Thanksgiving Is More Than a Holiday....

Today I'm going to keep it simple and share this video with you. 

I promise, it will make you smile.

Christmas Panic Setting In...

It's Monday morning BEFORE Thanksgiving and as usual, my Christmas panic is setting in. So many things on my mind about what needs to be done and so many thoughts about what could have already been done. What shopping or gift cards I could of bought during the year, what projects on Pinterest I could have actually made already, the cookie dough I could of made and put in the freezer...and the list goes on. Although I think about Christmas all year long, some years I definitely get more prep done then others. So let me think hypothetically. If I could be prepared and life was perfect, what WOULD I have done already.

1. The gifts purchased so far, would all be in boxes, numbered and ready to wrap.
2. The gifts for my employees would be purchased for the year.
3. I'd have a nice stack of gift cards waiting in my drawer, after budgeting for them throughout the year.
4. I'd be pulling a nice sum of cash out of our Christmas Savings account.
5. I'd have have at least 15 freezer meals prepped and ready to go for those busy days in December.
6. I'd have 3 different cookie doughs premade and in the freezer.
7. I'd have my dessert choices finalized for the month ahead, so I can makes sure I have all the ingredients.
8. I'd have my advent swap gifts all purchased, wrapped and ready to go.
9. I'd have an idea at least, as to what I am going to buy everyone this year.
10. I'd have my carpets cleaned already.
11. I'd have my nice dishes washed already.
 

So, there's just part of my list. I'm sure if I thought hard enough, I could go on and on. HOWEVER, I'll stop there and let reality analyze this situation. Some years, I'm able to purchase more gifts then others and this year happens to be one of those years I won't be purchasing as many as I'd like. With that said, I wish I had made more gifts, but then I remind myself that this year my priority was getting Ciara off to college. The time, just wasn't there and no amount of pondering is going to change that. 

Next, saving Christmas money. Well, in order to save Christmas money, you have to have extra money and let's just say...It's been one of those years around here and the bank account just isn't as Plump as Santa's belly! But as always, I'm thankful for a roof over our head and food on the table. Really, in this day and age, it's so much more then many have and I remind myself of that everyday. On the plus side, I'd say at least half of the gifts I do have are boxed like I like them and ready to wrap. If i could have it my way, all my gifts would be boxed. It's one of those "things" I prefer, but have learned to "let go" the last couple years. Somehow, I don't think anyone is going to turn away that new shirt I bought them, because it's not in a box. In my case, they might celebrate, because they say I use to my tape on my boxes anyway.

I don't have freezer meals prepped this year, but I just spent a hunka...hunka..money at Costco to stock the fridge and make sure we have food to cover the month ahead. If I follow a weekly menu and just think ahead, I'll be set and my trips to the grocery store will be limited. Avoiding the cost of eating out during the busy month is ultimately my goal and having food already purchased helps with that stupendously.

As far as baking goes, I just need to breath and remind myself....baking is a time to enjoy, not a time to stress. In reality, I'm not a cookie maker. I don't have the patience to be a cookie maker. Now, I bake cookies, but on a limited basis during the holidays. I'd much rather make a cheesecake or try a new bundt cake recipe. So know that you will NEVER receive a plate full of cookies from Michelle. It's just not going to happen...that's what cookie swaps are for!

I'll finish with my house. My house, is a 10 year "project" waiting to happen. However, somehow we still celebrate Birthdays, Easter, St. Patrick's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas just fine. Would I love to have a completed bathroom...absolutely!  In the mean time, I'll keep inviting those I love and care about, over to create memories. And I'll probably still be running around all day long, washing dishes, cooking and setting a nice table at the last minute.

All of the above, covers the materialistic portion of the holiday. Although, it's not the "reason for the season", it's all things that we invision will make the holiday season run smoother. Regardless of what I have planned, regardless of what I woulda or coulda done, Christmas is coming!!!  The lights, the music, family, laughter, memories, comfort, compassion, and giving. For each of us, Christmas will arrive at a different time this year. Keep your hearts open!

What Will You Do With Your Extra Christmas Cards?

How many extra cards do you end up with after completing your Christmas Card list? Do you toss them? Do you donate them? Do you put them aside thinking "I'll use them again next year?"

