Near the twinkling Christmas trees, pine-scented candles and brightly-wrapped packages, most homes in Utah display a Nativity scene. It might be made with Star Wars characters or garden gnomes, but it usually includes wise men, shepherds, Mary and Joseph, and an angel hovering near Baby Jesus. If you have children, the crèche could also includeContinue reading “Angels from the realms of glory (better have their papers)”
Tag Archives: Christmas
Christmas Unwrapped
It was the Christmas season as I wandered the aisles at Gibson’s Discount Center with a $5 bill crumpled in my pocket. It was 1975 and parents didn’t care if their 7-year-old wandered alone through a store. I’d earned money to buy my parents Christmas gifts and I had to find the perfect presents. IContinue reading “Christmas Unwrapped”
Son of a Nutcracker
It’s the time of year people pretend “The Nutcracker” ballet is a fun holiday activity. If you’re one of the lucky few who never sat through this weird production involving multi-headed vermin, living toys and one unsettling old man, here’s a recap. Picture a festive house in the late 1800s with dozens of dancing guests,Continue reading “Son of a Nutcracker”
Rockin’ Around the Real Christmas Tree
Now that we’re almost empty nesters, my husband tentatively suggested that we destroy Christmas. We were cuddling in front of the TV when he whispered, “Do you think it’s time we invested in a fake tree?” “No.” “But a real tree stresses you out each year.” “That’s not stress, it’s the Christmas spirit,” I replied.Continue reading “Rockin’ Around the Real Christmas Tree”
Have Yourself an Eco-Friendly Christmas
It turns out that some scientists think we’re headed for a mass extinction. Merry Christmas! I guess our greedy attitude about the world’s resources is taking its toll on the oceans, rain forests, various ecosystems and the ability for celebrities to own a different fur coat for every day of the week. In order toContinue reading “Have Yourself an Eco-Friendly Christmas”
O Tidings of Comfort Annoy
Now that Facebook has become a year-round newsletter, packed with enough posts to make us feel miserable all year long, can we finally call it quits on those dreadful holiday letters? I understand a family newsletter can be a highlight of the season, recapping all your adventures with witty repartee and candy cane clip art,Continue reading “O Tidings of Comfort Annoy”
The Stockings were Flung in the Chimney with Flair
Every year on November 30, while my girls slept, I’d spend the evening putting up Christmas decorations. I’d place every Santa just so and every angel just right. My daughters would wake up to a magical Christmas wonderland with twinkling lights, cinnamon-scented pinecones and beautifully wrapped packages. That was my dream. Reality was much different.Continue reading “The Stockings were Flung in the Chimney with Flair”
An Open Letter to Santa 2016
Dear Santa, I fear we’ve miscommunicated. I thought we agreed there were certain people on your list who would NOT be given the gift of the United States presidency. Maybe when I specifically asked you to “Give him coal” you heard, “Let’s bring back coal.” Perhaps when I said, “Protect women’s rights” you were certainContinue reading “An Open Letter to Santa 2016”
Top 5 Christmas Party Games
Everyone loves a good party game (except introverts and cats). A fun game gets guests mingling and talking to each other. (Never mind. Christmas games sound like hell.) But if you insist on tormenting your party goers with games, at least get creative. Here are the Top 5 Christmas Party Games for you to try thisContinue reading “Top 5 Christmas Party Games”
An Open Letter to Santa 2015
Dear St. Nick, I know you’re busy with all your dashing and dancing and prancing and vixing, and I know you have mall appearances, party stops, photo ops, elf control, reindeer upkeep and sleigh polishing, not to mention Mrs. Claus’ to-do-list. So I thought I’d help you out by putting together a Naughty/Nice list thatContinue reading “An Open Letter to Santa 2015”
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