Monday Morning Coffee

Good Monday morning, my friends! I hope you enjoyed a cozy, festive weekend as we approach the most wonderful day of the year! We had a good mix of preparation and relaxation, starting with my go-to festive breakfast, French Toast...

Easily made festive with my sister-in-law Beth's homemade hot cocoa in Rudolph mugs, of course.

We lit the Fourth Sunday of Advent candle...

And made pomanders at the kitchen table while listening to classic Christmas music. Madison is my head elf in charge of activities, and she showed us how to make tiny holes in oranges before putting in cloves and then tying ribbons around each one. I admit I was skeptical, but it was easy and fun!

We had a roast chicken for dinner on Saturday night, so last night, we had the most delicious chicken soup. I had saved the chicken carcass and boiled it with water, chicken broth, and poultry seasoning. Madison seasoned some carrots, celery, and squash and roasted them in the oven. Then I drained the broth, added some cooked noodles and the vegetables, and Madison finished it with her signature fresh lemon juice. It was delicious!

We finished the night with two of our favorite little shows...

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

And The Story of the First Christmas Snow.

Both are available on Amazon Prime to watch and are restored to the best quality.

Today, we will prepare for our Christmas Eve dinner, wrap the last gifts, and relax by the tree. Our preparations are complete, and we are ready to celebrate this blessed, beautiful time of the year. 

Thank you for sharing this Christmas season with me. I have enjoyed being welcomed into your homes so much this advent. From our family to your family, Merry and Blessed Christmas. May your days be filled with family, love, quiet, calm, chaos, cookies, twinkling tree lights at night, and cozy coffee and cocoa when you wake. Peace, joy, and love, my friends!

Billie Jo