Ruth Anne Benziger's Blog, page 8

Blogmas Day 8: Festive Snack Ideas

Bariatric Edition

The holidays is a time to bake cookies, make pies, and all the sugary goodies that the holiday season brings. But, what if you are a diabetic or have a specific diet that doesn’t allow you to have sugar? There are alternate options and I thought that I would share some snack ideas that I have either tried or have come up in the many searches that I have made since I had surgery.

First, don’t get overwhelmed by the many snacks out there. Because there are tons! Here are a few that I’ve tried that are yummy and nutritious. I’ll try to find where I got them and leave a link for you. Some I got off Pinterest and I will try to link the page.

If you have some snack ideas that you have made or found, please share them. We could all support each other.

Enjoy!

Quest ChipsWalmart Keto Fat BombsWalmart

Protein balls

issuu.comSugar Cookie Shakehttp://www.angelenamarie.com/2015/12/high-protein-holiday-shakes.htmlSugar Free/Low-Carb Gingerbread cookieshttps://thesugarfreediva.com/how-to-make-low-carb-gingerbread-cookies/Cucumbers dipped in ranchHam & Cheese Rollupshttps://seekinggoodeats.com/ham-and-cheese-roll-ups-low-carb-and-keto-appetizer/?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=social-pugEgg Nog Protein Shakehttps://bariatricbits.com/low-sugar-eggnog-protein-shake/Cream Cheese Sausage Ballshttps://stylishcravings.com/keto-cream-cheese-sausage-balls-recipe/Broccoli Cauliflower Casserolehttps://www.bariatricfoodcoach.com/12-days-of-healthy-sides-broccoli-cauliflower-casserole/?utm_term=bariatric%20recipes&utm_campaign=2304133122&epik=dj0yJnU9NGZYMi1EdVZMNXlRSEYzVWthRm4waVFHVTF1aHhLOEYmcD0wJm49bGdZU05QVjdBYXFhWjBNa1hfR05mZyZ0PUFBQUFBR0d3R3lNCHRISTMAS PROTEIN RUM BALLShttps://surgicalweightlosscentre.com.au/news/recipes/christmas-protein-rum-balls/

I hope that you try these recipes and that you enjoy some yummy snacks.

Until next time,

Ruth

Tuesday Weigh-in (12 Weeks Post-op VSG)

I’m officially 12 weeks post-op vsg! My life has changed dramatically since May. I looked around at my life and had to finally do something about it. I was lazy (still am) and I was making really bad health decisions. The consequences for that led me to more health problems.

After a stressful beginning of the year, I ended up in the emergency room with horrible pain. It took hours of sitting in that emergency room to get called to the back. They did a CT scan and drew blood. I’m pretty sure I laid there for hours with no pain meds waiting to hear what was going on. Since they didn’t know what was going on, I had to wait.

Finally, they came in and told me that I had a hernia under my ileostomy that had grown and was obstructing my stoma. The intestines were getting sucked into the hernia and caused a blockage. To my dismay, they had to put an NG Tube up my nose and down into my stomach to empty it out. That sucked really hard. It was painful, I bled all over and I had to endure that whole mess.

That was the day I found out that my weight had gone over the 300 mark. I weighed in at 305 pounds. I hadn’t realized that I let myself get that bad.

When I got home and set up an appointment with the bariatric program at UNM, I made the decision to start making changes right away. I worked hard and changed my diet. I lost 29 pounds before my surgery. Last week, I weighed in at 229 pounds. I had lost a total of 76 pounds. That is amazing and I’m so grateful.

I will continue to make great choices with my diet and health.

Today, I am 12 weeks post-op. So, without further ado, here is my weekly weigh-in:

I’m proud of the progress that I’m making, even if it is slow.

Until next time,

Ruth

Blogmas Day 7: Letters to Santa

Every year, we have our kids write letters to Santa asking him for a list of things they want to have under the tree on Christmas morning. But do we know the history of Santa?

Well, I found an article from History.com where they break down the origins and legends of Santa.

