We made it. We are on The Other Side Of Christmas. We shopped, we bought, we wrapped, and we gave. We baked, we cooked, we served, and we packed up leftovers. We vowed that Next Year Will Be Easier/More Relaxed/Less About Stuff/In Costa Rica. We may have already Taken Down/Put Away all the decor (mine will be gone tomorrow). Lives will return to Normal if they haven't already. Let's do a little Post-Holiday Postmortem.
1. Theo: It was beyond wonderful to have my baby grandson here for Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning. True, he didn't do much besides eat, sleep, coo and fuss a bit, and nap in his swing, but he was here. I held him, cuddled him, and he absolutely loved touring my kitchen with all the black and white Holstein cows to look at. Did he appreciate his gifts? Heck, he couldn't even open them, but he wore the Santa's Helper outfit (and hat!) that I bought him earlier and looked adorable. I took almost no photos, so I flunked that section of the Nana Test.
2. Food: Last year I said I was never making Christmas Toffee again, and I lied. I made two batches, but I gave most of it away. For one batch I freestyled and used tiny pretzels as the base instead of saltine crackers, and it was a big hit. I have the ingredients to make one more batch, and I just might, but only to experiment with using potato chips as the bottom layer. Then I'll give it away, too, after I've tasted it to make sure it's good. I found little red and white metal buckets at a dollar store and used those, lined with tissue paper, to hold the gift toffee.
3. Gifts: So far, I have not heard of anyone needing to return anything, but I am vigilant about including gift receipts. All recipients seemed quite pleased with their things, and in spite of limited time, I was a thoughtful shopper and tried hard to be very personal. Zydrunas loves his treats and has already completely destroyed his toy, so Resounding Success there. Rick and I are returning to Niagara-on-the-Lake in January to attend a private party at our favourite winery, so that will be our gift to one another. There is sure to be another wine buy since they are releasing new vintages under a family label. Fingers crossed for good weather for us, especially through Buffalo.
So, tell me--are you Christmased Out? On balance, was it a satisfying one? How did things stack up for you?
I know that having Theo there was the highlight of your Christmas!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I am Christmased Out. And am hoping to get everything put away tomorrow.
Gigi--Theo was the highlight for sure. Like you, I'm glad to DeChristmas today. Rick and I are planning to escape to the lakehouse for the weekend to really put a point on All Things Christmas. It will be nice to get away and have that transition.
DeleteI am so glad that you got to see your grandson! That must have been so special! Also, my Dad makes toffee (he calls it bark, my other friend calls it Christmas crack, but I think they are all the same?) and he uses graham crackers as the base. I am trying not to eat wheat so he made it this year with GF graham crackers and it was good! However, if your potato chip recipe works, I will tell him to do that, as the GF grahams were ridiculously expensive! Keep me posted! :)
ReplyDeleteKyria--Yes, those are all names for the same thing. I stopped calling it Christmas crack because of the unpleasant/insensitive connotation relating to the opioid crisis. I bet graham crackers make a really good batch, too, but I like the salty-sweet combo. It's a shame how much GF versions of foods cost, especially pastas. If I try the potato chip recipe, I'll be sure to let you know.
DeleteNance, do you think it would work with tortilla chips, or would they be too thick and/or gritty? I would like to find something that is maybe not so greasy, but maybe the potato chip grease will just add to the flavor in the end. (although maybe I am just kidding myself, as I realize that tortilla chips are also NOT a low calorie snack)
DeleteKyria—Interesting idea using tortilla chips. I think using a thin and light brand like Chi Chi’s might work. You’ll have to break them up a bit anyway to keep the surface a bit flat so the toffee can evenly distribute itself and create the base. Plus, you want to be able to spread the chocolate on top. Try it!
DeleteTheo sounds like the perfect Christmas guest/pet! Nance, I'm so happy to hear that note of satisfaction and contentment in your words about things going off according to plan--how lovely when things come together so perfectly!
ReplyDeleteI looked up "Zydrunas" a few posts ago and imagine him as a buff and goofy fellow... lol on his treats and toy! And your toffee sounds amazing; I'd love a recipe if you have the energy to post one sometime.
We're still in Christmas-lite mode over here--tree still up, treats still being noshed, etc.
maya--Zydrunas is a bully breed mix, and yes, he is both buff and goofy. Here is a post that is about him that includes his photo. I'm so lucky that he lives just three doors down from me with my son Sam.
DeleteIf you click the words Christmas Toffee in my post above, it should take you to the recipe that I use. It's also called Christmas Crack, but I dislike that name because of the opioid crisis, especially in my state of Ohio. I find it insensitive and unnecessary. Other names are Party Bark, Christmas Bark, and Cracker Toffee.
And yes, it was a Contented Christmas for me. My sons have wonderful women in their lives and everyone can be themselves when we are all together. Theo is growing up in a complete circle of love and support. I could not be more joyful for that.
I'm glad you're still enjoying your holiday! That must mean everyone is well and feeling relaxed and happy.
