Festive Bonbon & Weekly Smile

Posted on by Prior...

Hello Readers,

Joining in with the holiday link up where we share about our holiday season (and long post warning, please skim and go as needed – or come back later to read it).

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If you want to join in – here is the link for more info:

https://retirementreflections.com/2021/12/09/festive-bonbon/

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Priorhouse Response

1) Christmas Trees

For the last few years we decided to put out two table-top Christmas trees and some lights and garland The small trees are just the right size for us.

In 2016, we gave away the large artificial tree that we used since 1996. We got a pre-lit tree and it was amazing going from old school to the modern era. However, we only used the pre-lit tree for one year and then our son took it when he moved out and then they gave it away. I do not think we will ever have a full size tree again – maybe.  In the meantime,  I still hold onto a large bin of ornaments. Christmas ornaments can be magical little memory items and not sure I can part ways with some of them.

2) Christmas Carols 

I like both modern and traditional Christmas Carols. I am a Christian and so I do like the Christian Christmas songs – especially this year as they have really been refreshing to my soul – so uplifting and really nourishes me. However, I can also see why non-Christians would not enjoy many of the Christian Christmas songs – but I sure do enjoy many of them (not all). And many of the Christmas songs can be enjoyed year round. For example, everyone sang Hark the Herald Angels Sing at Kip White’s (packed) funeral back in 2005. I guess he really loved that song so much and his wife said it was a highlight of the funeral service.

My LEAST favorite Christmas song is “Silver Bells” –

***side note on this least favorite song*** – I now like the song a little bit because after reading Terri’s Sunday Stills Song Lyric post (here), I saw so much beauty in the song. It really was a great example of how an artsy post can highlight things we miss.

My favorite Christmas song is probably Silent Night – especially at a candle light service – and just love when someone with a trained voice sings Silent Night with their flair.

 

 

3) Christmas Books

A fav is Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, which is more of a short story – and the copy we have is in a book with two other Dickens’s short stories.

4) Christmas Movies

First, I don’t really like the “A Christmas Story” movie, yet when I see it playing on a loop somewhere I smile because it feels right – this movie seems to be part of our culture.

Second, a top holiday movie – well sort of holiday-ish  – for us was The family Man (2000) with Nicolas Cage. The main character has a “glimpse” over Christmas and goes from living single in a penthouse to being a husband and father living on a budget. Great humor and encouraging message. We used to have a few movie lines memorized that would surface at various times. i.e. “But she got those Mary Janes.”

Third, my very favorite Christmas movie is the same as the book I mentioned –  A Christmas Carol. We still have four or five different versions of this movie on DVD.

Out of all of the Christmas Carol movies, the 1984 one with George C. Scott is my fav – but we like them all – even the 1938 black and white.

We also saw the Christmas Carol musical as a family more than 20 times. Most of those times were at Randolph Macon College because they used to do a musical every year. Here is an old photo of us with Marley:

I also like when sitcoms or movies feature a version (often cheesy) of A Christmas Carol. You know, where a hardened and hum-bug kind of person meets up with three ghosts and then experiences a huge cognitive shift and personal transformation.

I think the Scrooge Christmas Carol message is a year round thing and I love to see when someone goes from ugly to beautiful inside.

Speaking of transformation, we recently watched a few episodes of “Locked Up Abroad” – I have not seen the show since 2017 and was pleasantly surprised to see they were in the 14th season. The show is filmed well. They have a nice balance with dramatization and interviews and also master showing not telling.

I remembered how much I liked “Locked Up Abroad” because the people in the episodes have paradigm shifts and life transformations. They usually discover what “really” matters as a human being and find that stuff and money is not what brings contentment. They get the boot in the head, get their butt kicked, or whatever you want to call it.  If my boys were young and back at home – I would have them watch every single episode of this show because each episode offers entertainment with wisdom and admonishing. There is so much to glean from the raw stories of growth, hardship, and survival. The choices and actions that led to being locked up and how they overcame can be life changing for viewers.  The show is very careful with how they mention God or faith connections, and that is understandable – but sometimes I do not think we get the full faith stories.

Anyhow, Locked Up Abroad depicts how people thought money would make them happy, how power lured them in, or how they just made a mistake or very stupid decision. In the King of Weed episode, S13 E7, they featured the story of Canadian Hockey Pro Ryan Phillips. Ryan learned some tough lessons while in the illegal marijuana business and my favorite line he shared was that he had the “disease of more.”

