The Eve of Christmas Eve

Today's been a busy day on the homefront getting ready for tomorrow afternoon and evening.  

Most of the Christmas Eve dinner has been prepared and just has to be heated tomorrow.  I'll set the table as soon as we get home from church, and then I'll be ready for the family to arrive.

Our Christmas menu seldom varies:  Spiral baked Ham; Cheesy Potatoes; Pecan topped Sweet Potato Casserole; Corn Pudding [Susan Branch's recipe], Amish Noodles; Green Bean Casserole; Strawberry/Pretzel Jello Salad; Rolls, and Birthday Cake for Jesus.  

Last year I departed from the norm and made a Cassata Cake, but I'm back to tradition this year with a Chocolate Mound Cake.

It's currently 31 degrees in Southeastern Michigan, and tomorrow will be a high of 26 with snow in the evening.  Mother Nature is going to honor us a White Christmas!  The cold temps mean I can use the attached garage as an extra refrigerator.  ;-)

Yeast rolls are rising and will be just right for popping into the oven first thing in the morning.

I managed to get a tea-themed Christmas tree put up.

The Polish Pottery teapot [marked by the arrow below] was a gift from Frieda in Texas, and the inspiration for doing a tea-themed tree this year.  I have more ornaments, but ran out of time and energy.  I've been fighting an infection the past few days, and the Dr. changed the antibiotic this morning.  This one makes me sleepy.  Next year I hope to find a child's toy teapot for a topper.  My hubby will drill a hole in the bottom for the top branch to go through to secure it.  This year, however, a star works. 

Jerry brought up all the gifts from the basement where he busily wrapped them in his shop.

He left some room for our kids when they bring their presents tomorrow.

Of course, we all know the greatest gift is the Christ-child who left the splendor of Heaven to come to earth for a few brief years, and then became the Saviour of the world to all who believe.

Two red cardinals adorn our Christmas tree.  If my memory's correct Jeremy made the first one pictured below when he was a young boy.  [If not Jeremy, then Steve.]

The second one is a newer addition. 

I knew the Cardinal is the bird that symbolizes Christmas, but I wanted to know why, so I researched it.

Northern Cardinals are non-migratory, and are around all year.  They're often seen in evergreen trees.  Their bright red color cheers up the gray wintry skies and landscape.  But more importantly, they're a symbol of faith representing the blood Jesus shed for us on the cross.

I probably won't have a chance to blog tomorrow, so from our house to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!