Nance--Thanks for the recipe. And yes to all of this... But also, I feel the SAME way about using "crack" to describe or name treats! Whole communities have been ruined and I don't find it cute at all!
DeleteDee--Steak on the grill for Christmas--I love it. Rick and I stopped exchanging gifts several years back, and it's been a blessing. And if it weren't for the boys coming here for the holiday (and now Theo) we'd probably not do a tree, either. Low-key Christmas is definitely in our future, and I hope a not too distant one at that.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds lovely, Nance! Hooray for time with the grandbaby. And the snuggles are worth more than the photos, for sure.
ReplyDeleteI am fascinated by the idea of Christmas toffee with potato chips! What a fun idea. The winery visit gift is also a wonderful one. No clutter, experiential and consumable. Perfection.
Suzanne--Now I *have* to make that recipe. I'll get on it first thing next week. How can it not be good?
DeleteThe wine trip will bring a bit of clutter--we can't go there and not bring back at least a case or two. But each bottle will have its own little spot in the cellar rack, nice and neat, once we let the boxes rest for a time in the wine room.
Yes, there were ample snuggles with Theo and at least a few photos, but he left with his tiny head unchapped. We all restrained ourselves admirably.
I'm going to start making all the varieties of Christmas Toffee. I love the pretzel one, but potato chips sound amazing. I also would like to maybe add some other ingredients like marshmallows (because as you know MORE IS BETTER around here). But I think I'll wait until next year - definitely don't need to have that around right now!
ReplyDeleteI had a bad attitude this Christmas. I wanted to be left alone & only had one day to myself. I mean, I enjoyed being with my people, but the hermit was VERY STRONG THIS YEAR & she didn't get to have her way at all. Is this what happens when you mostly stop believing in the Reason for the Season? I don't know, but I need a course correction for next year or I'll turn into my father-in-law who hates Christmas.
Bug--I adore marshmallows, too, but the toffee is so rich that I think they'd send it into gagging territory. That's why I like the pretzels better than the crackers--sturdier and a bit more salt. But you do you.
DeleteI completely understand your Crisis Of Faith this Christmas. I'm sure you're not alone. That can make the holiday a tough one when coupled with your natural desire to withdraw and get some Alone Time. It's entirely possible to still enjoy secular Christmas and its Kindness and Gladness Sides, thinking of it as a Season Of Giving And Joy. We atheists have done so for ages. I think you will spend some Quiet Time wrestling things out with your God for a while and come out okay.
I'm glad you had such a lovely Christmas! Having your family there, especially little Theo, was surely a gift. I'm glad that Z loved his gifts. Mulder had a gift bag of his own, and if we were taking too long to get to gifts, would go over and pop his head in and see what might be his. What a smart boy, he never snooped at any other gifts, even stuffed animals, when his gift was a stuffed dog toy.
ReplyDeleteI missed him a lot this Christmas, and couldn't stop crying when we were putting up our tree. A real buz kill to be sure. I rallied a bit and did have a nice Christmas Day. There were only 6 of us, and Ted did the menu planning, which was really nice to not have to do. The cooking and cleaning up were shared tasks, so for once it didn't feel like I was doing everything. Really nice. One thing though, is that if someone else is doing the planning, you have to let go of control. So he decided we were having chicken. Chicken is fine but doesn't feel special to me. I would have rather had rack of lamb or a prime rib roast. But I (wisely) kept my thoughts to myself, and it was wonderful to not be in charge.
Your planned trip with Rick sounds like heaven, a perfect way to wrap up the season.
J--Isn't it remarkable how dogs Just Know? Mulder was indeed a Smart Boy, and I know you missed him dearly. First holidays without a family member are so difficult. Memories are sweet and comforting, but they also make us so sad when they open us up to a renewed grief.
DeleteHow true that releasing responsibility means also relinquishing control! That's quite the tradeoff, and one that I'm not always okay with. During the holidays, however, that's an equation that I'm going to be more willing to accept, as you wisely were. It's tough to let go of Being The One, even though we're all so very tired of the role.
I'm looking forward to our trip, even though the dress code for the party is "casual elegance." What in the hell does that even mean?
What a lovely, perfect family Christmas you had! Sounds like all the cooking, decorating and gift buying paid huge dividends. And newborn Baby Theo in the Santa’s Helper outfit complete with hat… oh, my. I hope that was one of the few photos you took! I do sympathize with your wish to kick back and cut down on all the Christmas prep. Hoping that each year there will be more and more to share the burden and who also agree on keeping it simpler as the years go by. That said, I don’t see the Christmas tree disappearing with Theo on the scene. 😉 Maybe next year in a different house, although I get that it was extra-special to have everyone under your roof this year.