Well this past week, I was reminded by a few friends on Facebook of a great program, to honor our military heroes; Holiday Mail for Heroes. I'm not exactly sure at what point I stopped doing this, most likely when I became a mom and my attention was turned elsewhere, but in my early 20's I would always include military service men and women in my Christmas card list. It's awesome to think about them year around, but during the holidays it can bring a definite sparkle of cheer, during a difficult and lonely time for many.

So this year, I've decided that all of my extra cards are going to be sent off. I don't know how many that will be yet, but however many, I've dedicated myself to mailing them to the Holiday Mail for Heroes program. Nothing says you care more, then taking a few minutes to hand write a note. Sending cards, letters and thank you notes is something that doesn't happen often enough these days. Emails and typed letters are great, but hand written letters can become a treasure.

Your holiday card should be addressed to the following address and the deadline date is December 6th. 

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Here are some additional guidelines listed on the Red Cross site. 

Every card received will be screened for hazardous materials and then reviewed by Red Cross volunteers working around the country.

Please observe the following guidelines to ensure a quick reviewing process:

• Ensure that all cards are signed.
• Use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals can not be delivered through this program.
• Only cards are being accepted. Do not send or include letters.
• Do not include email or home addresses on the cards: the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.
• Do not include inserts of any kind, including photos: these items will be removed during the reviewing process.
• Please refrain from choosing cards with glitter or using loose glitter as it can aggravate health issues of ill and injured warriors.
• If you are mailing a large quantity of cards, please bundle them and place them in large mailing envelopes or flat rate postal shipping boxes. Each card does not need its own envelope, as envelopes will be removed from all cards before distribution.

Here's a short news clip, showing exactly how the program works.

Here's another video, showing deliveries in action.




It might be a little late this year, but why not host a card making party next year. And if you do, don't forget the children. It's a great learning experience and service opportunity for youth of all ages. As seen in the previous video, sometimes those homemade cards from the kids are their favorites and mean the most.





After watching several videos on Holiday mail for Heroes activities, I'm also going to commit to making my Veterans Day in 2014 more productive and host a card making party. So all my friends, mark your calendar and keep Tuesday, November 11th, 2014 open.

Now, I'll end with a Hallmark happy moment. This didn't come to mind, until after I started this post, but if you've read my blog at all, you'll know that I'm a huge Hallmark Channel Christmas movie junkie. I DVR them, I watch them year around. November thru December, my dial pretty much stays on the Hallmark channel. I don't always watch them minute, by minute, but they are on in the background most of the time and just the familiarity of it all makes me smile. One of my favorites is The Christmas Card. I've watched this particular one, so many times that even my husband  took notice last year. I guess I compare it to the Matrix or True Lies. No matter when those movies are on TV, my husband will be watching them. Last year, Hallmark did a viewer survey about which Hallmark Christmas movie was the viewers favorite and hands down, The Christmas Card won. It's not an award winning movie, but I think it's the spirit of that connection that so many talked about about in the videos I've shared. If you'd like to see a preview, check it out HERE :

Procrastinated Crafting

My brain's been going 5 different ways with Halloween behind us and Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner. I always have a few loose ends to finish up after each holiday, so this past weekend I had some time and wanted to work on "Unfinished" projects and as always, most of those were holiday related. I painted and glittered a letter M, that I found at the thrift store.  I finished some Halloween houses I'd converted from Dollar Tree Christmas villages. I made vinyl letting for some Christmas signs I started at Super Saturday. And last, but not least, I finished a Valentines frame that's been sitting in my craft closet for at least 5 years. I had a mini celebration in my chair over that one.

This unfinished project list, had me thinking about other blogs and how they have their homes picture perfect and ready for the holidays a month in advance. I've been blogging for several years now, but by no means am I a professional or reached a point of doing this for profit. So my question is, how do these people live in the moment? Anyone care to share how this behind the scenes prep works? I don't know any professional bloggers, so I'm curious. Do you really have your house decorated for Christmas already or are your photos from last year? If you have kids, how do you live in the moment, rather then the next holiday ahead? I get that it's a business for most, but I'm curious how this works?

