Holiday Haze
Posted by Candace Havens in Candace Havens, tags: Books, food, Fun, holidays
I want to live at the North Pole with Santa Claus. I have this idea that everything is perfect there. They most definitely have a white Christmas. There’s always enough hot chocolate to go around, and there are lots of elves to help with everything from toy making to house cleaning.
I could use a few good elves. I need an elf to help me promote my upcoming Blaze, “Take Me If You Dare.” I need an elf to finish my annotated bibliography for a school project. I need an elf to do my holiday shopping and write those holiday cards. I need an elf to write these three proposals for new book projects that I promised before the first of the year. One of those pointy-shoe folks to do the cooking and the cleaning. One to write all my TV and movie columns over the holiday would be nice. And those are only the first few things on my list for December.
My children will tell you I’m short enough to make a perfectly good elf, and quite honestly if I could clone myself I would. What I’ve learned over the years is that when it comes to holidays, you do what you can. I try to get done the things that make me and my family happy, and the ones that pay the bills.
That means I may not send out those holiday cards, but I will provide a lovely buffet meal on Christmas Eve for family and friends. I will most likely do the majority of my shopping online, though at least one day I’ll stop by the mall to enjoy the decorations and to get that feeling of the holiday bustle. 
I’m determined that I will make time to do the things I enjoy. That might mean working some late nights the first part of the season, but that is a sacrifice I’m willing to make. I will DVR my favorite holiday programming, Rudolph, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, A Charlie Brown Christmas, to watch while I’m wrapping presents. Ugh. I’m so bad at wrapping presents. I can’t tell you how many times someone has said, “Oh, how sweet, you let your kids do the wrapping.” I’m not kidding. I know they make those beautiful bags you can just slide stuff in, but I like watching people rip open that paper. We’ve already decorated for the most part. By we’ve, I mean my husband set up the tree, and I did everything else.
This year we are traveling for Christmas Day, which means even more to do. But it’s okay. We’ll have Christmas Eve here, as we have since the kids were tiny. None of it matters as long as we are together. My kids are older and I know there will come a time in the future when I will have to share them, but for now I’m holding on as tight as I can. The best part of the holiday for me is when we are sitting around on Christmas Eve singing carols. The kids grump and complain, but the one year we didn’t get to do it because of a family illness, they were depressed.
Normally, Christmas isn’t about the gifts for me, but I’ve been very lucky in that department the last couple of years. This year all I want is for us to be happy, healthy and together. Though, um, I will be purchasing all those December Blazes for myself.
So I want to hear about your plans for the holidays. I’d love to hear about some of your holiday traditions, food or fun stories from the past. Is there a gift you want for this Christmas? Don’t be shy! If you don’t celebrate Christmas, tell us about your holiday traditions too. I’m always curious.
Santa, if you’re reading this. I’ve been very good this year, except for that one time, and um… You know what? Never mind.
Happy Holidays Ya’ll
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We have a tradition of going over to my mother’s house on Christmas Eve and letting the kids open presents from grandma and grandpa. Then, when we get home they put on their new Christmas pj’s and go to bed. In the morning, their stocking is laying on their bed and they can look inside them…this gives me a few more minutes of piece and sleep – LOL!!! Then we all gather round the tree…when the mayhem dies down…a big Christmas breakfast is in order!!!
I love kids in their Christmas pajamas. I buy my boys a new set of pj pants and a t-shirt every Christmas. I try to find ones that are funny.
I like you could use some elves! Just never enough time in the day to get it all done. As for traditions, we have a few. On Christmas eve we do my Cuban Christmas, which mean I cook pork,(growing up in a big Cuban family we used to get the whole pig every year. My brother and I would fight over who got to put the apple in the things mouth, lol!)white rice, black beans, yuca, and of course mashed potatos(for my white boy husband, lol!). Then of Christmas day we get up and do presents which of course is crazy. Then I cook Christmas dinner. Ham and all the fixings. We also have some traditions for New Years. Everyone get 12 grapes for good luck, one for each month of the year. But we cant eat them till the ball drops, no matter how much my kids want too, lol!
I’ve never heard of the 12 grapes. That’s so fun. And if you have Cuban food for the holidays, I’m coming to your house.
I will be alone this Christmas season…. But actually, its okay Im sort of getting used to just me and the dog. Peaceful. Quiet. She is much better company than my ex.
