Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without watching your favorite seasonal movie. My favorite? It's a Wonderful Life. Classic. And hey, Jimmy Stewart. I don't know if many are aware of 'What a Wonderful Guy' Jimmy Stewart was. His on-screen self-effacing performances reflected much of the man off-screen. Did you know he was a decorated World War Two pilot? Before the war ended, he was one of only a few men to move from private to colonel in just 4 years. He continued in the Reserves until 1959; when he retired at the rank of Brigadier General. He did do some successful acting before the war; and so after a short break after the war, he went back to acting. But he would not let the studios publicise his wartime triumphs. He did not want to appear to be profiting from the war in any way, even though he was a hero.
'It's a Wonderful Life' was his first movie after the war. Released in 1946, it was Jimmy's final Capra production and his first on-screen kiss since before the war. That phone scene kiss with Donna Reed? One take. It went so well that part of the embrace had to be cut to make it past the censors. Too passionate. I say well done, you can kiss me anytime, Jimmy! ;) Of course he has many other non-christmas-y classics; Harvey, North by Northwest, Winchester, Vertigo, Rear Window, The Man who shot Liberty Valence. Well, I could go on and on, but we have to veer back in the direction of holiday movies. I just HAD to plug one of my favorite actors; Jimmy Stewart.
So take some time and pop in your favorite holiday movie, whatever it may be. For more ideas, here are some great Christmas classics.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (original 1964 version)
Elf (2003 with Will Ferrell and James Caan)
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Scrooged (1988 with Bill Murray)
Miracle on 34th Street (original 1947 version)
A Christmas Story (1983)
Ok, my computer is smarter than me. Not like that was any big revelation, but I can't get my little christmas tree picture up there to align to the left. So, it will sit stupidly up there in the middle of the page. Booger, I mean, Blogger; it's a love/hate relationship. Though I am going to try the 'write the post on windows and post it' thing. I've heard it's good.
Anyway, that's nothing related to a Christmas Idea. I would like to preface this idea by saying that just because I'm suggesting these activities does it mean that I have accomplished any of it. These ideas are just as much a push in the tush for me as anyone. If there is a completely formed plan for me, I'm more likely to do it. More likely. Not necessarily do it, but at least I thought about it. For the record, I have managed to put up the tree, get it half decorated and set out my Nativities. And pay some guys to hang my lights. The rest of the week has been spent cleaning up kid barf. But, we're all good now.
O-K! Christmas Idea #4:
Make a paper chain to count down to Christmas. Or till the party next week. Or till that present comes in the mail. Count down to Boxing day, or New Years; whatever floats your boat. You could take it one step further and glue a little 'thought of the day' inside. Or make the chain out of candies and have a sweet a day!
Advent Paper Chain -- printable templates
Christmas Advent Calendars -- Step by step instructions for different kinds of advent things.
Ok, I'm getting a little more carried away with these Christmas idea posts than I thought I would. And the previous post was long enough already without adding this length on the end. Geez, I'm posting more than I did for NaBloPoMo. What have I morphed into; some crazy blogging lady?? Not that there's anything wrong with that . . .
Christmas Idea #3:
Make cookies & treats early. Even if you don't feel like it. That way you feel like you've already accomplished something in the holiday season! And usually, if you've accomplished one thing, it snowballs into a bunch of other activities; feeding from the productive enthusiasm high of making treats! And if the temptation to eat every. single. treat. is too strong, just have one of each treat, stack them on a plate and take it to a neighbor. Or send them to work with the husband. That way you can be Superwoman. "Wow! You've already made holiday treats? You're amazing!" I know. I know. ;)
Here's some easy & quick recipes. I promise.
Lemon Curd --> seriously tasty and insanely easy. Dolloped on a Nilla wafer or sugar cookie. yum. For an added flourish, use the extra zest and sprinkle a little on top of the whole confection and it looks professional! Just follow my LINK FOR LEMON CURD. And this is the place where I found the ORIGINAL RECIPE. It has step by step pictures.
Hot Chocolate on a Stick --> This is not my creation, but it's dang good! And easy. Though I haven't made the homemade marshmallow (it looks a little time consuming. yes, i'm lazy) the fudge is super easy. Oh so yummy. And again, looks like it took forever, but didn't!
No fail sugar cookies (this makes a huge batch. though you can refrigerate the extra and have it on hand for cookie emergencies!)
Ingredients - 6 cups flour
- 3 tsp. baking powder
- 2 cups butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract or desired flavoring
- 1 tsp. salt
Directions: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well. Mix dry ingredients and add a little at a time to butter mixture. Mix until flour is completely incorporated and the dough comes together. Chill for 1 to 2 hours Roll to desired thickness and cut into desired shapes. Bake on ungreased baking sheet at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until just beginning to turn brown around the edges. This recipe can make up to 5-dozen 3” cookies.
