can do this all the way up til Christmas Eve!!  I can't wait to see the looks of amazement on my kid's faces when they see the photo of Santa caught delivering presents to our house.  This website is another great holiday addition to my family's traditions.

It's very easy to create your own memorable keepsake photo.  With only 3 simple steps.  Upload your holiday picture, add Santa Claus and print it as proof.  You can also share via Facebook and Twitter.   eGift certificates and gift cards are available to purchase as well.  Send the gift of Santa with iCaughtSanta.com

Use this code SANTA50 and receive 50% off your order!!
That's an awesome deal.  Go to iCaughtSanta.com now to make your own Christmas memory.

Choose from one of many Santa poses to make your picture perfect.  Each year you can catch him in a different pose. Making it fresh and fun for years to come.

Happy Hanukkah

Today is the first day of Hanukkah.  The celebration begins at sunset on the 20th and ends at sunset on the 28th..  It is also called the Festival of Lights.  Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of the single vessel of oil that burned for 8 days.  As a child I never understood the significance of this.  I believe it is because I never knew the story behind the Festival of Lights.

This is the history of Hanukkah. Around 200 B.C., Judea was under control of the Syrian King, Antiochus III, who allowed the Jews to continue to practice their religion.  His son, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, was not as kind and outlawed the religion, ordering the Jews to worship his Greek gods.  The people revolted.  Epiphanes' soldiers massacred thousands of people and then defiled the city's holy Second Temple with sacrificing pigs and worshiping foreign gods. A large-scale rebellion led by a Jewish priest Mattathais and his five sons eventually led to the Jewish people retaking their land from Syrian-Greek soldiers.  It was 2 years after Matthathias' death that his son, Judah, successfully drove the Syrians out of Jerusalem.  Judah then called on his followers to cleanse the Second Temple, rebuild the altar and light it's menorah.  The menorah was the golden candelabrum with seven branches to represent knowledge and creation.  It was meant to be kept burning every night.

The Hanukkah Miracle

  The Jews who were taking part of the re-dedication of the Second Temple witnessed a miracle.  They only had enough untainted olive oil to keep the menorah's candles burning for a single day, but the flames continued to burn for eight nights. This gave them time to find a fresh supply.  This event inspired Jewish sages to proclaim a yearly eight-day festival.

The story of Hanukkah is not in the Torah because the events that inspired the holiday took place after it was written.  It is mentioned in the New Testament, that Jesus attends a "Feast of Dedication"

Traditional Symbolic Foods of Hanukkah

Latkes are symbolic of the cheesecakes served by Judith to the Syrian General before she cut off his head.

Loukoumades are deep-fried puffs dipped in honey to represent the cakes the fighters ate as they hurried off to battle.

Many of the foods are fried as a reminder of the miraculous oil. Now that is a holiday tradition my husband would love.

There are other interpretations to this story, but this is my favorite.  I am not of Jewish faith or decent but that does not stop me from learning about their beliefs.  To better understand a person you must understand their beliefs.

No matter the holiday your celebrate this season, I hope it is filled with family, love and friendship.

Thank you to all our Troops!

Today we honor all those military that were lost at Pearl Harbor 70 years ago, as well as the ones that continued the fight in the midst of all that destruction in paradise.
I remember singing "God Bless the USA" with Lee Greenwood when I was in Elementary school.  It filled me with such great pride to be an American.  Even with how the majority of the world views Americans in a negative light, many would still give everything to be a citizen. many have given all.

Now that I am an adult, I understand more than ever how much our troops sacrificed to defend our nation and it's liberties.  Since 1775 more than 1.3 million troops have died to protect our freedoms.

Twas the night before Christmas, and he lived in a crowd, 

In a 40 man tent, with warriors so loud.

 I had come into the tent with presents to give, 

And to see just who in this rack did live. 

I looked all about, and a strange sight I did see, 

No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. 

No stockings were hung, just boots close at hand, 

On the locker hung pictures of far distant lands....... 

He had medals and badges and awards of all kind, 

And a sobering thought came into my mind. 

For this place was different, it was so dark and dreary, 

I had found the home of a Soldier, this I could see clearly. 

The Soldier lay sleeping, silent and alone, 

Curled up in his rack, dreaming of home. 

The face was so gentle, the barracks in such good order,

 But not how I pictured a United States Soldier. 

Was this the hero whom I saw on TV? 

Defending his country so we all could be free? 

I realized the families that I've seen this night, 

Owed their lives to these Soldiers who were willing to fight. 

Soon round the world, the children would play, 

And grownups would celebrate a new Christmas Day. 

They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year, 

Because of the Soldiers, like the one lying here. 

I couldn't help but wonder how many lay alone, 

On a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home. 

The very thought brought a tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees and started to cry. 

The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, 

"Santa, don't cry, for this life is my choice."

 "Defend my country this day, the peace do I keep." 

The soldier then rolled over and drifted to sleep, 

I couldn't control it, I continued to weep. 