A few of us have chatted about what that line means – the disease of more – and if Pat Riley coined it – (don’t think so).  The disease of more is not just related to money and possessions  – because the want for “more” creeps in with schedules, stats, achievements, and even with appearance. And maybe at Christmas, some folks need to be reminded of this “disease” before they get caught up in consumerism or the trap of more.

5) Christmas Cake

No cake here. But maybe some type of “keto” dessert – like this citrus pie with almond flour and stevia crust. Notice the little potholder in the photo? My husband’s Grandmother Treena crocheted hundreds of these and I have a few unused ones in the attic to give to grandchildren some day. Although they might not even want them. Not everyone values heirlooms or they might only want certain items.

6) Chocolate, Nuts, Fruit

Chocolate: WE like chocolate just like so many folks do (esp. dark chocolate with almonds or a touch of caramel). But because we abstain from sugar and try to avoid additives and artificial ingredients, we had to find new chocolate options. 

Lily’s brand is a hot new item – sold at so many stores (seems to be everywhere and that is a great thing when traveling) – Lily’s offers DELICIOUS chocolate treats  – all without sugar and without chemicals. Brilliant.

However, even though Lily’s chocolate products are amazing – they are still a packaged food item.  We prefer to make our own treats and it is not difficult to whip out a batch of chocolate goodness (shocked at how quick it can be). They taste amazing, were not made in a factory, not stored in wrappers, and can be 1/3 the cost of store bought. Also, we can vary the ingredients. For times we want more of a fat boost, might add extra butter – other times, we might add more cocoa, more coconut oil, or lots of chunky ingredients. The other things is that when the ingredients are so healthy, the treats take on a more nutritious role and is not this huge assault on health. I found three old Priorhouse posts with some keto chocolate recipes:

  • Here is a 2018 post “Chocolate Cups without Refined Sugar”
  • Here is a 2017 post with “Fat Bombs Chocolate Treats”
  • Here is a 2021 post with a recipe for “5-Minute Dark Chocolate (No-Sugar)”

Nuts: We buy the large bags of RAW nuts (side note on almonds – it is actually healthier to not have raw almonds so we make sure they are pasteurized – or we blanch them). Sometimes the holidays included getting bags of nuts that were still in the shell.  How fun it can be to slowly crack open various types of nuts, use a pick to get the pieces out, and just savor and enjoy nuts right from the shell. In fact, some folks remind us to not eat handfuls of raw nuts because if nature intended them to be cracked into slowly – perhaps we were meant to eat them slowly too.

Fruit: This year we are looking at giving out fruit baskets (with some ket chocolate treats) rather than cookie and treat plates (we give little goodies to our neighbors on Xmas Eve) but still thinking about what we want to do. I just don’t want to do a big sugar dump (because that is not us anymore).  Here is an old photo of some treats we have out over the years.

Anyhow, the problem with fruit is that it can sneak in a lot of sugar. And anyone who has an auto immune disorder or illness should be limiting ALL sugar consumption. It makes me sad that our culture has been so dumbed down about many things that relate to health.  It is actually scary.  For example, we checked out a show called “1000lb Sisters” and in one episode  – the 350lb father reminded his 600Lb daughter to be careful about eating too much fruit because of the high sugar.  She responded by defending the fruit and said she was not dipping it into chocolate (something like that). We paused the show at that point and talked about the misinformation that exists about food and eating. The lies about how fat makes you fat, how canola oil is okay, the lie about how meat is bad, and the brainwashing that chemicals and corrupted foods are okay.  And I guess recently China approved using GMO on crops – and will those be sold to the US?  More chemicals coming our way. 

Anyhow, if you are going to fight for your right to have so many servings of fruit a day – I just want to remind you that if your body needs healing and immune help – sugar hinders immune function.  Fruit does have life-giving phytonutrients and vitamins – but if the gut health is off (and many people have candidiasis infection connected to their poor health) and if you need to heal – daily fruit might not be helping (but eating fruit sure is better than eating cookies made with cane sugar and canola oil).

