Hello December

Hi Friends.   Weather's been rainy for  a bit, a tiny bit of snow and though the last few days were sunny temperatures were in the teens at night. I love it and the prediction of snow is very welcome! This morning early a large bird flew into my stupid bay window.  It happens a lot.   He looked dead so I was dreadfully upset.  I prayed for the little guy. He recovered his senses and had taken off when I looked again.   Do you pray for animals or people you see on the street who are disabled, having a hard time or look down and out? 

  Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4...

Hopefully everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving and you may be looking forward to Chanukah and Christmas both of which are December 25th.  Chanukah is the day the temple, which had been desecrated was rededicated and the huge light within was restored to earth!  That light represented the presence of God on earth with man.  Also winter begins in just a couple of weeks....

1,Do you have plans for the coming holidays?

I always have plans for the holidays, weekends, days in general and it always revolves around having a house full of people.   Nothing else in the world makes me as happy as entertaining when possible.

I love dinners, parties, game nights, movie nights.. I simply cannot tell you how much I love having friends and family around.

2.What foods do you look forward too during these upcoming holidays?

Since I have to watch carbs, its not easy but, I do love Plum Pudding with hard sauce... German chocolate cake, Chinese spring rolls, homemade jumbo soft pretzels,  My dear friend Katy makes the best cinnamon home made apple sauce and wonderful caaape's with spinach in them.  

This year I want to make a Buche de Noelle.  I fill mine with a mocha cream.

3.Are there traditions for the holidays that you look forward to each year?  Also, how do you spend the days ahead of the holidays.. shopping? Cooking?

 Listening to Music, Hallmark movies? Do tell!!!

Hallmark moves are wonderful during the holiday seasons.  I like going to a certain village to see the shops and decorations too. 

4. What advice can you give for making the holidays memorable and bright?

My best advice is to be kind, be decent and worry more about making others' holidays memorable and bright rather than your own.   Fights come from want and desire   Desire to be first, to be right, to win, to have, to over come.  Leave those desires in a box far from view.  Desire the best for others and enter the days with peace and calm and in service to others.

Open your door to friends and family. Forget having a show place.. clean up a bit.. but only a bit. Let hospitality be foremost. Even if you only serve some chips and dip and a bowl of punch, an apple pie and a cup of tea, do so with joy and a desire to make your guests happy.  It works my friends.