She is a beautiful 95 pound German Shepherd that, is unfortunately having problems walking as of late. No, not dysplasia, they think she actually has managed a herniated disc. So if I were going to ask for something from Santa, it might be, her to be able to run and play like she used to. But, maybe that is a request better aimed at God? Not to be all depressing. I am SURE I will spend the actual Christmas Day with my parents, like I always have. On the bright side, the things I am most looking forward to do have to do with tradition. My family is of Hungarian and Slovak origin, and much of those traditions have to do with some very fattening food 
I have a pile of 1930’s and older christmas cookie recipes that we make every year, not to mention things like Haluski ( a potato cheese and dill type dumpling) and stuffed cabbage, and maybe we will even make some of the sour cream and green bean soup that my grandfather loved. The holidays, we tend to do things that remind us of those we have lost. I cook to honor my grandmother. Heck, I even wear her old apron, that she made, and hand crocheted the trim on. Its so old and thin that it gets worn about twice a year. And usually only long enough to hug it between mom and I. Christmas is a time that reminds me of what is most important. And that is the people ( even the furry ones) that we love. Now. if you have Santas ear… you might tell him I would absolutely LOVE a late model Mustang… doesnt even have to be new… id be thrilled with a nice little RED 2005 Model. ok? 
( well hey you did say dont be shy!!) 
Oh, those cookie recipes and the Haluski sound delicious!
I will be happy to e mail you how to make haluski, (although i almost think it needs photos) but my favorite cookie recipe is called ” gina lolobrigida’s holiday wreath cookies… and they have toasted pistachios on the outside… you should smell the house when they’re baking!!!
Wow those cookies sound amazing!
The secret to beautiful packages is NOT in the skill of the wrapping but in the brilliance of using wide wired ribbon that is sparkly and gorgeous. You can do a simple shoe-lace bow with pretty wired ribbon and people will stare in awe.
Seriously!
The other thing I do is wrap each persons packages in their own special paper and theme. No name tags. One less thing to do.
Happy Holidays and may all your packages be beautiful.
Nancy, I will be buying some of that sparkly ribbon this year! Thanks for the tips!
Oh, and my email is candacehavensbooks@gmail.com
We do the paper for each kid too. Sometimes the kids figure out which paper is theirs just by what kind it is but last year I made it tricky for them. It is so much easier, especially when they couldn’t read. Now as they are getting older and each can spell their names I think we’ll keep it up but adjust the paper. I might even do it with my husband’s gifts but I love putting funny things on the From: on the tag.
I started setting up items to record on my DVR last night, ABC’s 25 days of Christmas has started!! Yippee!
Candace, when you are done with the elves could you send them to me I sure could use some help about now myself.
You guys, that paper idea is a great one. Amanda I’ll send them your way.
I’m with you on the wanting/needing elves! I don’t think I could handle all that snow and cold though. I’m sitting here in VA freezing at my desk as it is. One of those finger numbing days which makes it hell on typing!
Traditions: Christmas Eve is spent at the inlaw having their traditional dinner or just appetizers, it depends on my MIL’s efforts. And, present opening mostly for the little guy and his reactions. Christmas day is at our house with my family, all 10 of us. The day starts out at 10am with the descent and breakfast – uncle makes mimosas (in a large crystal pitcher), lox and cream cheese, poached eggs, fruit galore and the very best breakfast quiche that we all fight over. I could eat the whole thing on my own. Then presents (takes hours) with all of us, one of the cousins or my uncle hands out the presents. Great Grama tends to fall asleep on and off. Dinner is a production and has for years been lobster tails, filet mignon, double stuffed baked potatoes and more. And yes, it is way over the top, but it’s once a year and we all do so look forward to it
My husband is still amazed after 16 years together that my family doesn’t fight at these events. Only good natured teasing and general fun harassment. By 10pm they all leave and I pass out!
I would love to see an ebook reader under the tree, but I’ll probably getting more sweaters and slippers.
Jane, I love my Kindle so much it’s not funny. It goes everywhere with me. If I could buy it outfits I would.
I hope your wish comes true, or that you at least get some cash so you can buy your own. 
I am trying to talk myself into doing cards this year. I haven’t in so long.
We have a lot of quirky traditions at my house. We kick off the season with National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation–traditional viewing is Thanksgiving to get us in the mood.
My husband also started buying me the Swarovski (sp?) crystal snowflake ormament every year. I think I will have 9 this year. They are too beautiful to pack up in January, so they hang in my bedroom window until we trim the tree.
Happy Holidays Candace–hope your season is blazing!
