Tis the Season🎄
Ah, the joy of December, a tranquil and picturesque finale to Autumn which has now been marked by the first delightful flurry of lake effect snow. As we step into this magical month, the air fills with the sweet scent of pine and twinkling lights begin to adorn every street. This week we welcomed the start of Advent, embracing all the lovely traditions that pave the way to Christmas Day. The festive spirit is infectious, spreading warmth and joy in the chilly winter air, making hearts glow with anticipation.
Children eagerly count down the days, their eyes sparkling with excitement, while adults indulge in the nostalgia of Christmases past. I find myself immersing in the warmth of decorating, the perfect tree standing tall and proud in my home, its branches ready to cradle cherished ornaments. Have you found your perfect tree yet, ready to be adorned with memories and love?
The beauty of December lies not just in the festive celebrations, but also in the quiet moments of reflection it brings. As the year draws to a close, it's a time to look back on the past months, cherishing the memories made and lessons learned. It's a time to express gratitude for the blessings received and to spread love and kindness to those around us.
So, as you sip on your hot cocoa, wrapped in a cozy blanket, take a moment to soak in the beauty of December. Whether you're decorating your tree, baking cookies, or simply enjoying the snowfall, remember to cherish these moments. After all, it's the most wonderful time of the year, a time of joy, love, and reflection. Welcome, December, with your magical charm and festive spirit. We’ve been waiting for you all year! 🎄🍾
Holiday Spirit Found at The Cleveland Botanical Gardens
Last Friday night unfolded into a truly enchanting experience. As the rain finally gave way to a brief respite, we made a quick decision to embark on a family outing to the Cleveland Botanical Garden, accompanied by our kids, and our precious grandson Wolfie. Our destination: the captivating Christmas Show named "Frost." It proved to be a delightful journey!
The garden transformed into a mesmerizing wonderland, adorned with a myriad of radiant lights that cast a soft, inviting glow all around. Illuminating our walk outside was the Solstice Path, a celestial trail that shimmered with a breathtaking array of colors from its very start to its gentle conclusion. Inside, we encountered gingerbread houses lovingly adorned by families and an array of splendidly decorated trees and wreaths, masterpieces crafted by garden clubs hailing from various corners of Northeast Ohio.
To make this experience even cozier, we indulged in delicious cups of hot cocoa that warmed both our hands and our hearts. We strolled leisurely through this luminous garden wonderland, marveling at the joyful expressions on Wolfie's face as he reveled in the enchanting lights. For those residing in the embrace of Northeast Ohio, this cherished tradition has blossomed into an even more exquisite affair, featuring interactive exhibits and harmonious melodies to delight your children.
Nestled within the serene embrace of University Circle, the Cleveland Botanical Gardens beckon with their timeless allure. To ensure your passage into this enchanting realm, securing your tickets online is recommended, guaranteeing your place amidst the magic that awaits.
The Origin of Tinsel
Then we went home and put up our own tree and enjoyed a yummy cinnamon chai latte!
If you are wondering about the spiderwebs on my tree, there’s a story behind them. Last year I came across a wonderful old European legend about The Legend of the Christmas Spider.
This is a wonderful European folktale which explains the origin of tinsel on Christmas trees. It is most prevalent in Ukraine, where small ornaments in the shape of a spider are traditionally a part of the Christmas decorations.
The story varies slightly from place to place, but the most common version goes like this:
Once upon a time, a poor widow lived in a small hut with her children. One day, a pinecone fell on the earthen floor of the hut and took root. The children, excited by the prospect of having a tree for Christmas, tended to it with great care and anticipation of the tree they would have for Christmas.
However, as Christmas Eve arrived, the children were sad because they could not afford to decorate the tree. They went to bed knowing that their tree would be bare in the morning.
The spiders in the hut, hearing the children's sobs, decided they could not let this happen. So, during the night, they spun webs of intricate beauty all over the tree, decorating it with their silken threads.
When the children woke up on Christmas morning, they were overjoyed to see their tree shimmering with silver webs. The first rays of sunlight touched the threads of the spider webs, and they shone like silver and gold.
According to the legend, this is why we decorate our Christmas trees with tinsel. The tinsel is symbolic of the spider webs that adorned the tree on that magical Christmas morning. The story also serves as a reminder that acts of kindness can bring joy to those in need.
Once I read that, I just knew that I had to honor those spiders, so I cut apart a Halloween garland and then sprayed each spider and bit of web with silver paint. I couldn’t believe how warm and special they made the tree… no tinsel needed!
RECIPE: Homemade Cinnamon Chai Latte
Last but not least, as the chill of winter wraps itself around your world, let's create a warm, cozy sanctuary within your kitchen. Picture this: a steaming mug, cradling a symphony of spices, a melody of warmth, and a harmony of flavors.
This is one of my favorite holiday or anytime drinks, a homemade Cinnamon Chai Latte, a drink that whispers comfort in every sip.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of milk( either whole milk or your favorite plant based milk)
- 2 black tea bags
- 1 cinnamon stick
-1 star anise pod
-4 allspice berries
-a pinch of coarsely ground black pepper
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 cardamom pods, crushed
- 2 tablespoons of honey (or to taste)
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
Chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions:
1. Begin by toasting all of the spices except for the nutmeg in a small cast iron pan. When the spices smell warm and toasty and are releasing their essential oils, put them into a mortar and pestle and grind them coarsely. Then, pour the milk into a small saucepan. Add the toasted spices and let this mixture of milk and spices heat gently on a low flame. Allow enough time for the spices to whisper their secrets to the milk, infusing it with a warmth that's as comforting as a soft, woolen blanket on a frosty evening.
2. Once the milk is hot, add the black tea bags. Let them steep in the milk for about 5 minutes, imparting their robust flavor.
3. After the tea has steeped, strain the mixture to remove the spices and tea bags. Pour the spiced tea back into the saucepan and stir in the honey, letting its sweetness melt into the warm tea. Sprinkle in a pinch of ground nutmeg, a spice that's like the final note in this symphony of flavors.
4. Pour this steaming Cinnamon Chai Latte into your favorite mug and garnish it with the shaved chocolate and maybe a little whipped cream? Then wrap your hands around it, feel the warmth seeping into your skin, chasing away the winter chill. Take a moment to breathe in the aroma, a fragrant promise of the comfort that's about to embrace you.
5. Now, take a sip. Let the warmth fill you, let the spices dance on your tongue, let the sweetness of the honey soothe you. This isn't just a drink; it's a moment of calm, a personal retreat, a comforting ritual in the heart of winter.
I hope that you enjoy this Cinnamon Chai Latte, to me, it’s a warm embrace in a mug. It's more than a recipe; it's a way to create a little sanctuary of warmth and comfort in your own home, one sip at a time.
Make It Your Own!
As the holiday season unfolds, it's a canvas waiting for your unique brushstrokes. This festive period beckons you to infuse your personal flair into every detail, from the twinkling lights adorning your space to the heartwarming recipes that grace your table. Embrace this time as an opportunity to express your creativity, be it through crafting bespoke decorations, curating a playlist that echoes the merry spirit, or experimenting with flavors in your kitchen. Each choice you make is a reflection of your joy and the love you share with those around you.
This season, let your home be a sanctuary of warmth and individuality. Whether it's reimagining traditional dishes with your own twist or introducing new rituals that become cherished memories, every moment is a chance to make the holidays uniquely yours. Raise a toast to the simple pleasures and the shared laughter, and revel in the magic that you create. Here's to a holiday season filled with your personal touch, radiating the warmth and joy of your spirit.