Things to Try This Christmas

Here we are in December and I cannot even imagine how we got here.  Those types of statements used to make me crazy when I was a child, but here I am. . .Last year I wrote about some of the things that I was giving up for Christmas.  I thought this might be a good time to share it again.  You may be already wondering how your holiday will be, how you will make it feel special or how you will keep some of your traditions.As you navigate what might be a new form of celebration, maybe this list will give you some freedom or inspiration this year.  I will confess that one thing I gave up last year was a live tree.  This year the boys "gifted" me with a beautiful real tree that truly smells divine.  I share that to point out that just because something may be new or missing from your holiday this year - it doesn't mean that it will be always.

The Twelve Things I'm Giving Up This Christmas

One of our traditions has been to make lasagna for Christmas Eve.  I am sharing my favorite lasagna recipe becausea.  It is absolutely deliciousb.  It makes enough for twoAnd this year is a time when you might want to take the extra to your quarantined friend, neighbor, aunt or parents.  We might not be able to all gather together around one table like last year but we can still share the spirit.

My Most Favorite Lasagna EVER

Festive Cocktails or Mocktails

One thing I want to try this Christmas are a couple of fun and festive cocktails.  I love the whole process of finding the cocktail, getting the ingredients and putting it all together.  I think this can take your smaller gatherings up a notch.  BUT, I'm not at all saying you have to have a cocktail to make your gathering festive.  These can just as easily be alcohol free mocktails in a fun glass and are so Holidayish (I think I just made up that word. . .I think it's a good one)

Winter SangriaThis is a recipe from Cooking Light.  I think it looks so festive and refreshing.

Ingredient Checklist

• 1 cup fresh orange juice 
• 1 cup orange sections 
• ⅓ cup Triple Sec (orange-flavored liqueur)
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges
• 1 lime, cut into 8 wedges
• 1 (750-milliliter) bottle fruity red wine

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

Per Serving:

137 calories; fat 0.1g; saturated fat 0g; mono fat 0g; poly fat 0.1g; protein 0.3g; carbohydrates 17g; fiber 0.8g; cholesterol 0mg; iron 0.4mg; sodium 4mg; calcium 20mg.

I think I'll do without the added sugar. I thing the red wine will have plenty of sugar.

I think this will definitely beat some of those canned pre-made cocktails out there!

Pomegranate Vodka Celebration

This has such a fun, festive color it makes it perfect for this time of year.  I definitely want to try this one. All you need is:6 oz good vodka6 oz sparkling water3 splashes pure, natural and unsweetened pomegranate juiceprosecco to floatpomegranate seeds for garnishDirections:In a pitcher or cocktail shaker, combine vodka, sparkling water, and pomegranate juice. Stir. Place pomegranate seeds in the bottom of your glass. Add ice and pour cocktail over the top, and top with a splash of prosecco. Stir and serve!

Cozy Time

Settle down on the couch and get all cozy with some of those old Christmas favourites.  I have "White Christmas" on my list.  When was the last time you watched Bing Crosby in this old one?  (Actually, I'm watching while I'm typing. . . ). Another one of my all time favourites is Little Drummer Boy.  I know the modern Elf, The Grinch and even Diehard are all good, but there are some great old classics out there. . .

Hope you find something here to try this Season (:

Stay Well!

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