ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12TH, 2014
Sunrise: 7:44 am
Sunset: 4:59 pm
Life is a Special Occasion!
Hallmark
Today we celebrate Poinsettia Day. These beautiful flowers are a well recognized symbol of Christmas. Poinsettia Day was officially declared by an Act of Congress. It is in honor of Joel Roberts Poinsett, who died on December 12, 1851. Poinsett was the first Ambassador to Mexico . Poinsett brought this colorful plant back to his plantation in the U.S. He grew the plants in his Greenville, S.C plantation and gave them out as gifts to friends.
According to Mexican folklore, there is a story of a little poor girl who had nothing to bring to church for Christmas. On her way to church, she picked some plants by the side of the road. As she entered the church, the leaves at the tips of the branches turned into bright, brilliant red flowers. You guessed it… Poinsettias.
To celebrate National Poinsettia Day, purchase a beautiful poinsettia plant for a friend or for yourself!.
If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
There seems a magic in the very name of Christmas.
Charles Dickens
I do love poinsettias and have several around my house this time of year. Right now they are of the artificial variety. I have red ones, pink ones and white ones. Some even sparkle. To me they say Christmas !
The Poinsettia is most known for its symbolism during Christmas time. Its star shaped leaf pattern represents the Star of Bethlehem and according to the Christmas story the star of Bethlehem led the 3 wisemen to the manger where baby Jesus lay.
The vibrant red poinsettia celebrates the magic of Christmas. Remember: Poinsettias don’t like being near cold drafts from doors which freeze them or hot drafts from heat vents which desiccates them. Their leaves will also freeze if they’re in direct contact with a cold window.
I hope you all have a fantastic Friday !
13 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS
I’ve got my Christmas menu planned so today it’s time to plan the grocery list from the recipes of the dishes we plan to prepare for our Christmas meal. Be sure to include every ingredient that you will need.
For me, Christmas Eve dinner will be a lighter meal. With our big family feast coming up on Saturday after Christmas, it’ll better for us all to spend an evening nibbling on delicious cheeses and savory crackers rather than preparing a big meal.
Christmas Day Brunch will be a cheesy onion and bacon quiche and maybe a sweet roll of some kind.
Christmas Day Dinner
Traditionally we’ll be having ham and lasagna and lots of sides like the ever famous green bean casserole and plenty of sweets to make those visions of sugar plums come true.
Ritz Holiday Crackers
Have you ever tried these yummilicious crackers? These are addictive!!
Ingredients
1 stick melted butter, 1 packet Ranch dressing mix, ¼ c. grated Parmesan, 1 tbsp. red pepper flakes 1 tsp. garlic powder. 1 box Ritz crackers
Directions
Toss box of Ritz crackers with all 5 ingredients Bake in 300 degree oven for 15 minutes
COUNTING MY GIFTS
Many merry Christmases, friendships, great accumulation of cheerful recollections, affection on earth, and Heaven at last for all of us.
Charles Dickens
Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for. There is always, always something to be thankful for.
2303. for Poinsettia plants, beautiful Christmas blooms
2304. for quick snacks to munch on
2305. for sunshine, they say we may just see some today
Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!
PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS
Please pray for God's protection of
our troops and HIS wisdom for their
commanders.
Lord, hold our troops in
your loving hands.
Protect them as they protect us.
Bless them and their families for the
selfless acts they perform for us
in our time of need. I ask this in the
name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters
and Paramedics and EMT's
GOD BLESS YOU ALL !
ADVICE FOR TODAY
Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.
Janice Maeditere
A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone dear…
Love,
ma
3 comments:
I love your snowman plant-pot. And the ritz cracker recipe sounds yummy.
Your menu sounds delicious, Ma! I like eating light on some days too, keeping it simple is always a good idea! I learned something new about the pointsettias; I didn't know the story behind them until today! They are sure pretty plants for the season.
betty
I Love poinsettas. We used to get one every year when I worked down South from my boss. I have not had one since we left there. I loved learning more about the Poinsetta tradition! Thank you! Your Christmas menu sounds gorgeous and I will have to try those crackers. xxoo
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