Sweet Adventures: Wrap yourself in holiday magic

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I was seated at my desk this morning, slowly waking up to the day with a cup of coffee. I was happily looking at the lights glowing on our tree, checking off the ever present to-do list in my mind when I   bolted out of mychair ~ Myarticleforthepaperisduetomorrow!!

There you have it.  The moment when the month of December somehow overtakes your carefully planned schedule. Tossing in wrenches here and there, with unplanned events, cookies to bake and deliver, unexpected gifts to buy and articles (that you knew about well in advance) to write. It feels like there is so little time to do the normal day to day stuff, how are we expected to fit in all those little extras that come along with the holidays?

In the midst of all the holiday crazy – how do we find the time to enjoy the season?

I want to share with you one of our favorite holiday traditions. A new tradition that doesn’t cost money, just a bit of our time.  Over the past few years, Mr. Sweetie and I have been playing Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Jr. League Festival of Trees event.

Since we don’t have children, we don’t see the day-to-day excitement of Christmas’ approach like parents do. While I looove the holidays, I have no Elf on the Shelf in our house as a daily reminder that Santa is watching. Playing Mrs. Claus? Well…it really puts you in the thick of it, and there is nothing, absolutely nothing, as rewarding as playing her once a year.

The undiluted excitement of the children as they approach Santa is something I encourage you to experience if you ever get the opportunity. Some children are shy, keep their distance and use mom and dad to express their wants…but the other kids – the ones that have been sitting on pins and needles, waiting to see Santa? They are a whole other story.

You see them when they come in the room – looking for Santa, holding their lists in their hands – ready to let the big guy know exactly what’s expected on Christmas morning. You see them get in line and when it’s their turn? It’s priceless. Some of the kids take a flying leap and literally throw themselves at Santa with pure love, excitement and belief.  They don’t question. They just know.  It’s HIM.

Sure, all of us have spent time at the mall, waiting in line to visit St. Nick with a child, but experiencing this from the vantage point of being the person they believe in, and knowing that you’re helping to keep that Christmas magic alive? Well, it’s become the best part of my Christmas, and a job I take seriously.

My husband saves the Santa letters that he gets. We’ve received some wonderful drawings to Santa that we’ve actually framed, and they are now part of our holiday décor. My favorite is a beautiful reindeer drawing from Elise and Ronan – it simply states Dear Santa – I believe!

That is my holiday wish for you ~ whether you are putting up your tree for Christmas, lighting the Menorah or celebrating Kwanza – the thought remains the same….to BELIEVE!  Belief in love, family and friends – these are the things that really matter and create the stories that we tell year after year.  So, find those moments, the small treasures  that become our holiday memories and wrap yourself up in their magic.

As we say goodbye to 2013 and welcome in the new year ~ be safe, be well, be loving.

Here’s to much happiness, laughter and love in 2014!!

Try this new recipe I found! Just like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups!

PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

1 cup sifted powdered sugar

½ cup creamy peanut butter

3 Tablespoons of soft butter

1 bag Ghiradelli semi sweet chocolate chips (approx. 2cups)

2 Tablespoons of Vegetable Oil

Stir together powdered sugar, peanut butter and butter until well mixed

Shape into 1 inch balls, place on baking sheet – let stand for 20 minutes to dry out

Melt chocolate in a double boiler (bowl placed on top of a pot of boiling water – do not let water touch bottom of bowl)

Once the chocolate is melted mix in 2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil per 2 cups of chips used – this will help to harden the chocolate

Drop the balls into the chocolate , using a fork, remove the balls from the chocolate allowing some of the excess to drip off. At this point you can add any decorative sprinkles on top before the chocolate dries.

Place them on a pan lined with parchment paper – peanut butter balls will harden quickly.

Born in England. Raised in Las Vegas, and after 15 years chasing the acting bug, working in television, and living in the craziness of Los Angeles; calmer thoughts prevailed and Julie Arie followed her husband, Tim, to Central Illinois where she is currently living the dream of baking delicious treats. 

Store in a cool dry place and ENJOY!!!