Our Fabled Nest

Part two of our curated holi-yay countdown! We adore all of the magic this season brings. I love the nostalgia and remembering the magic of Christmas when I was a kid. My folks made the holiday so bright and festive! Everything seemed special and I thank my folks for that.

The tree, in true 90’s fashion, was decorated with multicolored lights, a slew of ornaments and proudly held my brother and I’s handmade ornaments. Nothing matched but no one cared. My gram on the other hand had red lights, birds and a very matchy red scheme she used year after year. My family is the reason the holidays were so perfect… it was never about the gifts because I for one don’t remember a lot of gifts I received. Other than “Santa” bringing this ginormous outdoor playhouse in our living room when I was four. Probably the coolest thing my four-year-old self had seen thus far and I honestly believed he did it for years. But again, it wasn’t necessarily about the playhouse but that magical moment my folks created for me. Family, magic, love, and wonder are what make this season so beautiful. That’s why we love our countdown… we are able to thoroughly enjoy every ounce of December without trying to cram everything into one or two short days. Nothing is missed. Everything is savored.

Day 15 through 31

Day fifteen: Sugar High! Yep, just as it implies today is the day for all sorts of holiday sugary sweet goodness! Hubs and I both find a fun festive recipe specific for a dessert. Whether it be cake, pie, tart, donut – you name it, it can be made! I’m super excited to be planning a vegan carob peppermint tart – so festive! Once we each settle on a recipe, we then get the ingredients and surprise the other with the recipe, and watch chaos ensue! Huskies underfoot, icing on the walls, flour on furry faces… it’s fine (I think)!

Day sixteen: Give A Little Love: Donate to a Local Shelter. We will find a local shelter and surprise them with a little holiday lovin’. From blankets to treats to more practical things like dog food or cat litter. Leashes, canned food, dried goat milk- even toys. Our other option is donating to Husky Halfway House where two of our kiddos were adopted from. We are beyond grateful for Jenni and her team. They rescued Laveena after she was saved from a heat stroke and Jenni took a chance on Forrest, not knowing what kind of life he would have, but wanted to give him a chance at something great. That’s incredible and inspirational and I love supporting that. If we go the local route, I feel it’s more personal because we can bring a variety of items so those precious souls without a home for the holidays knows that at least someone cares.

Day seventeen: Something to Wear: I know for a fact that today will be the girly’s favorite day! Our girls, Magdalene and Laveena are queens in their own minds, and they love dressing up! As you know, they have a small wardrobe full of tees and dresses. Most years, I am able to purchase their shirts or dresses from Chewy right after Thanksgiving at a cheaper price. Atticus prefers bow ties or bandanas… dude is a big boy, and I can’t imagine him being comfy in a holiday shirt. Forrest is a tiny little guy, only 35 pounds. He seems to like both bandanas and bow ties, like Boba. I actually bought him a cute little fleece shirt in October. So, this year, I am planning on a festive shirt too! As for the hubs and I, we surprise each other with something. It could be simple as socks or new slippers, a new robe or stockings, something we know the other person is going to love! Like with the other days, we agree on a price beforehand.

Day eighteen: Seasons Greetings: This one is super simple but if you’re a foodie, so much fun! We will be picking out a surprise seasoning (or two) for one another. This could be a go-to seasoning you know they will love or something completely unexpected, but you know they will love to try it out. Another budget friendly day, a single seasoning or a mini set will do nicely, and most seasonings are under five bucks. The hubs loves (LOVES) his smoker. The kiddos and I are blessed to enjoy a variety of good foods thanks to his passion (win-win!). I always search for unique seasonings he can add to his collection that will make his dishes even more scrumptious. He has a few favorite brands like Highland Plains Spice Company (specifically, Pig Tickle), Fire and Smoke, and he loves pretty much anything Trager related. For myself, I requested organic herbs like mug wort, arnica, holy basil, etc since I am dabbling in herbalism. As for the kids, I have found “food toppers” work exceptionally well. This time of year, I’ve noticed smaller “sample” packages so everyone gets something special without breaking the bank.

Day nineteen: Holi-YAY Date: Date nights do not have to be expensive nor over the top. We decided that this day will be for an indoor picnic with egg rolls (Feel Goods Foods have a ton of gluten free options!), Veggie Lo Main with edamame and for dessert, gingerbread. We have talked in the past about seeing the Nutcracker Ballet in person, but we are both just as content in our pjs watching it on tv noshing on some delicious homemade takeaway. It’s not about the date. It’s about quality time and making the most of the holiday season with one another.

Day twenty: Cozy and Bright: Another snuggled in movie night with my loves! Christmas Chronicles is another favorite of ours. All six of us love to cozy up. Add our heated blanket, cozy jammies, some sweet and savory chex mix plus popcorn. Don’t forget hot cocoa is a must! This is literal perfection! All of the kiddos will be receiving new blankets today too! Our Dollar Tree has a “Dollar Plus” section…. that’s where I scored these adorable glow in the dark blankets for five bucks each!

