It's the last Monthly Musings of 2024. I really love this link up with Holly and Patty and I hope it continues in 2025. Holly blogs at Pink Lady and Patty blogs at Good, Better, Best and you should join in on the fun, if you haven't before!
1) What do you do about last minute gifts you forgot to buy?
Honestly, we have cut way down on our gift buying. We have a few traditional gifts (books for Jólabókaflóð, the annual calendar for my mom, the annual ornaments for the kids, etc) but we are not big into surprising the kids anymore. So a lot of our "gifts" have turned into experiences. They're easier to pack and wrap (hahaha!) and more memorable. Rachel still remembers the special tea time we had a couple of years ago but neither of us remember what she got for Christmas/Channukah the year before that.
So for a last minute gift -- I would recommend chocolate or flowers. But that's just what I like!
2) Favourite last minute holiday recipe?
Sam made some really delicious mango squares a couple of weeks ago and we're taking them to our friends' carol sing. I love that they're pretty easy to make, they taste good, and they're a little different than a traditional Christmas cookie. It's not really a holiday recipe but this year it's going to be ours!
3) Favourite part of the holiday season so far?
I think, for me, my favourite part of this season hasn't happened yet. I am really looking forward to the time between Christmas and New Year's when I'll have full days in my pjs, watch a lot of movies, eat a lot of holiday treats, and enjoy time with my family. We haven't had a lot of down time this holiday season and I'm really needing some of that.
4) Best stocking stuffer/small gift?
Our traditional stocking stuffers are a Christmas orange and some Turtles chocolates! And the kids get their annual ornament in their stockings on the years we aren't travelling. On the years we are travelling, we do a small exchange of gifts in the days before we leave as it doesn't make sense to transport their ornaments somewhere, just to bring them home again.
5) Favourite holiday sweet treat?
You all know what I'm going to say... Holly's Applesauce Jumbles!!! Rachel and I just made a double batch to share with Tim & Janice for our "framily" Christmas, to share with my co-workers, and for Rachel to take to a class potluck tomorrow. If you haven't made them, you are missing out, and you can find the recipe here. Our family is obsessed with them!
6) Will you make a New Year's resolution?
Yes, I will probably make one. No, I probably won't keep it!
7) Do you use a planner? Paper or electronic?
I have a paper planner but I mostly use it to make weekend lists. Almost every weekend, we make a list of things we want to accomplish, and I keep track of those in my planner. However, there is complete mutiny when I don't have the monthly family wall calendar up to date. I keep track of those events mostly in my emails. So I don't know how to answer this question!
8) Stay up until midnight or sound asleep when the ball drops?
It depends on the year but I don't push to stay up until midnight. I'd rather sleep!
9) What do you do on New Year's Day?
We have mimosas. Yes, even the kids! It's a tradition we started a number of years ago (I don't remember why or how) and it's a super fun way to toast the new year. Other than that, we mostly relax and watch movies.
New Year's Day mimosas with my mom and Dad, January 1, 2024
10) Are you taking time off in December?
YES!!! I get two weeks off and I cannot wait!!! I am sooooo ready for winter break! Dave is also taking time off and major relaxing is on the agenda!
After today, there's only one more work day (for me) until Winter Break, and to say I'm looking forward to it, is a major understatement! I hope you have some down time, some fun with family, and some things you're looking forward to these next few weeks.
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