After really thinking about this the last few days, I've given myself permission to enjoy "Procrastinated Crafting".  If I craft during this holiday season, it's okay to enjoy it NEXT YEAR.  Now, don't get me wrong, I'm often making ornaments in July and small gifts here and there, but when I see Christmas ideas now and something I want to make, most likely it's not going to get done in a day. Most likely it's not going to get done till a week or two before Christmas or maybe it was a last minute project and I'll only get to enjoy it for a few days before having to pack it up for the year. But does that make it any less special??? Nope..I don't think so. When I start unpacking and find that "surprise" decoration the following year, it always makes me smile with delight.


I say this not to promote last minute crafting, but rather to live in the moment. Be realistic with yourself. When you find something you'd like to complete before Christmas, will there be time or can you give yourself permission to buy the supplies knowing it will be completed after Christmas? Either way, don't beat yourself up. Live in the crafting moment! 

Witches, Candy and Videos Galore!!

Halloween is just a week away and  things are finally starting to look and feel spooktacular around here. My decorations are done, I've crafted a bit, I've cooked a few pumpkin cookies and I just received an email that the Hallmark Channel is going to air a new movie in "The Good Witch" series. This years movie is called "The Good Witch's Destiny". The details about the movie read: 

All Cassie Nightingale (Catherine Bell) wants for her birthday is for her family and friends to be together. While her husband Jake (Chris Potter) suggests an intimate dinner at a fancy restaurant in their hometown of Middleton, Cassie would rather have a party at The Grey House, with all her loved ones in attendance. And since Jake's kids, Brandon (Matthew Knight) and Lori (Hannah Endicott-Douglas), are growing up with lives of their own, it might be their last chance to unite as a family for a long time.

As Cassie's special day is fast approaching, Lori discovers disturbing parallels between Cassie and Cassie's great aunt, nicknamed the Grey Lady, who disappeared at her own birthday party years before. With signs of a curse looming over her, it's clear that Cassie needs to conjure up more than a little magic to make things right again. Is there birthday magic in the air or is it a birthday curse? 


I also seen a great Halloween video today. This one stars an amazing little boy. I think I like it so much, because it reminds me of my daughter. This is something she would totally have done when she was little.  








Every year super light shows flood youtube for Halloween. This year one house in particular has caught my attention, because they have a little bit of everything for everyone. Fun and Spooky!!











Hope you had a great Wednesday and I'll be back with more Halloween fun tomorrow.

ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas Schedule 2013

Below is the entire schedule for the ABC Family channel. Most are Christmas themed movies, but some are not.  Many are happy that the Harry Potter movies have been removed, but others noticed right away that Home Alone, Home Alone 2 and Elf are missing. I guess we'll just have to look for Elf on another channel or pull out the DVD.

Sunday, December 1
(7:00–8:30 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS
(8:30–10:00 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S TWICE UPON A CHRISTMAS
(10:00 AM–12:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA BUDDIES
(12:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) THE FAMILY MAN
(3:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL
(5:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
(7:00–9:30 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

Monday, December 2
(6:00–6:30 PM ET/PT) WINNIE THE POOH AND CHRISTMAS TOO
(6:30–7:00 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL
(7:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1979)
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE

Tuesday, December 3
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) SCROOGED
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) THREE DAYS

Wednesday, December 4
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) SCROOGED
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) DECK THE HALLS—ABC Family Premiere
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) A VERY BRADY CHRISTMAS

Thursday, December 5
(6:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEAR
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL

Friday, December 6
(6:00–6:30 PM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLAND
(6:30–8:30 PM ET/PT) THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
(8:30–11:00 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) PRANCER

Saturday, December 7
(7:00–8:30 AM ET/PT) RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER AND THE ISLAND OF MISFIT TOYS
(8:30–10:30 AM ET/PT) HOME ALONE: THE HOLIDAY HEIST
(10:30 AM–12:30 PM ET/PT) PRANCER
(12:30–2:30 PM ET/PT) ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS
(2:30–4:30 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL
(4:30–7:00 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
(11:00 PM–1:00 AM ET/PT) DECK THE HALLS

