Rom Com of the Week: Furry Little Christmas

One more day until December! This holiday season, I’m featuring a seasonal romantic comedy every week. I tried to pick movies that were light and amusing. All the movies are free to watch on TubiTV. I selected movies I haven’t seen before; maybe you haven’t, either!

Okay, I watched some of it. Not all of it. It’s good! I hope you like it.

Today’s movie is A Furry Little Christmas (2021). It’s produced by MarVista, and they always deliver a fun holiday movie with hardworking but goodhearted heroines, quirky supporting characters, gentle humor and high production values. And who doesn’t love pups and kitty cats?

Here is the preview. Now, I only recommend watching a little bit of the preview. MarVista tends to tell the whole movie in the preview and who needs spoilers? Not me! I hope you like the movie!

Synopsis: A big-city veterinarian falls for a small-town doctor when he sets out to recreate a New York City Christmas in her New England hometown.

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Advent Calendars and Fillables

Last year, I started a tradition of filling little advent boxes for my son. Before, we had used Advent Calendars, the kind that are flat, you open a little door, and there is a saying or picture. The calendars were great when I saw my son everyday.

But now that he lives with his Dad, sometimes I do not see my son at all in December, or if I do, only very briefly. He misses me and I miss him, too. So, I started making these boxes to remind my son that I am thinking of him and to bring some joy into his life at Christmas.

I bought this set of Advent boxes on Amazon for just over $8. The price quickly shot up to over $12 but there are many to choose from. I liked the size of these, they are 3 x 3, which just perfectly fits a tennis ball, to give you an idea of the capacity. They were easy to assemble and quite sturdy for being made out of cardstock.

In each box, I put a little gift, some Christmas games, some candy. Here are some ideas for fillers.

• December 1: Christmas Lights Day – a mini set of electric Christmas lights.
• December 8: Christmas Tree Day – a tiny tinsel tree
• December 9: Christmas Card Day – some stamps and a short list of addresses
• December 11: Reindeer Day – Pocket hand sanitizer with a reindeer on it
• December 12: Gingerbread House Decorating Day – a paintable Gingerbread House ornament, complete with paints and brush (1/2 price at Michael’s)
• December 13: Cocoa Day – an envelope of cocoa mix
• December 16: Ugly Christmas Sweater Day – an ornament that looks like a sweater
• December 21: Winter Solstice – a lighted Christmas ornament, snowflake and snowman ink stamps

The other boxes got little games, paintable crafts, Reeses Trees, kisses, Ghiradelli squares, nuts, Kinder egg, etc. I also cut up a Christmas game book (Walmart, 94 cents) and put folded up the word searches and mazes. I also copied a poem out of a book and found some free printable materials on Teachers Pay Teachers, such as a Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt and a Mad Libs-type game.

On the inside of each box, I wrote a little note.

It was a lot of effort but it was worth it because after all I only have the one child. I enjoyed doing it.

Consider this for this year or next: as a Secret Santa gift, a gift for a shut-in or for a special child.

 

Cool Yule Newsletter: November 28 – December 4

Hey, how are you? I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Mine was great!

And now we are really in the holidays! I think this is one of the most difficult weeks to plan because there are so many events!

Decisions, decisions. So, let’s look at what is going on this week…

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Happening Now…

Today is the Church Street Holiday Stroll with Santa Claus at the Freeman Store and Museum, 131 Church St. NE, Vienna, VA at 6 pm. Local merchants may also be participating but this is the center of the celebration. I know not all my readers are local, but for those who are, you may want to check out this special event. I particularly like the Freeman Store for its unique products and old fashioned stick candy, which make great stocking-stuffers and gifts. Hopefully, it will be open because it is not usually open on Mondays.

The National Christmas Tree will be lit on Wednesday, November 30 and will be available for the public to view on December 1st, as will the Capitol Tree, in downtown Washington, DC.

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In the Shopping Cart

• If you are looking for Advent calendars, this would be a good time to buy them, as the first of December rolls around. If you are looking for the kind you can fill yourself, I like these cardstock boxes which I bought on Amazon.
• Adorable elf-themed postage stamps are available at the post office for Christmas greeting cards. I bought a bunch of individual cards at Dollar Tree (2/$1).
• You can find the traditional pink and purple Advent taper candles at Hallmark Gold Crown stores, while supplies last, or use candles of your choice.
• My favorite packaged seasonal treat is German gingerbread (lebkuchen), which I buy from The German Gourmet in Falls Church, VA. The German Gourmet also has paper Advent calendars you can reuse year after year.
• Pomegranates are in season and are rich in Vitamin C.
• There is a nation-wide shortage of champagne this year. My Safeway was sold out of all premium brands (Mumms Cordon Rouge, Perrier-Jouet, Veuve Cliquot, etc). If you would like to purchase special bottle ($50 or more) for holiday entertaining or gifting, start hunting now! Or try a less expensive Cava or sparkling apple cider.