7) Christmas Traditions

Not too many holiday traditions for us. We like a simple kind of Christmas that does involve some gift giving with some holiday activities  – but over the years we intentionally scaled back. We had one really big Christmas (with gifts) but then if we had certain big gifts to give our children, we actually preferred to wait until spring to give them – did not want it connected with Christmas and then create all those expectations. Balance, flexibility and less stress became our focus. After we decided to stop traveling for the holidays (which was a tough thing to do but so helpful) we had the Christmas tradition of going to Ron’s empty house at Lake Gaston for a few days right after the Christmas Eve service. Those years were nice (and thanks, Ron).

black and white - cody steve lakehouse trail 1

8) What’s on the Table?

Ham used to be a regular Christmas dinner for us. I wonder if people still have a Christmas ham? Do you?  My husband and I had our first Christmas together in 1995 and his mother made a huge Christmas ham. I still remember how good it looked with all those pineapples on it. She also had salad, asparagus, and other side dishes. Such a special Christmas because it was all about exciting new love.

9) Christmas Memories

In 2013, I had to chance to visit Buffalo, NY twice (where I grew up). The Christmas trip was last minute and was such a gift. (I have written about the trip before – the snow storm and treacherous driving conditions). Anyhow, after we arrived, I had a few days to myself because my boys were shuffled “away” from Buffalo and went to visit cousins in Ontario Canada.  One night, I was in my Aunt’s guest room and had a memory lane experience. I looked out of the window and the snow was lightly falling on the street. The houses looked like they did when I was young. Suddenly I was 11 again. For a handful of years my family went to my Aunt’s house on Christmas Eve and snippets of those memories flooded back. It was an unexpected flashback and that experience still brings a smile now.

10) All I want for Christmas is….

All I want for Christmas is….. “world peace.”   That was kind of a joke – thinking of Miss Congeniality – but I do pray that there will NOT be a war – and pray for peace between nations and within nations.

Okay – thanks for reading and if you want to join in the holiday link up –  go here for more information. Thanks to the hosts of Festive Bonbons:  Deb, Sue, Donna and Jo

I am also linking to Trent’s Weekly Smile and to Ju-Lyn with her post about sharing past blog posts in fresh ways.

Photos in this post were all pulled from the archives. 🙂

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70 thoughts on “Festive Bonbon & Weekly Smile”

  1. Hi, Yvette – Thank you for joining us for our holiday link-up (Festive Bonbon). I enjoyed learning more about you through your thoughtful answers. And I found many similarities between my own answers and yours. My absolute favourite Christmas book (novella really) is Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. And my answer for All I Want For Christmas was, honestly, Peace. What can I say? Great Minds Think Alike. 😀
    My post goes live tomorrow at 2 pm BC time.

    https://retirementreflections.com/2021/12/09/festive-bonbon/

    We are using InLinkz for people to add their posts to the linkup.
    Thanks again for your insightful answers. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas season.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hello and I look forward to seeing your post and the other posts for “Festive Bonbon” – and I will add my post to the link up.
      Also I have a huge smile to imagine that our Festive Bonbon posts had a couple things in common (the peace and A Christmas Carol) and now I am wondering if you have any photos of you with Marley? hahaha
      just kidding

      Like

  2. ((edit))
    I should take a look at the chocolate recipes but I doubt that I will because we don’t avoid chocolate in our diet and my husband isn’t an easy character to reform. Sadly! He maybe says the same of me. Nice to read about your Christmas, and the gifts for neighbours is a lovely idea. Christmas hasn’t quite started in our house yet but the crib is waiting to be put in place, any day now. Wishing you and yours all the joys of the festive season.

    Liked by 3 people

    2. Hi Jo – well thanks for the comment and for taking the time read – but I think you might have misunderstood my point about chocolate
      and it is good because I can clarify
      it is the chocolate with sugar in it – (and some have thickeners, stabilizers, and even chemicals) and a while ago I heard someone (with weight issues) brag that they had their bit of chocolate everyday for the antioxidants – which is from the cocoa – but if they are ingesting that with all of the sugar and extras – it is a bit counter productive.

      … and, never said we did not like chocolate – and in fact the reason I liked three old posts is because we LOVE chocolate and have been delighted to find many ways to make our own chocolate treats – to enjoy cocaa without the processed sugar that is hurting so many people.

      A few years ago I heard that someone called Americans sugar pigs – and other first world countries have their high sugar consumption too- but the way we eat sugar is accepted when it is a serious threat to immune functioning and it frustrates me that oncology centers put out cookies.