Day twenty-one: Yule! A yule log, bonfire, wish cones, hearty feast, and a little holiday magic. We are celebrating the return of the light! It is a no spend day nor gifts given today. Remember, it’s not about the gifts, never was. Today is for the simpler joys the season brings. We are focusing on family time. We are focusing on the coziness of season and remembering that even though it is the darkest coldest time of the year, warmer days will be here soon enough, and we need to take this time to reflect on what our blessings are.

Day twenty-two: Gingerbread house competition round 2! While writing this, we realized the gingerbread village we purchased and attempted earlier in December was a complete flop. Between the pieces being broken then the remaining ones not wanting to actually stay together was quite a bummer. But it was okay! The kiddos had a blast licking icing off of everything and we managed to not cover the entire living room! This time around we are simplifying the situation! Gingerbread people and shapes! With a quick homemade dough, and a simple icing, I am hoping these will still be fun and festive!

Day twenty-three: Bunk. Sometimes you don’t get to meet a superhero but the legacy they leave is profound. Bunk was incredible person, and he is the one person I never had the chance to meet but I sure wish I could have. My father-in-law passed after a long battle with cancer when my hubs was a teenager. Bunk was one of those people whose light shined so bright that their legacy lived on long after they’ve passed. Today, we are celebrating his birthday. We celebrate his memory, his legacy and how beautiful of a soul he was to everyone. We celebrate him by making a favorite meal or something he loved to create. Alphabet Cereal Meatloaf, anyone? Or Chicken Pot Pie – back then it had to Mrs. Budds! Don’t forget the cranberry sauce or the applesauce with those pork chops! It’s funny how many memories can flood our minds when we are cooking in someone’s memory. Actually, it’s rather beautiful. We set up a few photos of him – hubs chooses these and light a candle in his memory. We bake a cake just for him with candles and wish him the most magical birthday ever. It is typically either a Mound’s inspired cake since that was his favorite candy bar or Apple Crisp. I know he’d happy with either! Next on the agenda is A Christmas Story. It’s almost religious whenever December 23rd rolls around. We become obsessed with Bunk’s version of Christmas. As a child, it always looked like Santa’s workshop during the holidays thanks to Bunk and his ridiculous love affair with Christmas. Later in life, as Bunk was dealing with cancer, he lovingly became known as FEE (fucking eagle eye). Every detail mattered… hubs and his sister had to meticulously make sure the house was not only up to Santa’s standards but more importantly Bunks. The banister wrapped with garland, the little figurines had their place, and the tree was picked and placed just right. Now, we “try” to keep up with his standards even though it’s not as festive, I think we make him proud.

Day twenty-four: Holiday stockings and the Polar Express! We don’t save the stockings for Christmas morning… nope, there’s no fun in that! We open our stockings Christmas eve. The kiddo’s stockings are stuffed to the brim with both fun and practical things. Some of the items are divided between the four of them. Hubs and I do the same for each other… a stocking full of surprises! We watch Polar Express while sipping hot cocoa and candy canes. It’s all paws on deck (and a hot mess); we bake up some cookies for Santa Paws. Kiddos even have a special plate for Santa Paws! I love watching their excitement! P.S our Santa prefers Sam Adams to wash down those cookies with!

Day twenty-five: Holiday with my little family. This year is hard without my daddy. It sucks actually but we will make it through. We have each other. Today we are takin’ it a step at a time, we are remembering the good times and trying to keep each other as cheerful as possible. Today is not about the gifts. It’s about family. I am so grateful that we can spend today without a worry of who’s getting what and we can focus on what today is really about. We are surprising our niece and nephew with a few gifts and our fur kiddos will have two little gifts to open too. Those gifts are usually a new chewie and a stuffie.

Day twenty-six: Yep, even though the holidays are technically over, it is not for us! We enjoy the whole month of December – all the way to New’s Years Day! Today is simple, something to read. While I have amassed a cookbook collection and could get lost in the library for hours, hubs definitely would not nor could not. It is not his jam, and I respect that. For our gift today, he knows of several cookbooks or herbal books I’ve been eyeing. For him, baseball cards or something similar. I have even picked up a new bbq cookbook in the past and he loved it! He’s working on a collection of Ted William’s original cards, and I try to find a new one or two every holiday or birthday. Or an interesting baseball book. I have found a few over the years that pique his interest. As for the kiddos? Well, we know they can’t read but boy can they spell: G-O, or C-O-O-K-I-E. They split a bag of treats!

December twenty-seventh: Surprise gift! This is a fun one for all of us. I am that dog mom that wraps the kiddos gifts in the bedroom, so they are already rather tickled and happy with their surprises. The kiddos usually receive a new stuffie… I do keep this one rather cheap. Kohl’s have some cute stuffies at the front of the store for human kiddos that match books. Most of these are pup safe too. Just be cautious of the bead eyes on some and they are typically five bucks each. For the humans, the only rules we have are it must be under $30 and cannot be a consumable product. I.E no food, beverages- things like that. It can be on one of the lists from the want/need days earlier in the month.

