Giving at Christmas time

Giving at Christmas time is one of the best ways to show others love. Ultimately the money you give will be used and gone. The things you buy to give, worn out and thrown away. But what remains has value far greater than the money spent. You show someone that you care, you give love, you create memories that never leave. There are many ways to give at Christmas. For some giving is easy, they give from their abundance and do not miss what they have given away. For some giving needs to be planned but is not terribly hard to do. For some giving is difficult. The thought of 1 dollar going anywhere but where it is most suited is stressful. And some need all the help others can offer. If you are in this last category, receive with joy! We are taught it is good to give, but often never taught that we bless others by receiving with joy the gifts they give us. I believe most people touch on each category at least once in their lives.

There are many ways to give: 

Money usually is the simplest but, you can also give of your time, or by giving your possessions, or by giving your joy. 

Nursing homes are always welcoming of joyful people to read to or sing to their residents. Call ahead to find out the best times and any policies. 

You can give of your talents. If you sing, play an instrument, or have a similar talent, finding a holiday venue to share them brings holiday cheer. 

Volunteer in you community, church, or school. 

Often baking is useful for events, fundraisers, or just to cheer a neighbor.

Visiting people you love is an important way to give. We do not take the time in this busy world to visit like we should. 

Does your neighbor or a family member have a need? Sometimes just saying 'is there anything you need' can make a difference. 

Many schools and churches have giving trees. Giving trees are where those that have needs leave a paper ornament with details of their gift wishes and those who would like to give take the ornament and do their best to fulfill the needs. 

Food and toy drives this time of year are in full swing and that just takes cleaning out the pantry, decluttering, or picking up a thing or two when shopping. 

Getting rid of our clutter and donating it to charity is always a good thing, or you can offer it up free on Craigs list or local Facebook group. 

Do you know an elderly person who no longer drives? Driving them somewhere, or running an errand for them can be a huge help. 

And of course there is the person ringing that annoying bell outside of every store right now. My children love them for some reason. And when I see the joy in my children's eyes at the thought of giving, the handful of change in my pocket doesn't stand a chance.

Historic Thanksgiving & My Recipe: The Three Sisters

It is strongly believed that "The Three Sisters" were prevalent in the first Thanksgiving feast.  These 'three sisters' are squash, corn (maize) and beans.  Native Americans would build a mound, sometimes placing a fish in this mound to fertilize the soil, and plant several corn seeds close together in the center of the mound. After the corn grew about 6 inches, beans and squash seeds were planted around the maize. These three crops benefited each other, the corn provided a structure for the beans to climb, the beans provided nitrogen to the soil helping other plants to grow,  and the squash spread along the ground blocking the sunlight, preventing weeds, and helping the soil retain moisture. They compliment each other nutritionally as well; Beans and corn eaten together provide a balanced diet. Tribes in the southwest often included a "forth sister" known as the Rocky Mountain bee plant, which attracted beast to help pollinate the beans and squash. This practice of planting beneficial plants together today is called companion planting.

The Three Sisters are featured on the back of this 2009 coin.

My family has a tradition of serving a Three Sisters Recipe at Thanksgiving.

It is a simple recipe:
Layer baked squash,
cooked or canned beans
and corn in a baking dish and heat until everything is warm.

And that is it! The flavors are wonderful together! And because it comes with the companion gardening story, it is always a hit at Thanksgiving dinners.

I love using cast iron frying pans pans, they can be used as a baking dish in the oven as well as on the stove top. For a rustic recipe such as this, it adds just a little charm.

Mulled Apple Cider {Recipe}

Mulled Apple Cider is a favorite family tradition. 

Around Thanksgiving and again at Christmas I make a large pot of this cider 

to simmer on the stove.

And homemade cider it makes such a wonderful presentation for holiday guests.

Mulled Cider Recipe: 
For every gallon of apple juice I add the following

• 1 lemon and/or orange sliced
• A handful or two of fresh cranberries (optional, and mostly for decoration)
• A shake or two of ground nutmeg and ground cloves 
• 3-5 cinnamon sticks (do not substitute for ground cinnamon as it clumps together when heated in water)
• 2 cored and halved apples (these also are for decoration, but my kids love eating them when the cider is gone)

After adding everything, heat the cider till warm, (carefully) adjust nutmeg and cloves to taste, turn pot to simmer and enjoy!