      And so I was saying chocolate bars with sugar and industrial oils are bad news – anyhow regarding your spouse and his choices – here is what I told my mother-n-law recently – who – by the way is on no medications and is health = I said if what you are eating is working you – and you have reached the age you are and you have energy and feel well – they keep doing what you are doing – and so that is what I say to you and your spouse – keep enjoying the chocolate you have.

      But for anyone with an autoimmune disorder and even those wrestling with depression (and indoor disease that also connects to body imbalances and nutritional deficiencies) – the way sugar pulls from health needs to NOT be ignored (even if that sugar is packaged in cocoa) and the doctors aren’t telling them about the dangers of sugars and it makes me sad.

      Jo, hope that cleared things up and thanks again for taking the time to visit and I will be joining in with a Monday walk sometime soon
      peace

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      1. I think I understood the point you were making, Yvette. I admire your energy in finding solutions to gut problems and your approach to healthy eating. There is no doubt that a lot of things are swept under the carpet for convenience- or profit!- and I abhor that too. We need campaigners like you. Respect, hon!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. thanks Jo – it was when your comment said “because we don’t avoid chocolate in our diet” – that to me felt like you were saying we avoided chocolate – either way – glad you got that point – and I really love what you just added in at the end of your comment – this “no doubt that a lot of things are swept under the carpet for convenience- or profit!”
          so true –
          and respect back atcha amiga

          Liked by 1 person

        2. We visited a nativity scene yesterday, beautifully done, in a huge hall with birds flying overhead and water mills turning. At the end of the hall, 3 stalls, one of which sold the most ravishing chocolate you ever saw, Yvette! It was like a magnet to him and he bought the dark one with salt crystals in. I bought an almond one to take back to the UK. Both are in the fridge, for now. I will keep an eye open for the Lily’s version but it’s like a drop in the ocean because our diet does contain way too much sugar. But I’m 73 and skinny and he’s 68 and fairly trim. Go figure! Merry Christmas, hon!

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        3. Hi – the way you described the nativity scene was so beautiful – and I know you know this – but weight and size is not always indicative of what is going on inside the body — and again – if what you are both doing is working – than cheers to that. Seriously – but for some people – they are clogged with their adrenal system (the energy stations in the body) and that impacts immune function.
          Thanks again for coming back to follow up with the comments – I appreciate your visit Jo

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  3. You’ve provided many wonderful moments about the season. For me, there’s something about Christmas Eve. Driving in the dark to church around 8 pm and the still is coming upon us with the only busy place being a mini-mart at a gas station. … and then in the car after midnight … the quiet on the street, but more homes than normal still up. (Our handbell choir plays for 2 services – a long evening – but that’s OK) …. Cheers to the joys of the season!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The way you described the “driving it the dark” on Christmas Eve was nice and I could feel the quiet and stillness
      – thanks for visiting my Holiday Post

      🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  4. so many great memories to enjoy Yvette. I’m afraid Ham went to the wayside but Keto is a great idea with all of the sweets right now.. I just limit mine..
    I just want world peace too.. why is that too much to ask for.
    I thought you were going on vacation.. lol 💖

    Liked by 1 person

    1. HI Cindy – I took two breaks – one long and one short – (but who is really keeping track – eh?) and did not plan on coming back until closer to Xmas- but I had some time this week and when I saw the Festive Bonbon challenge, I was inspired and had to join in. Plus, it had been a while since I shared a writing pos as I have been doing so many photography posts lately.

      and world peace is not too much to ask for – well said
      be over soon

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Well, it was a worthy post to participate in especially when it spoke to you. I can see why and after all we have to follow our intuition when it hits. You are sooo right about world peace. Big hugs and love 💖💖❤️🤗🤗🤗

        Liked by 1 person

  5. …and the “Christmas Carol” illustrations are the same as in Dickens’ original manuscript. Reading it every year was one of my favorite ways of getting in the spirit. My husband just finished it, and I’m about to plunge in!