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A young William browsing for gifts

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Giving Tuesday

Be a holiday angel and make a donation to your favorite nonprofit organization this week on Giving Tuesday!

• Did you notice that the Salvation Army kettles now have an apparatus that allows you to use your cell phone to make a donation? Pretty cool!
• USPS Operation Santa toy donations has begun and they are asking for the public’s support. Visit the website to learn how you can brighten the holidays for a child. Donate a toy or gift.
• You can drop off a toy for Toys for Tots at any firehouse in Fairfax County, as well as at many supporting businesses. Or make a cash donation of any amount online.
• This is the last week you can mail in cards to be sent to deployed troops around the world. Check out my post tomorrow for more details on that.
• Here are some more worthy organizations deserving of your support.

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Plan Your Weekend

If the weather is good, I recomend the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights at the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria at 5:30 pm Saturday. That’s really special!

I will be at the Fairfax Railroad Museum with William on Sunday to check out their holiday display of model trains. Here are some more events to consider…

Friday, December 2

• Holiday and Gift Book Sale. Burke Centre Library, Burke, VA. 10 am – 6 pm.
• Fairfax City Holiday Market (outdoors). 5 pm – 8 pm. Vendors, live music and food for sale. Old Town Square, 10415 North St. Fairfax, VA.
• Celebration Station at Burke Lake Park. 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA. Evening attraction: see holiday lights, ride the Holiday Express train and Caroler’s Carousel. 6 pm to 9 pm. $10. Register online.
• Dinner and a Movie with the Grinch. Get a headstart on your holiday shopping while your children 4 to 9 years old gather for pizza, Grinch-themed games, stories and a movie. Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods, 7 pm – 10 pm.

Saturday, December 3 Make a Gift Day

• 76th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade. 10 a.m. – Noon. 9301 Center Street, Manassas, VA.
• Scottish Christmas Walk (Parade) in Old Town Alexandria. This one has lots of bagpipes!
• Holiday and Gift Book Sale. Burke Centre Library, Burke, VA. 10 am – 6 pm.
• Holiday Model Train Show. Fairfax Railroad Museum. 10 am – 5 pm.
• Gifts from the HeART shopping event featuring original artwork and one-of-a-kind items. 10% of the proceeds will benefit the nonprofit organization, Cornerstones. 10 am – 3 pm. Lake Anne Reston Community Center. Reston, VA. Free, all ages. Free parking.
• Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake Park. 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA. Daytime attraction: ride the Holiday Express Train and Caroler’s Carousel, play Gingerbread Man’s Mini Golf, visit with Santa, hot chocolate and more. 11 am – 5 pm. $15 advance; $20 walk-up. Register online.
• Holiday Musical Performances at Reston Town Center Park. 11:30 am – 4:30 pm. Reston Town Center, Reston, VA (outdoors). Free, all ages.
• Fairfax Festival of Lights and Carols (outdoor music and refreshments). 12 noon – 6 PM. Caroling at 5 pm. Tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Old Town Square, 10415 North Street, Fairfax, VA.
• Fairfax City Holiday Market (outdoors). 12 pm – 6 pm. Vendors, live music and food for sale. Old Town Square, 10415 North St. Fairfax, VA.
• S’mores Station on the Plaza at Fairfax Corner 1 pm – 4 pm. Gather around firepits and make s’mores; free fixings provided.
• The Wonder of the Season performance of holiday favorites by the Reston Chorale, Center Stage, Hunters Woods Reston Community Center, 4 pm and 7 pm. $25, $20 Seniors, free for military and 17 years and younger with a ticketed adult.
• One Loudoun Holiday Tree Lighting. 4 pm. Ice sculptures and live entertainment.
• Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Potomac River Waterfront, Old Town Alexandria. 5:30 p.m.
• Del Ray Holiday annual tree lighting, Menorah lighting and Christmas carols. 6 pm. Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues, Alexandria, VA.
• Celebration Station at Burke Lake Park. 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA. Evening attraction: see holiday lights, ride the Holiday Express train and Caroler’s Carousel. 6 pm to 9 pm. $10. Register online.

