Oh, my poor neglected blog.  I’ve been so busy lately, that blogging has been pushed way down on my list of priorities.  In fact, I have so many events coming up over the next few weeks, that I vow to do only one post a week until after the holidays.

And speaking of the holidays, I have to admit that this year my heart has grown three sizes, and I’m actually enjoying the holiday season!  However, I find it nearly impossible to get through Christmas without being just a tiny bit Grinchy, so I must convey my yearly gift-exchange rant.  Lulu likes to put a damper on all the fun.  I promise to do it quickly and move on.  Scroll down if you can’t bear to read it.

<Begin rant> 

GR and I made the decision this year that the gift-exchanging between our families at Christmas had to stop.  To me, I see exchanging gifts as merely an exchange of money.  I spend $50 on you, you spend $50 on me.  I have a very difficult time in seeing the point of it all.  I am by no means a stingy person, but it makes me wonder if going into debt to buy gifts for people really has anything to do with what Christmas is all about.  I think not.

However, Lulu has rules.  And exceptions.  For instance, I do make exceptions for token gifts, such as chocolates or small lotions, soaps, hand-towels, and other whatnots.  Handmade items and homemade goodies are also especially nice and treasured.  I also make exceptions for buying gifts for my son and 10-year old niece.  I also have a rule to not exchange presents with GR; except for that rule was obviously thrown out the window by GR, because I see several gifts under the tree with my name on them.  I guess I won’t complain. 

<End rant>

Anyhow, because I do not have to suffer through the stress of spending my life-savings this year on Christmas gifts, Lulu is feeling so much more Christmas-sy!  In fact, I actually put up and decorated my tree this year, and I made Christmas cookies…all while listening to Christmas music!  Someone fan me, quick!  I might have to lie down.

Earlier this week, my friend, T-Nut, and her little Bella-girl came over, and we had a grand time sprinkling my kitchen floor with red- and green-colored sugar.

We made a mountain of sugar cookies:

We made thumbprint cookies filled with the one, single jar of German currant jelly that actually made it through customs:

And we made delicious pretzel/Rolo/pecan thingies:

Next week, I’m embarking on baking these gingerbread loaves topped with a lemon-flavored icing, pecans, and crystallized ginger to give away as gifts to my special peeps (recipe from Better Homes and Gardens):

Mmm…gingerbread.  Reminds me of Germany.

I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas!  I’ll be back next Friday with Pink Pig tales (or tails, as it may be) and other delightful holiday stories!  Happy Holidays!  Try not to miss me too much.  As if…