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  6. Sorry if this ends up being a duplicate comment, Yvette! When I finished commenting, my wifi disappeared. Anyhoo, lovely post and I chuckled at your dislike of Silver Bells, but glad my Sunday Stills post encouraged you to give it a second chance! I love all your holiday traditions and am hopping into Festive Bon Bon this Sunday to share mine! Always appreciate your presence at Sunday Stills!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey JT – pumpkin pie on Xmas sounds like a great tradition (and that is one of my favorite pies)
      also, thanks for reading and for your nice comment

      Like

  8. Wow, you felt like writing:) I like that holiday link – where can I find it?
    My living room is today full of Xmas decoration spread on the floor because I’m trimming the tree. Ever since our then teens demanded we should have a BIG live tree, that’s what it has been, now they’re living somewhere else, not so big anymore.
    CHOCOLATE … am disappointed that Trader Joe has greatly reduced their chocolates for Christmas. So, I’ll have to find another store for my addiction:)

    Like

    1. Hi – thanks for the comment and you are exactly right – I felt like writing – hahah – and maybe my recent blog break allowed me to get a little chatty!
      here is the link:

      https://retirementreflections.com/2021/12/09/festive-bonbon/

      and…
      I grew up with a live tree every year and the smell of pine will always bring me back to early years. I bet the large live tree you all had was quite enjoyable with the natural energy that trees bring. And nice of you to acquiesce to your teens (wink).
      That is sad that Trader Joe’s has cut back on their options. Not sure how they decide what to discontinue but it seems like the chocolate options should be increasing – hahahah

      Like

  9. What great questions to bring up this holiday season. I enjoy the Christma Story, we watch it every year, it’s a tradition so much we know all the lines. Thanks for sharing. 

    Liked by 1 person

  10. What a lovely read, I’m really enjoying all the contributors to our Festive Bon Bons Link Up. We still have a Christmas Ham and still enjoy the traditional roast turkey although in Queensland in the middle of a hot humid summer many are sensibly have a seafood platter. Thanks for taking part in our link party and best wishes to you and your family for the Festive Season and 2022

    Like

    1. Hi Sue – thanks for co-hosting this very fun link up – later this weekend I am going to read more of the posts – also- cheers to the ham and roast turkey – but you are right – the seafood platter might of better with that humidity

      Like

  11. That was a fun way to get to know you better Yvette. I used to decorate this house and because the house is small and items needed to be tucked away to make room for Christmas decor, it was an all-day affair. That’s what I did on Black Friday. I really need to decorate more than just a wreath and call it done. When I have less clutter and am retired, I will decorate once again. I have never seen any of the Christmas movies, even the classics. I actually fell asleep during “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “White Christmas” but I have seen the Charlie Brown special and the kids’ shows like “Frosty”, “Rudolph” and “The Grinch” many times and even have videos of those three shows. It is just me, no relatives and have not seen my boss since 2012, so I don’t exchange presents, but always buy myself a present … but I don’t wrap it!

    Like

    1. glad you buy yourself a gift each year – and no need to wrap it up – ut then again that could be fun to wrap it

      and I almost fell asleep during It’s a Wonderful Life the first time I saw it – and I rallied I need to watch it because Saturday Night Live had a skit with an “alternative ending” to that movie and it made me want to make sure I saw it – and my husband says it is his favorite holiday movie – anyhow, I have now seen it a few times when it has been on and have most of it down – and get the humor in the SNL skit.

      thanks for sharing and the wreath strategy has some perks – we don’t do too much – inside – the two small trees and some colorful lights – and outside some lights 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I am not a big old movie fan and since I cancelled my cable, I’ve seen one movie (on Amazon Prime). It was Paul Simon’s birthday – he turned 80 and I was listening to a greatest hits album of S&G and decided to watch “The Graduate”. I like Christmas and do intend not to be a minimalist as to Christmas decor when I’m retired … but you don’t have a lot of time and get it done. I just don’t appropriate my down time correctly!

        Like

        1. well I actually did NOT spend a lot of time on any decor – and hardly ever do – hahahah
          sorry if I gave the impression that I might have decorated – not at all – we put up two small tress and then lights – and the ones outside are “easy pest” as we drape them on shrubs (like seriously easy) as opposed to hanging them on the house – does that make sense.
          and so even if I had all the time in the world I am not sure I would want to spend it on any decor – just not my thing – I would write more -:) and so even though you think you might decorate more when you are retired – you could change your mind – or not – but I look forward to following your journey to see :0)

          Liked by 1 person

        2. I used to say that once I retired, I would once again create a beautiful garden in the backyard … the butterfly garden I once had, before the back-to-back Polar Vortexes killed most of it. I even started collecting photos of colorful blooms and mulched pathways … but I have been rethinking that idea … I never went back to gardening with the same gusto for this hobby once I began walking. Then I began the blog. I’m not sure I want to start from scratch with the gardening again (in the backyard anyway). The weather is too erratic now with climate change. This Summer Michigan went from near-drought-like conditions to a tropical rainforest day after day. People were losing flowers from overly “wet feet” and I just don’t know if that is for me. Perhaps it was for younger legs and I’d rather enjoy my walks in different venues and learn how to use the camera on manual and I’m really interested in drawing again. I would never put the effort some people put into Christmas decor – some of it is over the top by the time they’re done with it. You can buy lights that are netting and slip them over the bushes … easier still. 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