ReplyDeleteMr. O. and I had, as advertised, our own little simple Christmas Eve Dinner* and spent a relaxing evening watching a couple of our favorite movies. *We did it in the Hispanic tradition: they celebrate Christmas with huge family gatherings on Christmas Eve, called “Nochebuena.” —In Mexico, all the kids bust open a piñata filled with candy and coins. I had fun watching that many years ago when we went to Mexico for Christmas and Luis’ nephews and nieces were young. Caught up with my brother and sister via facetime on Christmas Day. My brother, sister-in-law + kids and grandkids all went on a family cruise down to Mexico/Honduras the week before Christmas and had a blast on an underwater scooter dive in Roatán: http://tinyurl.com/3fac47t5
(I am far too claustrophobic to have done that, but it does look like a lot of fun!)
Wishing you and Rick a wonderful trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake in January and fingers crossed for good weather! XXOO
Ortizzle--Underwater scootering--I think I'd try that! It looks almost silly, yet futuristic. Still, I'd find a way to fall off that, I'm sure.
DeleteTheo wore the Santa's Helper outfit for their Christmas card photo, so everyone got to see it. I saved it, too. (I had to laugh--I got that outfit at my goofy grocery store for 8 bucks in the Closeouts section. Score!)
You're right about our tree being a fixture now for the forseeable, thanks to Theo. Sigh. Although I remember going to my grandparents' house and seeing tinier trees and not being scarred for life. LOL
I hope you and Mr. O can continue to relax for a few days yet and see out 2023 before you are back to the grind. Rest and enjoy some time together. 2024 is your big year!
Yay for having a new baby around! That is enough of a present, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI will probably not take the decorations down for a couple of weeks. I am late to get started with Christmas and hesitant to put away that extra light during the darkest weeks of the year!
NGS--Theo really was my gift.
DeleteI really get being loathe to take down the tree and its light source. I was a bit hesitant myself today. And Marlowe, my girl cat, will miss lying and luxuriating underneath it as well.
I just knew he would make your day! We still have the holiday here; Christmas week between The Day and New Year's Day, inclusive, when the tree stays up, there are multiple cookie jars and boxes of chocolate (milk choc from Brussels; keep your bark!) and lots of shed glitter everywhere. The tree goes down on 2nd January, the boxes go back into the space under the basement stairs and I breathe a sigh of, well, peace and clean contentment.
ReplyDeleteBut, what is more sugar ... what is this toffee? Bark? Woof? No. Sugar High in Lanark Highlands; geriatric housewife reported to be dancing among the puddles.
If you make a wine trip in good, warm weather (you must be low on wine to consider Ontario in January), I might leave the puddles and head for the Niagara peninsula. Let me know.
Mary--And you were right.
DeleteWe used to leave the tree up and all the decorations out until after Orthodox Christmas, but I just got so tired of it all. Too, too much. I think my mother's procrastination and leaving the tree up until well into February wore on me. (One year we all made shamrocks to hang on it! That finally shamed her, I think.)
I will swear off extraneous sugar (anything but what goes into my coffee) starting NOW. The potato chip toffee bark taste test will not count. So there.
And no, we're not low on wine (well, the reds are uncomfortably low--for us), but we got an invitation to a private party for the winery/winemaking family that we love. So we'll cross our fingers and hope for the best. I'll email you and tell you where/when we'll be in NotL. Wouldn't it be fun to meet in person? Be careful whilst dancing so that we have a chance at it!
I'm completely satisfied that it Is Over. Next year, I'll be better prepared and enjoy it more. (lies I tell myself!) Having Theo for his first Christmas seems like the very best gift of all.
ReplyDeleteA little Wine getaway with your sweetheart sounds amazing; I wish for you the best traveling weather!
Suz--Christmas Resolutions For Next Year/Lies We Tell Ourselves--same thing. Maybe we can post a few Christmas Nudges in October and November to help each other out.
DeleteRick and I keep looking at the forecast and remain hopeful. It's a very short jaunt northward, but it could get tricky just the same. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts; we're really looking forward to our little getaway.
I was Christmas'd out and I slept like a baby that night - then I took a serious nap . . . in the late morning even. My kids liked their gifts - most of them knew what they were getting, because that makes things easier. There were a few surprises for Curly and Mini and even Reg (golf shoes - per Coach's input), because I can usually figure out what they will be excited about. The food prep just about did me in, but the leftover sides were a huge help the following week when we chased around to the different b-ball tournies. Mini has requested I make another pumpkin layered chiffon pie and I woke up realzing I need to do this today, if Tank is gonna have any because he flies back to school tomorrow morning. I have a few more days without tots and the foster girls were invited to various friends' houses this afternoon and I'm VERY excited to have the afternoon to chill.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your Christmas was great and I love that Theo was there dressed to the nines from the sound of things.
Ernie--Hooray for you catching up on some sleep at Holiday Time as well as having some much-needed time to yourself. Fingers crossed for more of that!
DeleteIt sounds like you made the most of your time without the kiddles. Pretty soon it'll be back to the grind.
Theo also joined us for New Year's Day Dinner although he didn't eat the traditional pork and sauerkraut. As usual, he looked dapper in one of the many cute outfits I found for him. Having a baby grandson is impacting my budget LOL.