December brings the beginning of 'THE' season….the season that brings love, joy, family and food…..malls, shopping, credit cards and stress!
Today, December 1st happens to be the first Sunday of Advent. For the real history of the meaning of Advent….click here…
Advent
For us, today brings Christmas calendars, candles and æbleskiver! Before we begin the fun and feasting though, our family visits the cemetery. The second Christmas season without Dad.
Then it was off to Mom's place to enjoy a cozy afternoon. She didn't think she had room for all her Department 56 collection and she was going to sell it when she moved from her house. I convinced her to keep it and now she has little displays in every room instead of one large one. Looks great!
And another family tradition since I was little….a handmade Christmas calendar. Mom thinks I'm too old for one now but until we had kids of our own, she still made one for us. Now she makes them for the boys.
One for Jordan…
And one for Josh…he inherited my original calendar which Mom embroidered herself about 50 years ago!…
Poor Jason….doesn't live nearby and doesn't eat a lot of chocolate or sugar…good for him, but his loss!
Her Advent wreath with the first candle burning….
And then it's time for the best part of the day…æbleskiver! One of my favourite Danish treats. They are like little round pancakes, fried in a special pan, flavoured nicely with cardamom, and eaten with a sprinkling of sugar and strawberry jam. Soooo delish!
It was a wonderful family afternoon….a great way to start the season. Now if we could just hold onto this warm fuzzy feeling while we're searching for a parking spot at the mall over the next few weeks!