        3. Hi Linda – I have seen those nets – but I like the stringed ones because we have little colored circle bulbs in one area and then different shapes and a variety of string lights – so that fits our mood at this time – I see some holiday decor and it is still all white – which has a nice mood – and we did that in early 2000s – but love the color and variety of shaped bulbs
          We do have some hanging snowflake lights on stings but put those back in the box for another year – rally content with what unfolded

          And regarding the garden – I am with you in that I will never again garden the way I did 2007 to 2012! Those years gardening helped me refresh during grad school and while in mom mode. Later I saw more of the benefits – like moving stones or all that soil work was great physical exercise and stress relief
          And with that said – only minimal container gardening for me!
          –🌸🌼🌸🌼🌸

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Container gardening works and it is much easier to drop a cloth over those pots if there is frost or pull them out of a drenching rain. Even raised bed gardening once appealed to me, but it’s still a lot of work as well. My biggest reason is the weather. People went from watering daily to preserve perennials and annuals and keep lawns looking good during our moderate drought, to worrying about root rot and leaf/bloom rot once the torrential rains kept coming. Sometimes simple is best.

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  12. Firstly, so much to love here – like that pot holder…how special! And yes, we still have a Christmas ham. I will glaze one & take it to the Christmas lunch we’re going to. Then on Boxing Day we’ll cut the other ham – and spend the next couple of weeks eating it with salads & in sandwiches.

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    1. Hi – wow – you caught that little note about the potholder – that means you read so much of this long post – hahah
      and your comment about ham reminded me that it really is so versatile for leftovers – mmmm
      hope you have a nice day

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Pingback: Festive Bonbon – Retirement Reflections

  15. A lovely post, Yvette. We sometimes have Christmas ham, we call it a gammon here. My cooks it. On Christmas day we often have a hot meal of roast lamb, roast potatoes and vegetables. I make apple pie and sometimes another pudding. I make a Christmas cake and a Christmas gingerbread house. We also have a Christmas tree which is a hodge podge of all my decorations and my moms and my sons home made decorations. I don’t do sophisticated, I do memories.

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    1. right on Robbie: “I don’t do sophisticated, I do memories.” – I had to add that in here – well said

      🙂 ‘

      and mmmm the comment reply made me a little hungry! We did lamb a few times – I forgot and we had some mint jelly and nice trimmings – and thanks for the new word for ham – “gammon” – 🙂

      Like

  16. I enjoyed everything about this post, Yvette. I can relate when it comes to downsizing on the tree,
    I’ve been saying it for years but my tree is so beautiful I hate to part with it. I paid too much for it
    24 years ago but it looks brand new. It is a green tree with snow flocks. You’d think it would be barren by now.
    Hubby adds the lights and secures it. I place each ornament in my own OCD way. Nothing random about my tree. Well, I could go on but this IS a comment. LOL … and your Buffalo story is priceless. It’s been a pleasure getting to know more about you through this seasonal post.
    Although I’d love to join in I just don’t have the time but what FUN this was to read. I may have to travel to some of the others too. I might even write a rogue post on some Christmas thoughts. MERRY MERRY !!!
    Izzy 😎

    Like

    1. Hi Izzy –
      your Christmas tree must be wonderful for you to still keep it. One of the reasons we let my son take ours (the one year old pre-lit one) when he moved was because it was also not the best tree. Some of them are just junk today – and so if you have a quality one – as well as a size you like and all that – well I am not sure I would let it go ever.
      🙂
      thanks for the nice comment and looking forward to any rogue holiday post that unfolds on your blog
      take care

      Liked by 1 person

  17. What a fun post! Thanks for sharing all your favorites. As for Christmas trees, we had a huge artifical tree that took up too much space. We recently got a much narrower, smaller tree (prelit). It opens up like an umbrella and is super easy. I do like Christmas carols. I agree with you about Silver Bells, I have always loved Hark the Herald Angels Sing and The First Noel. It sounds silly, but I love when all the Peanuts characters sing Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi there
      I know so many folks who LOVE the Peanuts holiday stuff and so trust brought a smile to read.
      And thanks for reading my holiday post! I bet that “large” tree you had was awesome for the seasons you used it! There truly is something magical about big holiday trees and then I guess there is something beautiful about downsizing too!
      A time for different things …
      And wishing you a nice holiday
      🎄💚😊