According to their website:

“The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. It is believed that Nicholas was born sometime around 280 A.D. in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey. Much admired for his piety and kindness, St. Nicholas became the subject of many legends. It is said that he gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick. One of the best-known St. Nicholas stories is the time he saved three poor sisters from being sold into slavery or prostitution by their father by providing them with a dowry so that they could be married.”

https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/santa-claus

The type of man is was aligns with the spirit of Christmas and the man that we inspire our kids to look up to. He gives gifts to children all over he world. So, in spirit of Santa, I’m going to share some really cute Santa letters that I found from all over of many ages and circumstances. I don’t take credit for them but found them and they are inspirational to me. I hope they will be to you too.

Share your Santa letters with us.

Until next time,

Ruth

Blogmas Day 6: Dealing With Holiday Stress

Last year was really touch and this year hasn’t been much better, for many. Are you full of worry? Anxiety?

Are you spending time worrying about whether you are into the holiday spirit? What you should get for your loved ones this year or if you should bother? Maybe you’ve been struggling financially and have no money to spend this year. You worry whether or not you should bother making the meals you usually do? Feeling left out of family activities? Have you had enough of this year and want it to be over?

Are you dealing with mental health and diagnosis? You are not alone. Some people don’t have anyone to spend the holidays with. Some people don’t have the money or the means. Some can’t be bothered.

Covid is still here and sticking around and there are many things that come with that. Masks are still being worn, people are still getting sick, and the vaccine is being mandated. Jobs are at risk, people’s patience is thin, and it looks like it isn’t going to get better.

There have been many sick, many deaths, many diagnoses, and so much more that goes along with Covid.

Outside of the virus, many are dealing with health issues, mental health, isolation, loneliness, and more.

I’m providing resources like I did last year for those who need it.

Here is a list of things that might help you.

Savor the moments that you have with those you care about. Even if they are moments, enjoy them and hold on to those moments. Plan ahead. Sometimes if you know what you are doing or what you need to get done, the stress can be a little less overwhelming. Be active. Try to stay active in things that you enjoy. It’s important to keep active for your health and for your mental health. Acknowledge your feelings. Let yourself feel what you feel and don’t let anyone make you feel bad about it. You are dealing with a lot, as we all are. Your feelings are valid. Embrace your “failures” and what goes wrong. Not everything has to be perfect. That’s okay! Say no. If you are overwhelmed and people ask too much of you, don’t feel bad if you need to say no. No one should put themselves in a position to be unhappy because they didn’t say no. Take a Break. It’s okay to step back and allow yourself time alone. Reach out. Please reach out to someone that you know. Or use a hotline. Reach out if you are struggling. I know it may seem like no one cares, but that is not true. Many do care and many will be there for you. Including me.

I hope these will help you this holiday season. I know that there are times that are fun and full of activities. But remember, for all of us, there are moments when we are alone with our thoughts and feelings. Not all of them good.

Until next time,

Ruth

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Last night, Las Cruces had their Annual Tree Lighting on the plaza in downtown. The kids and I decided to head there early to grab parking, but when we got there it was already packed. So, we ended up parking at our church and taking the long walk down main street. We didn’t mind and the weather was pretty nice.

There were a lot of community members giving out crafts, candy, and goodie bags. The kids even wrote a letter to Santa and next week, they will get to go to the railroad museum and get a response. So, they were excited about that. We grabbed some hot chocolate, as you do, and we walked around to see what all there was to offer.

Now, I love going to this event because every year there seems to be some amazing stuff. This year it was okay. They didn’t have Santa pictures or the Grinch like they did in previous years, but I’m not complaining. Seeing my kids watch live music was fun for them.

Local band playing on the plaza

It took some time to walk around the huge crowd to find a spot where we could stand, but it was hard. The kids are little and people were standing everywhere. We finally managed a spot where they could see and enjoyed some Christmas music.

Big Smiles

They drank all their cocoa and even danced to Feliz Navidad, and All I want for Christmas is You.

The tree lighting countdown was short and sweet and I even caught it on video. The mayor of Las Cruces, counted down for us.

Video I took of the countdown!

After the tree lighting, the kids were over the event and wanted to go home. So, we stopped in front of the tree to snap a couple of photos before we headed home.

Cheese!Family Fun!