Sunday, December 4 2nd Day of Advent. Nat. Cookie Day. Nat. Ice Skating Day

• Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake Park. 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA. Daytime attraction: ride the Holiday Express Train and Caroler’s Carousel, play Gingerbread Man’s Mini Golf, visit with Santa, hot chocolate and more. 11 am – 5 pm. $15 advance; $20 walk-up. Register online.
• Photos with Santa 11 am – 2pm. Old Town Square, 10414 North Street, Fairfax City, VA (kids and families).
• Holiday Musical Performances at Reston Town Center Park. 11:30 am – 4:30 pm. Reston Town Center, Reston, VA (outdoors). Free, all ages.
• Holiday Model Train Show. Fairfax Railroad Museum. Noon – 4 pm.
• Fairfax City Holiday Market (outdoors). 12 pm – 5 pm. Vendors, live music and food for sale. Old Town Square, 10415 North St. Fairfax, VA.
• DIY Holiday bows. Drop in to learn to make bows for wreaths and gifts. 2 pm – 4 pm. Pohick Regional Library. 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke, VA. Free for adults and teens.
• Great Falls Celebration of Lights 3 pm – 6 pm. Annual tree lighting, petting zoo, hot chocolate and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Great Falls Village Field, Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA.

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The Second Sunday of Advent

On the evening of December 4, I hope you can carve out some time for yourself and quiet contemplation. The 2nd Candle of Advent represents love. I will be publishing some thoughts on the story of Joseph in the blog that day.

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Thanks for reading. Enjoy your week! Take care, Mary

Reflections on the First Sunday of Advent: Mary’s Story

Today is the first Sunday in Advent. As you know, the four Sundays in Advent before Christmas Day recount various messages from the Bible, not just the Christmas story. But I am going to depart from that tradition, because, after all, I am not a minister or priest. I would like to share some sections of the Bible that relate to the Christmas story. Perhaps it will give you something to ponder as we approach Christmas Day.

Today, let’s read the story of Mary, and how she learned that she was to have a baby.

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The Gospel According to Luke 1:26-38 – The Annunciation

²⁶ In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, ²⁷ to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

²⁹ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. ³⁰ But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. ³¹ You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. ³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, ³³ and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

³⁴ “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

³⁵ The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be calledthe Son of God. ³⁶ Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. ³⁷ For no word from God will ever fail.”

³⁸ “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

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I have always liked this story. I remember first reading about it in the Little Golden book, The Christmas Story, illustrated by Eloise Wilkin. I have it; here is the illustration that shows Mary talking with the angel Gabriel.

Tonight, as the sun sets, find some place where you can be quiet. If you like, light a candle; the first candle for the first Sunday in Advent. White roses and lilies are symbolic of Mary. Perhaps, add some next to your candle, or leave some at a statue honoring Mary (there is one on Broad Street in Falls Church).

Meditate on the story of Mary and how it may relate to your life or inspire you.

• Mary was meek but brave. Think about a time when you showed faith and courage in the face of uncertainty.
• Has there ever been anyone who has played the role of Gabriel in your life?
• Did you ever come to a path in your experience where the direction you were to take was abundantly clear? What was that like?
• Does any part of this story resonate with you today?
• How can you honor Mary in your heart?

Here is a carol for today.

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Gabriel’s Message  (Basque carol, traditional)

The angel Gabriel from heaven came
His wings as drifted snow
His eyes as flame
“All hail” said he “thou lowly maiden Mary
Most highly favored lady,
Gloria, Gloria

“For known a blessed mother thou shalt be
All generations laud and honor thee
Thy Son shall be Emanuel
By seers foretold
Most highly favored maid,
Gloria, Gloria

Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head
“To me be as it pleaseth God, ” she said,
“My soul shall laud and magnify His holy name.”
Most highly favored lady,
Gloria, Gloria

Grilled Turkey and Cheese Sandwich with Cranberry Mayo

I love Thanksgiving but what I really love, even more than the main meal, are the leftovers! I know this is strange, but to me, they taste better the second day!

I came up with this way to get cranberry sauce on my leftover turkey sandwich. I am Southern, so I mixed it into mayonnaise.

Take a dollop of your favorite mayo. Mine is Hellman’s Light. Then cut in the cranberry sauce until the mayo is just light pink. Leaving little bits of cranberry sauce gives the mayo a kind of jeweled look. Which I know, you will never see, once the sandwich is assembled. But it gives the sandwich a bright flavor.

Then layer your ingredients. Add a slice of Havarti or Swiss cheese and grill the whole thing like a grilled cheese.