Day twenty-eight: Mistletoes. What can I do to make your day better is something I think we each ask rather often. Today is for pampering! This gift can either be something for you to pamper yourself or something you can do for the other person. Hubs loves a foot rub even though his reflexes are horrible. Last year, he put together a little pamper basket for me with bath bombs, lotions and a new candle. I was tickled pink – it was perfect! For him, I usually do a foot rub and a small six pack of his favorite beer. As for the kiddos, we look for chewies. I love cod skins for them, dehydrated sweet potatoes or beef esophagus… all are easy to share a pack between the four and they love it!

Day twenty-nine: Holiday scavenger hunt! It is more for the kiddos but we both wrap a few of our favorite treats too. One of us will usually hide the clues and treats while the other keeps the kiddos occupied. Hubs is great about making a big deal of each clue. Each clue usually has a single treat for each kiddo to go with it. Hubs and I wrap a handful of small things for each other too… like Poppi soda, an individual bag of favorite chips, just a few small things that we know the other really loves. Basically, head to the Dollar Tree and see what little things you can get! This even applies to a favorite pen, little journals, mugs etc. Use your imagination! We decide on how many clues so we know how many little things to find for the other person. We then have a larger gift for the kiddos at the end of the “hunt”. I think human kiddos would love this too – it could be a ton of fun as a family activity!

Day thirty: Crafty elves: Even though we decided to not have human kiddos doesn’t mean I love treating these four like it! It’s different but it’s the same for me…. these guys go crazy when we do little crafts, and they always want to be involved. Cutest thing ever! Today, we are attempting bird feeders. A few wooden pieces from a craft store, some sun butter and bird see is all you need to make these winter treats for the birds! And yes, if you are thinking this will be a mess, you are absolutely correct. But mess is fine as long as we are having fun! We take the wooden pieces and attach a string at the top. I have found in the past, plain wooden ornaments with the string already attached. We smear both sides with sun butter. Then dip these into the seeds. I place the seeds in a bowl; so, it’s easier to roll it around. we then hang them in the woods for the birds and other woodland creatures to enjoy. The best part? We can refill them once the seeds and sun butter are almost gone.

Day thirty one: Happy New Year’s Eve! What goodness does 2025 have in store for us? Today, we think about all of the possibilities that lie ahead for us in the coming year. We don’t necessarily have to set resolutions, but we set goals. We purchase a calendar for us to begin planning 2025. Hubs and I, both, come up with six hikes each we want all of us to experience. These don’t have to be far or long. It’s more about experiencing new places together. We each find two dates for the boys and two dates for the girls and two dates for just us to enjoy. We plan a few weekend getaways… we both bring ideas on where we want to visit and what those areas have as far as restaurants, lodging and how pet friendly it is. We keep these longer trips for our anniversary trip or a little weekend away. Knobel’s Amusement Park has also been on our list for sometime. Hubs is turning the big 40 this year and we are hoping to save for a nice long pup friendly rv trip to Louisville, KY. Then we have our little family trip with my family to Gatlinburg, TN. There is the Channels in Saltville, Deep Creek for snowboarding, the Devil’s Bathtub, a few ghost tours too! EEK!! Lots of traveling and I am so excited! We talk about what we want our new year to look like for us individually as well as what we want as a couple. This upcoming year is going to be so good for our little homestead! Even if things will be slightly different than the original vision… more on that next year! As far as food, it must be a Chinese dinner. No exceptions! Hubs always did this with his family growing up in Massachusetts and we’ve been doing the tradition since 2008. Not a single year have we changed it up or missed it. I guess it’s more serious than I thought -ha! While we started out buying Chinese every New Year, one year we forgot to call it in…. if you are from New England you know to call a week or so in advance. We “almost” said screw it and try something different. (Mind you, it’s literally 31st). Then decided to try our hand at homemade Chinese. Made it to the store and spent way too much on a haphazard last minute rushed half-assed (many, many substitutions!) meal all in the name of tradition… but you know what? It was rather delicious and since then we create our own take-out inspired dishes! As far as appetizers go, there are a slew of options. Sesame cucumbers, maple glazed carrots, wontons, and/or our favorite brand: Feel Good. A whole line of gluten free appetizers. We love both the chicken pot stickers and their veggie egg rolls. Another fun option is homemade sushi… simple, easy to make and there are a million ways to customize your rolls! Hubs loves the Violife Cream Cheese, crab and cucumber. Magdalene and I prefer smoked salmon with cucumbers and rice. It can be budget friendly, depending on the ingredients you chose. For the main dish, we both pick out a recipe. I know for a fact I’m creating this Sesame Chicken… seriously my favorite recipe…. happy dancin’ good mood kind of food! Hubs, I have a feeling he will find General Tso inspired dish…. surprisingly, his favorite protein for that is tofu. Such a nice evening, I am looking forward to crafting these dishes and daydreaming of 2025!

January first: A whole 365 days of possibilities! Today we celebrate with a hike! New year, new chances at something remarkable!

Cheers to our next adventure!