We had a really good time and got some exercise in by walking main street. I had so much fun and I hoped you liked looking at our photos and hearing about our little adventure on the Plaza. I wanted to stay for the Polar Express they were playing at Rio Grande Theatre but I didn’t think the kids could stand being out that long. Maybe next year.

Until next time,

Ruth

Blogmas Day 5: My Favorite YouTube Channels

I’m not one to spend a whole lot of time on YouTube. When I do, there are specific channels that I really enjoy watching. I have either just stumbled across them or I have been watching them for years. Some are homeschool related, some are not. These are my Top Ten favorite YouTube Channels.

Living Traditions Homestead

Kevin and Sara moved to Missouri where they bought land and started their own homestead. They had a homestead previously in Phoenix, Arizona. They raise rabbits, chicken, pigs, cows, quail, and more. I have learned so much from them and enjoy seeing how their gardening has grown. They have so many fun videos and this is how I learned how to can and preserve my own food.

Here is their latest video where Sara shows us how to can her leftover turkey.

Acre Homestead

Becky and her husband live out in Washington where they have their homestead. I really enjoy her videos especially pertaining to bulk shopping and bulk cooking. She does a great job of showing us how she makes her food last through winter.

Here is her latest video on filling up her freezer.

Beatrice Caruso

I stumbled across Bea’s channel when I was looking to lose weight. She was on a journey herself and I found her relatable and extremely funny. I love her honesty and the fact that she posts a lot of things on food, home living, and all kinds of stuff. She’s really enjoyable to watch. I look forward to her videos each week.

Here is her latest video on how she tried Adele’s workout and diet. It was really interesting.

Grace and Grit

Ashley is a fellow homeschool mom. I started watching her videos around the time that I started to homeschool my kids. I learned a lot from her. She does some day in the life videos, shopping hauls, and she also does some health and nutrition videos. She used to be a physical trainer and I really enjoy all her videos. It’s so nice to see her family grow up.

Check out her latest video on what she eats in a day. I enjoy these from her.

Coffee and Bible Time

Ashley and Taylor along with their mom have a channel dedicated to walking with God. I do a lot of their in-depth bible studies and listen to their podcast. If you are a young person, they are especially up your alley. They are silly and funny and carefree.

Here is their latest video on Christian gift giving.

The Matthews Fam

Lamar aka “L” and his family do reaction videos. I especially enjoy the crime and crazy moment videos. He’s funny and animated. I really enjoy watching his videos and his family makes me laugh. If you like reaction videos, he has all sorts of topics.

Here is the latest on “What happens next with shock you” series.

The East Family

I’m a big fan of gymnastics and Shawn Johnson was one of my favorite. She married Andrew and they have 2 beautiful little kids. I love watching their videos. They are funny and provide awesome entertainment.

Their latest videos is a fixer upper before and after.

Angela Braniff

Angela is another homeschool mom who I learned a lot from. Her and her husband have a lovely family and they also farm. So, you get all sorts of fun from this family. She shows that with a large family things are possible.

Her latest videos is a farming video on what the best gift card would be for a farm girl or homesteader.

Diane Jennings

One of my favorite hobbies is genealogy and my ancestors are from Ireland, as many are. I wanted to learn more about the culture. When I was looking around for different travel ideas, I stumbled across Diane’s channel. Her channel is all about how different Ireland is from America and other countries. She’s so funny and sarcastic.

Her latest video lists 10 reasons never to move to the United States.

Self Sufficient Me

Mark lives in Australia and teaches us to be self-sufficient. He’s all about growing food and teaching us about how to maximize your space. He raises animals too. I learned a ton from him and really enjoy watching his videos. I’ve wasted many hours doing so.

His latest video teaches you how to grow potatoes in a cardboard box.

A Few honorable mentionsAlexa Donne

Alexa is an author and she is also an avid reader. I love to learn about being a writer and love to hear about books that I otherwise would not have read. She’s the author of Brightly Burning and The Stars We Steal, sci-fi re-telling of classics like Jane Eyre and Persuasion. She’s very knowledgeable.

Her latest video discusses her latest YA thriller The Ivies.

The FallCo Family

Syreena is the first channel I found when researching homeschooling. I was overwhelmed and a little stressed out. I watched all her videos in a couple of months and she really put my mind at ease. I love her videos and I have watched her kids grow up over the years.

