Nuts were a big item in Christmas bakery but also just for snacking during my childhood. Hazelnuts were cheaply available anywhere, whether grated or whole. Californian almonds were an all-year-around treat, too, their price just as low as that of hazelnuts although imported from so far away! And we received boxes of nuts from my […]
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In the Book Nook with … Pauli Pedersen
Author Pauli Pedersen lives on Fox Island, WA and has been enjoying an active life of teaching, raising five charming children, and performing as a classical singer. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and an indefatigable spirit, she finds wonder in her family history. She began writing her memories of her dad’s struggle […]
Advent Calendar December 6: St. Nicholas Day
December 6 is a great day for children with a German background – they get a glimpse of Christmas joy. No way close to that Dutch children get on this day, but still. This morning, their first steps will be to their homes’ front door to find what St. Nicholas has stuffed into their boots […]
Advent Calendar December 5: Baking
One of the most rewarding activities during advent is baking cookies. First of all, it’s something also children can participate in – so, it’s a great family activity. Second, you get something homemade for days on end (if you pace yourself eating them). And third, your entire home simply starts smelling delicious – no air […]
Advent Calendar December 4: Barbara Branches
Nature has fallen asleep by now. But wait – one really nice Advent tradition is that of Barbara branches. St. Barbara’s Day is December 4, and my mother always bought some branches for a vase. Not just any branches but such as from cherry trees or apple trees. As a child, I found it kind […]
Advent Calendar December 3: Advent Wreath
Have you ever wondered why advent traditionally is celebrated with a specific kind of wreath? Why with a wreath, at all? The circle as well as the evergreen boughs it is made of both symbolize eternal life; a wreath also is a reminder of a crown of thorns, of Christ’s endless love. As of here, […]
Advent Calendar December 2: Evergreen
Have you already placed any evergreens in your home? A garland over the mantlepiece, on a window sill, or on a sideboard? A few branches in a vase? An arrangement or a wreath on a table or at your front door? The scent will fill the air and lend a room the flair of the […]
In the Book Nook with … Courtney Campbell
Author Courtney Campbell from Gig Harbor, Washington, is also a singer/songwriter, musician, storyteller, and the writer of many screenplays for a TV show she had. She has been writing songs and stories for 35 years. Her first book was last April. She is a member of the Writers Cooperative of the Pacific Northwest. When Courtney […]
Advent Calendar December 1: Advent Calendars
Are you counting down the days till Christmas? Advent calendars are a fun way to celebrate the season AND to do the count. There are countless kinds of advent calendars. The easiest ones to have are the boughten ones with chocolates, truffles, perfumes, cheeses, or even alcoholic beverages. The ones that are truly personal are […]