This is so good! And it is good with deli Turkey, as well, if you don’t have any leftover turkey to make sandwiches.

Black Friday Plans A and B

Happy Black Friday! I have two plans for your consideration: A and B.

Plan A. Shop Until You Drop.

I know there are some of you out there who are going to go shopping today. You’re up already; that’s why I am publishing this at 4 a.m.! And there are reasons for your readiness, Plan A crew. You might have a special high-ticket gift idea in mind that would absolutely make someone’s Christmas and it would truly save you money to buy it today. Or, today happens to do one of few days you have available to shop and you have a lot of presents to buy in a short amount of time. Or maybe you just couldn’t think of anything else to do on the day after Thanksgiving.

Now, me, I’m a Plan B kind of person. More about that later. This is for the A group:

1. Make a budget and stick to it.
2. Wear comfy shoes.
3. Hydrate.
4. Resolve to be nice and polite to others, no matter what.

Early opening schedules:

• 5 a.m. – Best Buy, J C Penney, Walmart
• 6 a.m. – Bath and Bodyworks, Bed Bath and Beyond, Big Lots, Home Depot, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Macy’s, Sears, Ulta
• 7 a.m. – DSW, GameStop, Michael’s, PetSmart
• 8 a.m. – Barnes & Noble

Listen to what Garrett Le Chic has to say about Black Friday bargains…and good luck!

Plan B. Get off the Crazy Train.

Photo by Taryn Elliott on Pexels.com

That’s right. My plan B friends, you are ready to take the day after Thanksgiving back!  We are talking about sleeping in, making pancakes or waffles, spending time with loved ones, taking long walks, making turkey sandwiches with leftovers, and doing anything, but anything else, except trying to find a parking space, standing in line and not even saving that much money.

After all there are at least 20 more shopping days until Christmas, am I right?

Today is full of fun possibilities. At the top of the list is the charming Reston Town Center Parade, which travels down Market Street in Reston, VA at 11 am.

Check out the Calendar for all the light displays that are open today.There are also 3 tree lightings today.

• Reston Town Center. In front of the ice skating pavilion on Market Street. 6 pm with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.
• Mosaic District Tree Lighting. 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Fairfax. Outdoor screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Fire Truck parade with Santa Claus. Free parking.
• Old Town Alexandria Tree Lighting. 6 pm – 8 pm. City Hall Town Square, King Street. Features holiday performance.
  

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  Whatever you decide, I hope your Black Friday is the kind of day you wished for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Best wishes to you and all your loved ones for a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I am so grateful today for my blessings, my healthy son, my semi-organized apartment, and my little red car, still going strong after 15 years! I also feel so fortunate to live in Virginia, a beautiful state.

I am also saying a prayer for those who have lost loved ones recently and hope that they soon find comfort and peace.

It’s a day off and if you want to just relax at home, there’s nothing wrong about that! Staying off the roads is safe, too, because a lot of people drink at Thanksgiving.

Here is a gratitude meditation for today.

If you start getting cabin fever, know…

• The weather will be nice for a walk.
• Lots of good new movies in the theaters, including Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobioraphical film, The Fabelmans.
• The light displays at Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna, Cameron Run in Alexandria and Bull Run in Manassas will be open tonight.
• The National Gallery of Art is open
• The Smithsonian Museums are open
• The U.S. Botanic Garden is open
• The Zoo (in DC) is open but you need to get a free pass online on its website
• Some stores are open, including most drug stores.

Some last-minute dining options include…

• Cracker Barrel (locations in Sterling and Manassas); veggie options, too.
• Bob Evans (there is a location in Chantilly).
• Giant Food is also selling a hot roasted turkey breast (while supplies last) for about $10.

RomCom of the Week: A Family Thanksgiving

This holiday season, I’m featuring a seasonal romantic comedy every week. I selected movies I haven’t seen before; maybe you haven’t, either! This one is free to view on YouTube.

Today’s seasonal selection is the Thanksgiving movie, A Family Thanksgiving. It features Daphne Zuniga, who some of you may remember her from Melrose Place and One Tree Hill. And there’s a cameo with Faye Dunaway. It’s not easy to find a good Thanksgiving movie. I haven’t seen this one, so I hope it’s a winner.

Cool Yule Newsletter: November 21 – 27

Hello, everyone! How are you? Well, I hope. I am doing great! The temperatures are dropping, so are the leaves, and it’s beginning to look a lot like …Thanksgiving!

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Breaking News!