      Like

  18. Hi there, I’m new to your blog. I really enjoyed reading your post and especially the part about the message of movies like A Christmas carol and similar – and the concept of “the disease of more” is spot on.
    Thanks for reminding me of “O come o come, Emmanuel”. I’ll go and listen to it now during the week. Actually, when I wrote my post, I had forgotten about many Christian Christmas songs that I used to love. I have to look them up again! I wish you a lovely week and all the best for the Christmas holiday.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Susanne
      I appreciate your visit and nice to connect with the Festive Bonbon
      That Emmanuel song is now playing in my mind – and I cannot believe Christmas is next weekend – wishing you a nice week ahead and good oldish
      💚🙏🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

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  19. It was fun to read about your Christmas thoughts/traditions. I love the little pot holder – I had a few of my grandma’s that I think my daughter ended up with? Do share the link to the keto cake you made, that looks yummy. We’re in love with Lily’s Intensely Dark 92% cacao and the https://www.alterecofoods.com/products/total-blackout. I tried the chocolate-making myself, need to try it again. Maybe for Christmas treats since we aren’t doing any of the traditional baking…hmm, you’ve got me thinking (again!). Here’s my attempt before. https://www.quaintrevival.com/the-week-that-ended-with-making-chocolate/ I wish you and your family a joyous Christmas!

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    1. Hi Shelley – regarding lily’s – I meant to say that the brand has all kinds of stuff now – like baking morales and so many options – but had to keep sections reasonable with this long post (and by the way – thanks for taking the time to read it)
      I’ll see if I have a link to the citrus pie and if not – will try and make a post in 2022.
      Also, I think the secret to making homemade treats with stevia (or mini fruit, etc) is to keep trying and just experiment
      We go by what we are on the mood for.

      Last week I made some sort of concoction that started with almond flour – butter and walnuts – added stevia and a bit of cocoa powder – than a few berries – it was excellent and one of a kind

      Oh and we also found Nutiva had an organic shrortening that helps make a great crust
      Happy baking healthy treats and happy holidays
      🎄🎄🎄🎄😊

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  20. Pingback: Sunday Stills Monthly Color Challenge: #Metallic Taste – Second Wind Leisure Perspectives

  21. Hi Yvette, thanks so much for joining in with our Festive Bonbon linkup, it’s been so interesting and uplifting to read everyone’s post from around the world. I’m with you World Peace for the win!

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    1. Hi Debbie, I have not yet read all of the entires for festive bonbon, but so far noticed a few folks want that peace 🙂
      and thanks for cohosting this challenge

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  22. I agree, world peace would be a perfect gift for Christmas. I’m going to have to bookmark this post to refer to your chocolate without sugar posts. I have learned that I can easily live without sugar, but have had a few bites with a friend who is visiting for a week. It’s not tasty enough now to have very much of it or to give up the sugar-free lifestyle.

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    1. Hi Marsha! I can get a headache if I have sugar now – depends on what it is. But it is nice to not have my body used to it. And a huge mistake I made last summer was having key lime pie. It started with a few bites – and then the next time a whole piece – and so finally I caught it and just said – “make your own citrus dessert with stevia” because I was feeling the sugar catch up with me. Ugh – such a struggle sometimes because we live in a “High sugar consumption culture” and so many of us are ignorant to the very serious negative health effects – and I recently saw a poster with tips for preventing cancer – and it never mentioned “get off sugar” – anyhow, best wishes with your health-friendly chocolate making.

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        1. Mmmm – yes!
          And our local ALDIs had some coconut and chocolate Keto bars that are good for traveling
          My spouse is a part time health coach (with Primal Helatj Coaches from marks daily apple) and he reminds his clients to not use power bars ( or protein bars) as a meal because they should “always answer the call with a meal” and not a snack or bar – but they sure can come in handy – like when someone else has desert – ha – or for traveling 😉

          Of hunger

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        2. Exactly! I figure anytime I can sneak in an extra 20 g of protein with very few calories, I am pretty safe. I have to force myself to eat enough protein.

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