The Greatest of all Days

Christmas Eve this year will be at home. Much of the holidays is timing; "Who goes where on what day"?

I will have two destinations for tomorrow, the 25th. While this is a major task with a lot of travel involved, it also affords me with one day that can match no other. Non-stop Christmas from morning till night. I sit here writing this evening with my mind buzzing with recollections from my past, and to what will transpire ... I am thankful to know that family members I have not seen in months will be in town.
My computer is by a large window, and it's warm, cozy, and calm. Very quiet! Outside the sun is setting over a frozen cap of snow on the neighbors roof, as the holiday lights flash with ever gaining intensity. My tree is glowing around the corner, and yes ... there are still tings to wrap!

I look at the snow globe above, and envision what is going on in the house, much as I wonder what great things may come to be as presents are opened, and smiles are exchanged. My idea is to return here to this post after the greatest of all days is over to reflect on all events that transpired, and to elaborate on the NEW memories I will carry with me for the rest of my days. I know they will be cherished.
Won't you return here as well, and give your own stories from Christmas 2008? It could be the day after celebrating, or even months down the road. Please leave a comment with your own thoughts and memories, so we call all share them here together.

May your holiday be safe, happy, and full of love.
God bless,
Speedcat Hollydale

Politically Correct Christmas

l. Do not call Santa's helpers elves. Such references are considered rude and ill-mannered ever since Mr. Claus was accused of exploiting the height impaired.

2. Do not call it X-mas. Members of the gene pool became irate that there was no Y-mas.

3. If you are a female, do not expect to sit on Santa's lap. He's just finished depositions in a sexual harassment lawsuit. Said Santa with a tear in his eye, "I only asked her to sit on my knee and tell me what she wanted for Christmas."

4. Christmas Eve is out. The term "Eve" carries an overwhelming gender connotation that might be disturbing to some. From now on it's just the night before Christmas, please.

5. The night before Christmas might have to be moved to a different date anyway. Animal rights protesters want the reindeer to have the night off. And Christmas Day. And aren't reindeer on the endangered species list?

6. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" has got to go.

7. And who named Bethlehem anyway? Beth?

8. Do not, under any circumstances, give dolls as gifts this year. They suggest a male-oriented fantasy that little girls could never up to grow into.

9. And avoid giving fruitcakes. They are clogging our landfills and you might get the Environmental Protection Agency after you.

10. Do not hang mistletoe. Unless you live alone.

11. Do not take your loved one to see any version of A Christmas Carol. The Department of Children and Family Services is said to be investigating how Tiny Tim ended up in such dire circumstances. Scrooge is also reportedly under investigation for money-laundering.

My Letter to Santa

Dear kind and loving Santa,

Thank you for taking time to read my wish list. I know if anyone can make these things happen, it will be you and your elves.

1. Rice and clean water for the people of the world who go to sleep hungry on Christmas Eve.

2. Vaccines that prevent diseases in Africa and Asia and South America so the children will be healthier and live longer.

3. More people to donate their time and money to charitable organizations, so they can experience the true meaning of Christmas.

4. Hugs. Everyone on Earth needs more hugs. (HUGS to you and your elves!)

5. Love. Help all the peoples of the world to feel and share love. Help hate to become extinct and love can take its place.

6. Faith. Give faith to those who have a dire need for it in their lives. You know who they are Santa.

7. Little gifts of happiness for all.

8. Generosity. Let the gift of generosity fill the hearts of those who lack this quality.

9. Fun. Give everyone some fun in their day.

10. Silliness. One of the best gifts is laughter and silliness. Help those who need laughter the most this Christmas Day.

11. Last but not least, smiles for every single person. :)

Christmas the Aussie Way

We celebrate Christmas a little different down here.
Whilst the Northern parts or the planet are covered in snow, through winter, we down here in Oz are sweating beside the pool, enjoy a BBQ, playing beach Cricket and generally having a great old time of it.

Even our Christmas Trees take on a whole new meaning.

then there is the food

but the piece of resistance would have to be our Christmas Cake
I tried this last year and although I cant remember making it, however it tasted great.

So to help you, here is a recipe for

VODKA AND RED BULL CHRISTMAS CAKE

INGREDIENTS

1 Cup Flour
1 Cup water
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
4 large eggs
1 Cup white sugar
1 Cup brown sugar
2 cups dried fruit
Lemon juice
Nuts
1 can of Red Bull
1 bottle of Vodka

METHOD

1. Sample the vodka to check the quality. (VERY IMPORTANT)

2. Take a large bowl, check the vodka again.

3. To be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup of vodka and mix with a little Red Bull and drink.

4. Repeat.

5. Turn on the electric mixer, beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.

6. Add one teaspoon of sugar. Beat again.

7. At this point it is best to make sure the vodka is still ok.

8. Flavour with Red Bull to taste.

9. Try another cup just in case, turn the mixerer off.

10. Break two leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in a cup of dried fruit.

11. Pick fruit off the floor.

12. Mix on the turner.

13. If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers, pry loose with a drewscriver.

14. Shample the vodka to check for tonsisticitiy, flavour with a little Bed Rull.

15. Next, ssifffft two cups of salt. Or something Who giveshz a shi*

16. Throw a pinch of Bed Rull over your shoulder.

17. Pick up the can, mop the floor.

18. Check the vodka (shee steps 3 and 4).

19. Now shift the lemon and strain your nuts.

20. Add one table.

21. Add a shpoon of shugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find.

22. Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over.

23. Don’t forget to beat off the turner.

24. Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the vodka and kick the dog.

25. Fall into bed.

Cherry Mistmas!