1. Today is the last day to register for Dulles Town Center’s shopping wish list contest. Register by 4 pm and you could win up to $200 in holiday shopping dollars. Visit the website and see “Events” for details.
2. Today is the last day to donate food and hygiene items for the food drive sponsored by the Reston Community Center.
3. Tickets for The Nutcracker ballet at the Reston Community Center go on sale at 10 am this Saturday, November 26.

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At the Farmer’s Market in Falls Church City this past weekend with my son, William. Grateful for leafy greens!

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In the Shopping Cart

Here are some bargains to get ready for the holidays…

• Safeway has Pepperidge Farm holiday cookies and Trio crackers on sale for $2.99
• Target has an adorable felt turkey for $3 and pumpkin-pie essential, Reddi-Whip for $2.99
• Bath and Body hand sanitizers are 5 for $8 and the holiday scents are William-approved.
• Walmart has 2023 planners on the shelf and I am loving my new 6″ x 8″ MintGreen one ($7.43). Fits in my purse with plenty of room for notes. Organized all year! A good gift, too.

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Thankful for Thanksgiving

If you are planning to cook a frozen turkey, today would be a good day to put that bird in the refrigerator and let it thaw. The Macy’s Day Parade airs on NBC at 9 am or Peacock TV (online)

A Thanksgiving Service at Washington National Cathedral will be broadcast live online on YouTube at 10 am. I love this because I can cook and still hear the service. Well, theoretically…I’m not actually cooking this year (and I’m thankful for that, too!) You may also attend in person.

Ready to hit the town? It’s going to be about 55 degrees on Thanksgiving Day so if you’re inclined to drive into our nation’s capital, check out the Seasons Greenings exhibit and model trains at the U.S. Botanic Gardens. All the Smithsonian Museums and the National Gallery of Art are also open on Thanksgiving Day. You can even eat Thanksgiving “dinner” at the National Gallery cafe!

The holiday lights are shining at The Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna and the Bull Run Lights and Holiday Village at Bull Run Regional Park in Manassas. This week, both are open nightly, including on Thanksgiving Day. If you’d rather stay warm in your car, pick Bull Run. If you’d like to take a stroll, pick Meadowlark! Night-time temperatures are going to stay in the 30s this week, so bundle up. See the Calendar.

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Black Friday Ready!

Black Friday or the Reston Town Center Parade? Well, that’s a tough decision, but personally, my vote is for the charming Reston Town Center Parade, which travels down Market Street at 11 am on Friday, November 25.

Now, if you would rather shop, here are those super-early opening schedules:

• 5 a.m. – Best Buy, JC Penney, Walmart
• 6 a.m. – Bath and Bodyworks, Bed Bath and Beyond, Big Lots, Home Depot, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Macy’s, Sears, Ulta
• 7 a.m. – DSW, GameStop, Michael’s, PetSmart
• 8 a.m. – Barnes & Noble

And if you are not too tired, there are 3 tree lightings this Friday!

• Reston Town Center. In front of the ice skating pavilion on Market Street. 6 pm with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.
• Mosaic District Tree Lighting. 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Fairfax. Outdoor screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Fire Truck parade with Santa Claus. Free parking.
• Old Town Alexandria Tree Lighting. 6 pm – 8 pm. City Hall Town Square, King Street. Features holiday performance.

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Advent arrives

Sunday, November 27 is the first Sunday in Advent. Whether you are religious, non-religious or spiritual, Sunday evenings are a good time to pause, reflect and be mindful, especially after a busy week. The first Candle of Advent represents Hope. Many people light a candle tonight and I will have a special reading in the blog about the Virgin Mary for your contemplation. The Washington National Cathedral will offer an Advent Service with carols at 4 pm, which you may attend in person or watch live online. Would you like to learn more about the traditional celebration of Advent? Read about how Advent is celebrated with candles.

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Thanks for reading! I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving! — Mary

Rom Com of the Week: 🍇 Farm to Fork to Love 🍇

This holiday season, I’m featuring a seasonal romantic comedy each week. All the movies are free to watch on TubiTV. I selected movies I haven’t seen before; maybe you haven’t, either!

Today’s seasonal selection features a main character who is a New York City sous chef, Farm to Fork to Love (2021). She’s invited to judge a cooking competition in Kansas City, but the real competition is between two men who both want her as their main course…er…squeeze. There are gorgeous autumn scenes in sunlit vineyards, amazing and luxurious interiors and scenes of Kansas City, someplace I’ve never been. Maybe this will inspire you as you get ready for Thanksgiving meal preparation! Check out the trailer.

So, pour yourself a glass of wine or pomegranate juice, put your feet up and enjoy the movie of the week!