got mulled wine/ glögg / wassail?

got mulled wine/glühwein/glögg/wassail/mulled apple cider?

Mulled wine is wine, usually red or fruit flavored, combined with spices (cinnamon sticks, vanilla pods, cloves, citrus and sugar) and typically served warm. It is a traditional drink during winter, especially around Christmas.

It is also common to have hot spiced apple cider as well. Served with gingerbread and cookies. Yum!

Source/photo credit: Wikipedia

Chocolate Advent Calendars!

Chocolate Advent Calendar (Lindt)

A fun way to help kids count down the days until Christmas is a chocolate advent calendar. 

There are many different scenes, all with small doors with numbers from 1-24 (with 24 the largest door) and they have to find the door for the day, open it, read the words/scripture and eat the small chocolate. 

HQ's mother started this tradition with my kids and they loved it.

Photo credit: Chocolate Advent Calendar (Lindt), giftswithlove.com, mamaneedsmaintenance.com

Welcome to Advent!

Today, Sunday, November 27th marks the first Sunday of Advent.

Advent (from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming") is a season of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. It serves as a time for people to prepare themselves for the spiritual aspects of Christmas.

Many churches celebrate advent and often the celebrant wears violet-coloured or blue vestments on this day, and the first violet or blue Advent candle is lit. The candles can be various colors but purple and pink are common.

Advent Sunday is the fourth, last Sunday before Christmas Day. This year with Christmas on a Sunday, the last Advent Sunday is the week before, December 18th.

Source: Wikipedia
Photo credit: siouxsue.blogspot.com

Happy b'day Jimi

Today is Jimi Hendrix's b'day. Celebrate him by listening to his music.

Photo credit: licklibrary.com

HQ is back!

Gimme a minute or two, I have to put up the turkey and leftovers.....
Will be putting posts up soon, including past posts.
There are some up on my facebook link which you can go to. Just type in "Holiday Queen"


Photo credit: Martha Stewart, of course