Her latest vlog is on how they stay connected and a visit to a sunflower garden.

Erin Branscom

If you have stuck around on my blog, you’ll know that I had bariatric surgery on September 14. I have many vlogs I watch, but Erin is the one I watch the most. She has a ton of information and helps when it comes to food, shopping, and planning. It is also comforting when things aren’t going as I hoped.

Erin’s latest video discusses artificial sweeteners and maintaining weight.

These are the channels that I watch the most. I hope you will give some of them a try. There might be something in there for you.

Until next time,

Ruth

Bariatric Chicken Fajitas

For lunch today, I had a craving for fajitas. I may not be able to eat tortillas, but I can still enjoy this meal packed with protein and ingredients that fit into my plan. So, I hope you enjoy my dish.

INGREDIENTSChicken meat cut into fajita strips

Green and Red bellpeppers and onions

DIRECTIONS

Add oil, I used sunflower and olive oil to a pan. Cook the chicken.

Add the pepper mixture and add a cover to steam the veggies.

Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parsley. Whatever you like.

Top with Green Chile sauce

Enjoy!

Until next time,

Ruth

Blogmas Day 4: Christmas Cocktails

This year is all about enjoyment, is it not? We enjoy family, traditions, and food. Don’t forget about the drinks. I’m personally not much of a drinker, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t like to share recipes for others. I’m taking these recipes that people have tried and told me that they really enjoyed.

Rudolph’s Sleigh Sidecar Cocktailhttps://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/rudolphs-sleigh-sidecarIngredients ¾ ounce Lemon juice, raw¼ oz. ginger syrup¼ oz. cinnamon syrup1 ¼ oz. Remy Martin½ oz. Cointreau1 dash Angostura bitters1 tablespoon Sugars, granulated1 lemon peel (optional)Directions

