Category: Winter

The Ancient Origins of Christmas: How Pagan Traditions Shaped the Modern Celebration

Step into a time machine and travel back to the ancient origins of Christmas, where the festive traditions we cherish today were born. Unbeknownst to many, the beloved holiday we celebrate each year has deep roots in pagan customs that have shaped the modern celebration. From the Romans’ Saturnalia to the Norse Yule, these ancient …

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Crafty Recipes: Whipped Snow

It’s probably a little early to be dreaming about snow but with the muggy weather I had today, I’m almost ready for winter. Well, almost ready…okay, not really, but the thought of winter made me think that it would be an excellent time to share my recipe for Whipped Snow. This is a fun little …

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Amigurumi Snowman Pattern

I had some leftover white, pink, and grey skeins of yarn from the baby blanket that I last posted, and I liked the color combination so much that I made this amigurumi snowman & scarf with the yarn. Here is the snowman crochet pattern. Supplies Vanna’s Choice® White Vanna’s Choice® Silver Heather Vanna’s Choice® Rose Shocking Size F/3.75mm Crochet …

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Classic Quotes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

The Peanuts characters have long been an integral part of the holidays for many Americans. Every year when the Charlie Brown specials would show on network television, families naturally gathered for the event.   The show “A Charlie Brown Christmas” debuted on CBS on December 9, 1965, and is still welcome in our living rooms year after year. Peanuts and …

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Christmas Plants Rooted in Centuries-old Histories and Traditions

Each Christmas decorated trees, twinkling lights and familiar carols take center stage in creating a festive holiday atmosphere. Certain plants play key roles as well: church altars banked with poinsettias, mistletoe hung over doorways, and holly adorning floral arrangements. Ironically, the histories of most Christmas plants have pagan roots (pardon the pun!), some dating back …

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Eggnog Spiked Coffee

As I write this, Christmas is still a few months away but it is already at the top of my mind. What will I buy for everyone, what will I wear over the holiday, where will I celebrate it?  Questions abound and so do some of the things that I look forward to every year …

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Recipe: Carrot Thai Soup

Warm up with Thai-inspired spicy soup In the fall and early winter, nothing warms the tummy or the spirit quite like a flavourful bowl of soup. And while chicken noodle soup is a common go-to, after a few bowls many of us want to try something a little different. Spice up your family’s food life …

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2020 Project: Snow, Rain, or Shine Temperature Blanket

I like having a New Year project, changing up something and setting a goal, even if it’s a small one. So this year I’m going to have a go at crocheting a temperature blanket, where you crochet one row a day, and the color of yarn corresponds to your local temperature. One thing that I’m …

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A Christmas To Remember In Leavenworth, Washington

Last week my family and I visited Leavenworth, Washington for their annual Christmas lighting festival and truly had the best time of our lives.  Leavenworth is an over-the-top charming Bavarian-styled village nestled in the Cascade Mountains.  The Cascade mountains are located in in central Washington State and about a 4 and 1/2 hour drive from …

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Easy & Fun Candyland Christmas Craft Ideas!

This year I decided to be a little bit “crafty” and tackle making a wreath.  I have to preface this by saying I have very few creative bones in my body and usually find any sort of crafting or Pinterest-type projects to be overwhelming.  However, this year was a little different.  My coworkers and I decided to …

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