19 days till Christmas

19 days till Christmas
December 6th
Movie of the day: Santa Claus the Movie
This is an awesome yet often overlooked movie. It was made in 1985.
“The first half of this film, set hundreds of years ago, shows how the old man who eventually became Santa Claus was given immortality and chosen to deliver toys to all the children of the world. The second half moves into the modern era, in which Patch, the head elf, strikes out on his own and falls in with an evil toy manufacturer who wants to corner the market and eliminate Santa Claus.” -imdb.com
Modern meaning the 80's. :D My family has loved and watched this movie every year since right before I was born.
Here is a link to the soundtrack on youtube. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=12B2E065F4D5B275&search_query=santa+claus+the+movie+soundtrack

Christmas Carol of the day:
Ding Dong Merrily on High
http://www.christmas-carol-music.org/Lead_Sheets/DingDongMerrily.html
My favorite memory of this song is from Little Women when the girls sing right before going to bed on Christmas eve. Marmee gives them each a candle. I love how Marmee gives Jo a candle that would last the night. She knew Jo would be up writing.

Christmas Trivia
(brought to you by howstuffworks.com)
What is Christmas like in Germany?
Celebrating the season is a month-long event in Germany, with festivities culminating on Christmas Eve, when the Christmas tree is unveiled. Children are not allowed to see the tree until a bell rings to signify that the Christ Child has been there.
Once the tree is revealed, fully decorated with tinsel, lights, and ornaments, families place presents underneath and sing Christmas carols. The night later gives way to a feast so lavish that the evening is often called dickbauch, or "fat stomach."
It is believed that those who do not eat well will be haunted by demons during the night. Nuts, fruits, marzipan, greenery, candles, and adorable carved, wooden figurines of angels, trees, and Santa are placed around the table.
The night's delights include:
Roasted goose
Ham or suckling pig
White sausage
Sausage and cheese bread
Roasted potatoes
Green beans
Yams
Macaroni salad
Rice porridge
Biscuits and marmalade
Fruit salad
Apple cider
Christstollen (bread with nuts, raisins, and dried fruit)
Lebkuchen (gingerbread)
Marzipan
http://christmas.howstuffworks.com/games/christmas-trivia3.htm

On my mom's side we are German immigrants from Russia. Grandma used to make fruit soup with Christmas dinner. I never really had the palate for it but my family loves it. I am more of a pie girl. Pie snob really. Grandma and I used to make a pie every year. She taught me when I was really little how to make the crust from scratch and pinch a pretty edge into it. Then to make the filling (usually pumpkin) and crack eggs without getting shell in the batter. I have trouble eating anyone else's pumpkin pie because ours is soooo good. It is all in the crust. It is sweet and holds it's own. You can eat our pie with out a fork. Just hold it in your hand! :D