Sunday, December 8
(7:00–8:00 AM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1979)
(8:00–10:00 AM ET/PT) CHRISTMAS CUPID
(10:00 AM–12:00 PM ET/PT) SNOWGLOBE
(12:00–2:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA BABY
(2:00–4:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA BABY 2: CHRISTMAS MAYBE
(4:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) 12 DATES OF CHRISTMAS
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) THE MISTLE-TONES
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) HOLIDAZE—ABC Family Original Movie Premiere
High powered executive Melody Gerard (Jennie Garth) returns to her sleepy hometown to try and convince everyone to let her company build a giant new discount store. But she’s unexpectedly met with resistance by the townspeople—led by her childhood sweetheart, Carter ( Cameron Mathison). Desperate to get out of town and back to her “real” life, Melody takes a spill and wakes up in an alternate universe where she never took the job and is married to Carter.
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) HOLIDAY IN HANDCUFFS

Monday, December 9
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) HOLIDAZE
(8:00–10:30 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
(10:30–11:00 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ THE GRINCH GRINCHES THE CAT IN THE HAT
(12:00–2:00 AM) 12 DATES OF CHRISTMAS

Tuesday, December 10
(6:00–6:30 PM ET/PT) A CHIPMUNK CHRISTMAS
(6:30–9:00 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
(9:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
(10:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) SNOWGLOBE

Wednesday, December 11
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) HOLIDAY IN HANDCUFFS
(8:00–8:30 PM ET/PT) Melissa & Joey – All New Christmas Special
Jaime Pressly drops by as Mel’s sister Meredith, who comes home from prison on furlough to celebrate Christmas with the kids and Mel, and seems unruffled by Joe's obvious animosity towards her. (Live Action)
(8:30–9:00 PM ET/PT) Baby Daddy – All New Christmas Special
Ben takes drastic measures to get Emma a much sought after toy for her first Christmas. (Live Action)
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION

Thursday, December 12
(6:00–6:30 PM ET/PT) BABY DADDY – All New Christmas Special
(6:30–7:00 PM ET/PT) MELISSA & JOEY – All New Christmas Special
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) SCROOGED
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

Friday, December 13
(4:00–4:30 PM ET/PT) WINNIE THE POOH AND CHRISTMAS TOO
(4:30–6:20 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY
(6:20–8:20 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY 2
(8:20–10:30 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY 3
(10:30–11:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY OF TERROR!
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) CHASING CHRISTMAS

Saturday, December 14
(7:00–7:30 AM ET/PT) WINNIE THE POOH AND THE BLUSTERY DAY
(7:30–8:00 AM ET/PT) WINNIE THE POOH AND TIGGER TOO
(8:00–9:30 AM ET/PT) WINNIE THE POOH—ABC Family Premiere
(9:30–10:00 AM ET/PT) WINNIE THE POOH AND CHRISTMAS TOO
(10:00–11:30 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS
(11:30 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S TWICE UPON A CHRISTMAS
(1:00–1:30 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL
(1:30–2:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY OF TERROR!
(2:00–3:50 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY
(3:50–5:50 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY 2
(5:50–8:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY 3
(8:00–9:45 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID—ABC Family Premiere
(9:45–11:30 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID
(11:30 PM–1:30 AM ET/PT) THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL

Sunday, December 15
(7:30–9:00 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS
(9:00–10:30 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S TWICE UPON A CHRISTMAS
(10:30–11:00 AM ET/PT) DISNEY’S PREP & LANDING
(11:00–11:30 AM ET/PT) DISNEY PREP’S & LANDING: NAUGHTY VS. NICE
(11:30 AM–12:00 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL
(12:00–2:00 PM ET/PT) – I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
(2:00–4:00 PM ET/PT) ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS
(4:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) DECK THE HALLS
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) SCROOGED

Monday, December 16
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) SNOW
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 2
(11:00 PM–1:00 AM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
(1:00–1:30 AM ET/PT) DISNEY’S PREP & LANDING
(1:30–2:00 AM ET/PT) DISNEY’S PREP & LANDING: NAUGHTY VS. NICE

Tuesday, December 17
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) THREE DAYS
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) UNLIKELY ANGEL
(1:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) PRANCER
(3:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) – I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
(5:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 2
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS

Wednesday, December 18
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) HOLIDAZE
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) SECRET SANTA
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) THE MISTLE-TONES
(1:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA BABY
(3:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA BABY 2: CHRISTMAS MAYBE
(5:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
(7:00–7:30 PM ET/PT) WINNIE THE POOH AND CHRISTMAS TOO
(7:30–8:00 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL
(8:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) MARY POPPINS

Thursday, December 19
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) ELOISE AT CHRISTMASTIME
(9:00 AM–12:00 PM ET/PT) MARY POPPINS
(12:00 –2:00 PM) 12 DATES OF CHRISTMAS
(2:00 PM–4:00 AM ET/PT) HOLIDAY IN HANDCUFFS
(4:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) THE FAMILY MAN
(7:00–8:30 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER AND THE ISLAND OF MISFIT TOYS
(8:30–11:00 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) DECK THE HALLS

Friday, December 20
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) CHASING CHRISTMAS
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) CHRISTMAS DO-OVER
(1:00–4:00 PM ET/PT) THE FAMILY MAN
(4:00–5:30 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER AND THE ISLAND OF MISFIT TOYS
(5:30–6:00 PM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLAND
(6:00–6:30 PM ET/PT) A CHIPMUNK CHRISTMAS
(6:30–9:00 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION

Saturday, December 21
(7:00–7:30 AM ET/PT) NESTOR, THE LONG-EARED CHRISTMAS DONKEY
(7:30–8:00 AM ET/PT) THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
(8:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) PINOCCHIO’S CHRISTMAS)
(9:00–10:00 AM ET/PT) THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF SANTA CLAUS
(10:00–10:30 AM ET/PT) ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
(10:30–11:30 AM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEAR
(11:30 AM–1:30 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH AND FROSTY’S CHRISTMAS IN JULY
(1:30–2:30 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
(2:30–3:30 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
(3:30–4:00 PM ET/PT) A CHIPMUNK CHRISTMAS
(4:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 2
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) THE MISTLE-TONES

Sunday, December 22
(7:00–8:00 AM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
(8:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) I SAW MOMMY KISSING SANTA CLAUS
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) UNACCOMPANIED MINORS
(1:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(3:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 2
(5:00 PM–7:00 AM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
(7:00–9:30 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

Monday, December 23
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) I SAW MOMMY KISSING SANTA CLAUS
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) A DENNIS THE MENACE CHRISTMAS
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) HOME ALONE: THE HOLIDAY HEIST
(1:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) DECK THE HALLS
(3:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL
(5:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1979)
(6:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
(7:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) SCROOGED

Tuesday, December 24
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) A VERY BRADY CHRISTMAS
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) SCROOGED
(1:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
(3:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
(5:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 2
(9:00 -11:00 AM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION

Wednesday, December 25
(7:00–7:30 AM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLAND
(7:30–8:30 AM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
(8:30–9:30 AM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
(1:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
(3:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(5:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 2
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Banana-Zucchini Bread

When I pulled my zucchini from the freezer to make some bread, I was also thinking about the ripe bananas I had sitting on the counter. I didn't want to waste either, but didn't have time to make both types of bread. So after a quick search I decided to try this recipe I found at Brown Eyed Baker. My overall review of the recipe...Thumbs Up! I enjoyed the sweetness of the bananas, without the full on taste of bananas. I didn't have any pecans, so I substituted walnuts. I usually use walnuts in banana bread anyways, so I figured it would be just fine. My only other variance from the recipe, was the time. It said to bake for 50-60 minutes and my loaves were done at 45. The texture and moisture of this bread was great, so I say give it a try. 

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1½ teaspoons baking soda
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
1½ cups shredded zucchini
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two 9x5-inch loaf pans and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the sugar and oil and whisk until smooth and combined. Whisk in the bananas and mix well. Add the flour mixture and stir gently with a rubber spatula until no flour remains. Fold in the zucchini and pecans.
4. Divide the batter evenly between the two loaf pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 50 to 60 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then remove the bread from the pans and place on wire rack to cool completely before serving. Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, the bread will keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.