Instructions Checklist

Step 1 Wet the rim of your glass, and roll in sugar to create a sugared rim.Step 2 Shake the rest of the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker.Step 3 Serve in a sugar rimmed glass, with a lemon twist garnish.Gingerbread martini https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/gingerbread-martini-recipe-2/aczas1nlIngredients 1/4 cup caramel sauce1/4 tsp mixed spice1/4 tsp ground ginger6 ice cubes1/2 cup thickened cream1/4 cup vodka1 tbsp Baileys Irish cream liqueurWhipped cream, to serveExtra caramel sauce, to serveSmall gingerbread men, whole and crushed, to serveDirectionsStep 1 Combine caramel sauce, mixed spice and ginger in a small jug.Step 2 Place ice cubes, cream, caramel mixture, vodka and Baileys in a cocktail shaker. Secure lid. Shake well to combine.Step 3 Pour into chilled serving glasses. Dollop with whipped cream. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce. Decorate with whole and crushed gingerbread men. Serve. Spicy Pomegranate Moscow Mulehttps://www.halfbakedharvest.com/spicy-pomegranate-moscow-mule/Ingredients2 ounces vodkajuice from 1/2 lime juicejuice from 1/4 of a small grapefruit, plus grapefruit slices for serving1/3 cup pomegranate juice1-2 jalapeño slicesginger beer, for toppingpomegranate arils, and fresh mint, for servingInstructionsFill a cocktail glass with ice.Combine the vodka, lime juice, grapefruit juice, pomegranate juice, and jalapeños in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake until combined, about 1 minute. Strain into your prepared glass. Top with ginger beer and garnish as desired. Enjoy!Snowflake Martinihttps://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a57464/snowflake-martini-recipe/INGREDIENTS3 oz. white chocolate liqueur2 oz. Vanilla Vodka2 tbsp. heavy cream1/2 c. ice1 lemon wedge, for rim1/3 c. white sanding sugar, for rimDIRECTIONSUsing a lemon wedge, wet the rim of your martini glass. Dip in sanding sugar until rim is coated.In a cocktail shaker, combine white chocolate liqueur with vanilla vodka and heavy cream.Fill shaker with ice and shake well.Strain mixture into prepared glass and serve.Christmas Margaritahttps://www.thespruceeats.com/christmas-margarita-4770127IngredientsCinnamon sugar, for rimming1 1/2 ounces blanco tequila1/2 ounce orange liqueur1 ounce coconut milk1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice1/2 ounce white cranberry juiceLime wedge, for garnishCranberries, for garnishRosemary sprig, for garnishDirectionsGather the ingredients.Rim an old-fashioned glass with cinnamon sugar: Begin by wiping a lime wedge around the edge of the glass to wet the rim, then roll it in a shallow dish of cinnamon sugar.In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour the tequila, orange liqueur, coconut milk, lime juice, and white cranberry juice. Shake well.Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wedge, a few cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary. Serve and enjoy.Cîroc Holiday Spice Cocktailhttps://www.thespruceeats.com/ciroc-holiday-spice-cocktail-recipe-760947Ingredients1 1/2 ounces coconut vodka1 ounce whole milk1/2 ounce cream of coconut1/4 ounce pineapple juice1 large egg white2 dashes ground cinnamon, divided2 dashes ground nutmeg, divided2 dashes ground allspice, dividedCoconut flakes, for garnishDirectionsGather the ingredients.Combine the vodka, milk, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, egg white, and one dash of each of the spices in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.Shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds to ensure the egg is properly mixed.Strain into a chilled old-fashioned glass.Top with the remaining spices and coconut flakes.Serve and enjoy.Winter Sangriahttps://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a32303964/winter-sangria-recipe/Ingredients2 750-ml bottles of dry red wine1 c. cranberries (thawed if frozen)1 c. orange liqueur (such as Cointreau) 1/2 c. Campari or Aperol2 oranges, thinly sliced and quartered2 apples, cut into 1-inch piecesDirectionsCombine the wine, cranberries, orange liqueur, Campari or Aperol, oranges and apples in a large pitcher or punch bowl.Refrigerate the sangria for 2 to 6 hours before serving.Christmas Jones Cocktailhttps://www.thespruceeats.com/christmas-jones-cocktail-recipe-761217Ingredients1 1/2 ounces vodka5 ounces pineapple juice4 fresh strawberries2 teaspoons superfine sugar3 to 4 ounces lemon-lime soda, to tasteMint sprigs, for garnishDirectionsGather the ingredients.In a blender, whiz the vodka, pineapple juice, strawberries, and sugar together.Pour the mix equally into two highball glasses.Top with lemon-lime soda.Garnish with a sprig of mint. Serve and enjoy.Chocolate Peppermint Martinihttps://amandascookin.com/chocolate-peppermint-martini/Ingredients3 oz chocolate liquor or creme de cacoa3 oz peppermint vodka5 oz light cream or half & half table cream, plus more for garnish1 tsp cocoa powder or hot chocolate mix1 tbs chocolate syrup2 oz chocolate bark 1/2 a brick1 candy cane smashedDirectionsCrush the candy cane with a kitchen mallet or rolling pin and place in a small bowl that is wide enough for the rim of your martini glasses to dip into. Melt your chocolate in the microwave in a small bowl, heating for 30 seconds, then stirring, then reheating as needed in 30 second increments. Delicately swirl your martini glass edge through the melted chocolate. Immediately run the martini glass rim through the crushed peppermint to allow it to stick to the rim of the glass. Set aside for the chocolate to dry as you prepare your cocktails.In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add your chocolate liquor, cream, peppermint vodka, cocoa powder and chocolate syrup. Shake well and then taste to adjust the flavoring, as needed.Pour the cocktail into your decorated martini glass.If you’d like a little swirl on top, carefully pour some cream in a swirl shape overtop of the martini and then drag a toothpick or skewer through the design to make it even more decorative.Mulled Apple Ciderhttps://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10425/mulled-apple-cider/Ingredients4 whole cinnamon sticks1/8 tsp. ground cloves8 whole allspice berriesorange peel from 1 orangelemon peel from 1 lemon1/2 c. maple syrup6 c. unfiltered (fresh squeezed is great) apple juiceapple slices and orange twists, for garnish1/2 c. dark rum, optionalDirectionsPlace the cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, allspice berries, orange peel and lemon peel in a medium saucepan. Pour in the maple syrup and apple juice, then bring to almost a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and serve in mugs with apple slices and orange twists for garnish. Add a splash of rum for an adults-only version! Yum, yum, yum.

