November 10th—45 days until Christmas—Star Poem and Decorations

Up here in the north pole our skies are filled with stars, but on Christmas we celebrate one star.  Hence this poem:

Years ago a bright brilliant star

shone down from the blackened sky,

showing wise men and shepherds the way

to the manger where Jesus lay.

And so I hang a multitude

of stars, around my tree,

reminding me of the reason why

we celebrate Christmas day.

© Ann Whitford Paul

It’s still only November but I had fun making these simple star decorations.

You and your family can, too. Get busy. Directions are here. While you’re busy painting and gluing, listen to  this you-tube song. 

It celebrates the book about me and is  less than a minute and a half long.  I hope you’ll play it over and over again.

My next post will have another simple craft for decorations and another holiday throw.  The more you do now, the more relaxed your December will be.

Sing a Song of Christmas and Candy

    Zooey Deschanel said, “One thing I love about Christmas music is that it has a tradition of warmth.”

   Nothing like music to get you into the mood for the holidays, but while CDs titled JINGLE BELL ROCK or ROCK ‘N ROLL CHRISTMAS are just the thing for elves working in our factory, they will have you thumping to the beat more anxious than Santa trying to stuff his bag in his sleigh. Instead listen to music that echoes the relaxed, peaceful mood you want to be in.  Here are two suggestions for Christmas CDs for your listening pleasure.

One is NOEL by Josh Groban.  His voice is like Christmas Fudge, smooth and delicious.  Want to hear a sample.  Listen here.  And if you have one of those modern thingamajiggys you can only download the songs you like. 

While listening to Josh Groban’s Chocolate Fudge voice, why not make fudge to share with friends and family. 

 Another CD I love is CHRISTMAS HARP by Cindy Horstman.      The harp is the instrument of Christmas and what better time to listen to it than now.  You can hear excerpts here.

Settle down with a piece of peppermint bark, so easy a child can do it and let the notes sprinkle and twinkle around you. 

       Have any favorite Christmas music to share or any favorite candy, homemade or not? 

On our next post, December 20^th we’ll suggest a holiday game for the whole family.

Until then, let’s all strive for a stress-free, love-filled Christmas . . .