Read about our favorite ways to celebrate the holidays in ways that bring joy and happiness.
Create Memories with Family Pajamas! Open a family photo album from times gone by and you’re bound to find photos of the children wearing matching Christmas pajamas. The PJs were often the first gift they could open on Christmas Eve. The kids were delighted to open a present, and Moms rationalized the indulgence as being… more
Scents of the Holidays… There are certain aromas that become inextricably linked to the holidays. The fresh, sharp smell of a fir tree decorated with care. The spicy, sweet scent of gingerbread men cooling on the counter, waiting to be frosted. The warm, inviting fragrance of mulled apple cider, ready and waiting to thaw winter… more
More than boxes and bows… Amid the search to find the perfect holiday gifts, it’s easy to lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. We secretly hope that each perfectly wrapped present will contain the spirit of the season. We try to capture the wonder and delight of children, the sense of community in… more
Why is it that some Christmas foods… have become beloved traditions while others have fallen out of favor and landed on the Isle of Misfit…Recipes? Take mincemeat pie, figgy pudding, and fruitcake for example. Despite heated debates over fruitcake in particular, these earthy, spiced desserts show up on dessert tables around the world. And if… more
Charming History There’s a certain charm that only old-fashioned vintage Christmas decorations seem to possess. And when we say “vintage” we’re not only talking about the very precious (and sometimes very valuable) ornaments that date back generations. Rather, we mean those handmade and dime store ornaments from yesteryear that hold a special place in your… more
Although seen traditionally as an accompaniment for roast beef, popovers are a versatile alternative to breads and rolls at mealtime and they’re easy to make. When you’re pinched for time putting together Thanksgiving dinner, let popovers be your secret weapon. Mix up a batch quickly and put them in the oven, which will give you… more
United in the Spirit of Giving Nestled between Landgrove to the north and Bromley Mountain to the south, the village of Peru, Vermont, has a population of 363 and one small, lovely Congregational church. Inside the church is a hand-painted mural of local meadows and rolling hills in shades of verdant summer green. It brings… more
Among the treasured Christmas ornaments that come out of the box each year are some real antiques: blown-glass teardrops from the turn of the century, Victorian-style glass icicles, and lithographed tin ornaments depicting Santa and his reindeer. Some are so delicate, it’s a miracle they remain intact! But for most of us, the greater treasures… more
Christmas Is Letter Writing Time Of all the many, many reasons to love Christmas, here’s one that’s often overlooked: it’s the time of year for writing letters. We love to send real letters—written on proper stationery and sent through the post—and we love to receive them, too! But in these busy days it’s hard to… more
Who doesn’t love cinnamon buns? Here we turn the rich, gooey goodness into wreaths, fragrant Christmas morning treats perfect before or after opening the stockings. The rich butter layered with maple cinnamon sugar and pecans yields enough to make two wreaths – one for your own family and the other to give to the neighbors.… more