I hope that you will enjoy them and that you take the time to click on the links to see the recipes for yourself. Some have some amazing photos and some cute videos too. If you give them a try, let me know what you think.

Until next time,

Ruth

A Trip Downtown

https://www.filmlascruces.com/location/downtown-las-cruces-main-street/

Our downtown area is all decorated with Christmas lights on all the trees, there are little setups for families to take pictures, and the tree is ready for the lighting ceremony taking place on Saturday. So, we went last night, when the crowds weren’t present, to get a look at what would be there. There were nutcrackers, penguins, trains, presents, gingerbread men, and a Santa. The kids had a really good time walking around and seeing all the decorations.

We made hot cocoa and took it with us to keep warm. Though, when we did go, it was like 66 degrees. Perfect weather for a night stroll. The streets were not that crowded and there were two or three other families walking around. I guess they had the same idea.

It’s nice for us to get out of the house and get out and about to see the town we live in. I quite love the way downtown has become a place for people to enjoy. I love Coas bookstore and have frequented the shop for many years. The theaters always bring amazing talent. There are galleries, restaurants, a comic book store, and a few other shops. There is a coffee stand that I went to before my surgery. Now that I’m off caffeine, I tend to make coffee at home with the decaf variety.

It was a nice night and the parking is so easy that I didn’t have any trouble finding a spot. We spent about an hour or so just enjoying the night, walking around, taking pictures, and of course, drinking cocoa. Until my son had to go to the bathroom and we had to go. We drove around a bit to look at lights and that was enjoyable too.

I’m sharing a gallery of photos that we took last night for your enjoyment and to document the great memories we had as a little trio. Enjoy!

I hope you are finding ways to enjoy the holiday season.

Until next time,

Ruth

Blogmas Day 3: Festive Activities

I am a huge Christmas fan and each year, I always try to figure out ways to make my kids happy. I try to look around at what is happening locally. Whether that be events, Christmas lights, parties, or Church activities. I really love the holidays for this reason, we get to take tons of pictures and make memories.

I can remember a time when I was little when we would have activities and those have been imprinted in my mind. I try to do the same for my kids. Things I remember most are building a ginger bread house, making cookies, looking at Christmas lights, game nights, movies, music, and going to see Santa at the mall. My most memorable time was when we got to see Santa arrive by helicopter.

Now, I’m not sure that I can top Santa arriving on a helicopter, but I can go to enough events that it makes the memories last. It may be early in December but we will do a ton of things this month that will get the kids excited about Christmas.

So, let’s start with our activities and then, I’ll provide a list of ideas that you could do with your family.

My Family Activities

Gingerbread Houses-Decorating as a family.

Christmas Lights in El Paso

Christmas Movies

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Christmas Caroling

Holiday Crafts

Christmas Décor

Christmas Pictures

Photo Booths

Christmas Cards

Activity Ideas for YouTake Holiday Photos (we do every year)Write Santa Letters (the kids love to do this)Decorate Christmas Cookies (cookies are a must)Create Snow Globes out of Mason Jars (I’ve wanted to do this)Create Festive Décor (we do this all the time)Christmas Photo booth (so fun!)Go Snowshoeing or snowboarding (we want to do this sometime)Host a tasting (sounds like fun)Cookie Exchange (I did this in college, yum!)Throw a party (fun times with those you love)Volunteer (it is important to give back)Go Ice-skating (I’m afraid to fall on my butt)Family Hike (fun times, always)Ugly Sweater Party (always wanted to go to one) Build a snowman (we live in the desert, but do when it snows)Create a Village (we did this and it was fun)Make your own decorations (we do this all the time)Scavenger hunt (love these!) Secret Santa (had one at work and it was fun)Start a holiday collection Display Christmas CardsSlumber Party under the TreeTry new recipesDIYCocoa and s’moresDonate a toy for the toy drive

I could keep going with ideas that I’ve wanted to try or that have come to me over the years. There is so much to have and it all depends on where you are and what is available. I know, we take part in all we can.

Have fun this year with all the activities and be safe.

Until next time,

Ruth