Gwen, I love that tradition!!! Chevy Chase never fails to make me laugh in that movie. I also love Swarvoski crystal. Beautiful!
Hey Candy! You can have the North Pole :). I prefer the warmer climates. I’m easy to buy for because I want everything! Technogadgets and books and writing stuff, and I’m happy. My bestest ever Xmas was when hubby gave stuff from Office Depot–book stands, book covers, pens, different types of notebooks, dividers, fancy file folders. I thought I’d gone to writers heaven! This year, I’d like a Wacom pad to doodle for my website, and maybe an ebook reader, not sure about that one, seems like a waste of money because books are my “security blanket” LOL. Hope you are doing well and see you maybe next Wed!…. Alley
Alley, I hope to be there next Wed! And for the record, I love my KINDLE.
We have a Christmas Eve tea at my house. I use the Spode Christmas Tree china (dishwasher safe!) Afterward, we drive around and look at the lights.
So, it’s December already, huh?
Heather you crack me up. I bet that China is beautiful. I’ve never heard of a Christmas Eve tea. That sounds like fun.
Well, if you need a Jewelry-making Elf, you know where to find one
I was brought up Jewish, have lots of Christian friends and am now a practicing Witch, so I get bits of lots of holidays
My pagan circle (a fabulous group of 6 women) gets together every year for a formal Yule dinner party, complete with husbands (for those who have them…uh…Santa?) and kids. Everyone brings a dish to pass and a $15 or under gift for the gift game [we draw numbers--#1 gets to pick the 1st gift, then #2 gets to pick another or steal the 1st one--lots of laughs and women persuading hubby to steal something they want].
We light candles set into a Yule log made by one of the women, then burn last year’s log in a bonfire [well, a portable firepit, really...it's upstate NY, the bonfire pit is usually buried by snow] to signify the returning of the light as each day gets a little bit longer and each night a little shorter from Winter Solstice/Yule onward.
And I gave up on wrapping things years ago–way more trouble than it’s worth. I use gift bags and tissue paper, and my friends and I tend to just reuse the gift bags we received things in last year:-)
You know, that whole idea of recycling gift bags… That might work.
I usually go with my mom and Grandma to church on Christmas eve, but this year I’m working on Christmas Eve. I work at a bakery and it’s their busiest day of the year. Keeping me fingers crossed as of now I’m off on Christmas. I’d be pretty bummed if I had to work because Christmas is my favorite holiday. I wear a Santa hat and Christmas shirt. Love seeing my family open the gifts I got them. I usually bake cookies the week before Christmas and give them as gifts too. On Christmas I usually go to my grandparents in the morning to see my cousin, but she’s not coming up from FL this year so I’ll just go in the evening. We have dinner and watch Christmas movies or college football.
I decorate the house the weekend after Thanksgiving, so my house is all set for Christmas.
I’ve already got my Christmas cards out in the mail. I only get cards with kitties on them, it’s like my signature. My grandparents like to see the different ones I find.
I’m not fantastic at wrapping, but I love doing it. I usually end up doing most of the wrapping.
Nicole, I hope you get the holiday off to spend with your family!
My gang starts playing the Elvis Christmas album on December 1, which really freaks everyone (not in my gang) out. The past couple of years, we have added Dean Martin to the mix, as well as Frank Sinatra. Lovely tunes for a lovely time of year.
Must haves for me during the holiday season: time for baking. The extended family assembles for a “bake off.” People bring recipes and ingredients to one house and everyone cooks/bakes all day. At the end, we have a ton of stuff and a wealth of goodie selections. We then pool everything and spilt so each family has a sample of everything. It is a blast!
Also on my list: slippers and stripey socks. No Christmas is complete without these.
And those are just a few of my favorite things.
I love Elvis and Dean Martin!!!! And since I’m one of your dearest friends I’m wondering why you aren’t sharing some of that bake off bounty!
I’m not sure about our Christmas this year yet. I spent all day yesterday at the hospital with my sister because she had a total knee replacement. It’s her house that we always spend the holidays at. I know she won’t be up to it this year. So we are trying to figure out how to have something to include her without too much trouble. She has the only house big enough for all of us. We may try and cook a less complicated meal at her house while she supervises. I just don’t know yet. I just hope she is better by then so she can enjoy her great grandkids.
Linda, I know it’s tough when there’s an injury or illness in the family. I bet your sister would love for you guys to clean, cook and decorate. I would consider that an awesome Christmas present and wouldn’t mind at all using my house that way.
Happy Holidays!