Christmas Tree

If you didn't buy your copy last year, then you definitely need to purchase my family game "Christmas Tree!"  My grandpa created it 50 years ago, and it has been the best Christmas Eve tradition in our family ever since.  You simply must add it to your family's celebration! 

Go here to purchase it online or you can contact me directly.  The complete game for 16 players is $18.99 plus tax. You can come pick it up from me if you live close by. 



Here we are six years ago playing the game.  Porter was just a little baby bump at the time!  Can't wait to play it again this Saturday!  Bring on the dice!

My Favorite Christmas Eve Tradition

Re-enacting the nativity is one of my favorite Christmas Eve traditions.  When I was little, we would all dress up and role-play the nativity as an adult read Luke 2.  Here are some great costume ideas to do the same at your Christmas Eve gathering.

Sparkle Box has these great masks that are free to download.

Oriental Trading sells cheap nativity costumes you could purchase or look at for a pattern of your own.  Seagull Book was offering them this year as well.

If you want to assemble your own, towels and ties make the perfect head piece for the shepherds.  White sheets and sparkly twine make a great angel costume.  Be creative and enjoy re-enacting the nativity story this Christmas Eve!

Hot Chocolate Tasting Game

If you are looking for a fun game to play at your holiday parties this week, try the hot chocolate tasting game.  Purchase the eight hot cocoa mixes below.  Put them in eight different numbered bowls.  Give each guest a paper numbered from 1-8.  Give each guest his/her own mug and have them mix each of the eight cocoa mixes and try to guess the flavor.  Reveal the answers at the end and send the winner home with some Stephen's Hot Cocoa!

Easy Recipes for the Perfect Holiday Party

When hosting a party, it is always tough deciding what to serve.  Here are some quick recipes for your holiday party.

Appetizers:

Little Smokies: Buy the Hillshire Farms Little Smokies, place in crockpot with bbq sauce, and heat.  Use toothpicks to serve!

Shrimp Dip: Mix one container of sour cream with one can of crushed shrimp (Make sure to drain the liquid and rinse in water.)  Add 2 tbsp of Worchestire, 2 tbsp lemon pepper, garlic and onion salt to taste.  Serve with Ruffles.

Meatballs:  Costco sells great meatballs.  Lindsay has a fabulous recipe that she'll be posting for New Year's Eve.

Main Dish:

Ham: I buy a honey ham at Costco and serve it cold with rolls. 

Drink:

CranApple Sparkle: Mix one jug Ocean Spray CranApple with one 2-liter of Sprite.  Place in large punch bowl with frozen ice ring.  (If you have a Jello mold, simply fill it with water, freeze, and you have the perfect ice ring!)

Hope you have a great holiday party!  Don't forget that the perfect way to end your party is by playing "Christmas Tree!"  It is a fabulous way to spice up your gift exchange this year.  Check Monday's post.