I kept watch for hours so silent, so still, 

And we both shivered from the night's cold chill. 

I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night, 

This guardian of honor so willing to fight. 

Then the Soldier rolled over and with a voice soft and pure, Whispered, 

"Carry on Santa, it's Christmas ... All is Secure.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I love the first day of December.  Every year I get a sudden desire to bake cookies and watch Hallmark movies. Sorry, hubby, for the 20 movies on the DVR at the moment. I promise I will watch them..eventually. 

This year some of the cookies we will be baking are The Ultimate Peanut Butter Chocolate chip cookies, Italian Pastry Cookies recipe from Hubby's Grandma the Sweetest Grandma in the world ,and Snickerdoodle Cookies.

We put our Christmas Tree up last night. It's an artificial tree. it was time we upgraded from our 2ft tree.  The kid's are so excited to decorate the tree as a family this weekend.  Make it a day of holiday fun. Time to browse pinterest for a fun crafts.  We will bake cookies and more mini pies with the kids. Make popcorn and watch holiday movies together.

During our holiday festivities this year, I will miss having a fireplace the most.  We have only had a gas fireplace so it was to pretty to look at more than for practical use.  A real wood burning fireplace is a requirement for my dream home.  It's just not Christmas without burning something.  Maybe we can get a fire pit for the back yard.  Make Smores over an open fire and drink hot cocoa.

I love the holidays because my husband loves to sing Carols.  He sings and really brings out the festive mood in the house.  I leave the singing to him to keep the festive mood from souring. It reminds me of the day many years ago when we had just finished decorating our tree.  Lauryn 3 at the time grabs our hands and starts singing o Christmas Tree over and over and over.  It was really cute how much she loved that tree we had decorated with our safety ornaments. White yarn puffballs on a loop.  It looked like our Christmas tree was waiting for a snowball fight.

Escape the winter chill with Blizzard.
Warm cream blends to black in a sophisticated ombre
as enchanting snowflakes fall upon the base and scalloped dish.
Elegant and chic, Blizzard is the perfect holiday ornament.

Today was also the first day that the beautiful Blizzard warmer is on sale.  I want one for my birthday. I have to have a reason or hubby starts calling me the crazy warmer lady. It's on sale for the month of December too.   I love the snowflake details on this warmer are beautiful, between cut-outs and the etchings.  The warm glow emitted from this warmer adds to it's wonderful appearance.

Paired with it's delightful Scent of the month Comfort & Joy. Comfort & Joy is a scent blend of spicy, familiar woods married with surprising white florals, pure citrus, and just a nibble of gingerbread for a winter fragrance that’s anything but ordinary.  I have been warming this in my house for a few weeks with my special preview kit I get as a consultant.

Shop Small Saturday

With all the craziness of Black Friday finished with at all the big store it's time for Shop Small Saturday.  What's that you ask?  It's when you the consumer choose to purchase from you local small businesses.

Some of my Favorite Small Businesses are:
Utopian Scents For All you Scentsy needs buy from me to keep this mom a SAHM.
Lynn & Lola For Leggings and adorable Diaper covers.
Monster Fluff Diapers She makes the most adorable Cloth diapers and even makes customs.
Bella Lilah Creations For bows, crochet hats and tutu's.
Elisa's Scrumptious Treats For all the delicious and adorable chocolate treats.
Havenwood Goodies For delicious homemade sweet breads, pepper jellies and marmalades.

Remember today to Shop Small and support small businesses. If they are local to you or across the country, small businesses fuel the economy and invigorate communities.  Do your part! If thousands of us make small purchases, it will make a big difference to all.

Christmas Already?

The season of craziness begins earlier every year. It was only a few days before Halloween and my local stores were already stocking their shelves for Christmas. On the day of Halloween I ran out to grab some more candy to find the store taking all Halloween items off the shelves before it was even noon. Couldn't they at least wait a few more hours and then trick or treating would be in full swing? Maybe they get some sick joy watching people frantically trying to make last purchases as they whisk all the remaining Halloween stuff into mystery carts full of random items. With them ripping down the displays so early it just added to the already hectic feeling inside the store. Every year they clear those shelves earlier and earlier.

I'm not knocking starting early with you Christmas shopping, but I don't want to see fake Christmas tree's before we even get out of October. I started my christmas shopping months ago. Nothing crazy just one or two presents that I would come across in my usual shopping. I'd have no issue if they had started with stuff like wrapping paper and gifting stuff, but I still don't see any of those useful items. Instead they have christmas tree's and stockings.

Maybe I am more sensitive about this because I have a December birthday and we don't decorate for Christmas til the beginning of December or even the start of the 12 days of Christmas countdown.

Before we know it they will be going directly from school supplies to Christmas displays. Have we even given Santa a chance to check his list once let alone twice before we are having the season shoved down our throats?

When do you decorate for Christmas? How about Christmas shopping, have you not began yet or are you already finished? Are you like me and vow every year to start early and you make a point to get a few presents early but you finish most your shopping in the last month?

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