Peace On Earth

December 23, 2017









I woke up extra early this morning, set the table, lit the candles, then took these pictures just as the sun started to appear. The light was faint and gorgeous. Today, December 23rd, is my prep day. I'm heading off for my last trip to the grocery store, then I'll be in the kitchen doing as much ahead as I can--washing, chopping, grating, mixing--my menus were planned with as much do-ahead as I could possibly squeeze in. The family comes tomorrow afternoon and I want to spend time with that baby!

Christmas Eve Menu
Arugula Salad
Coffee Gelato with Salted Caramel Sauce
Christmas Cookies

Christmas Morning Menu
Muffins with Jam
Fruit
OJ

Christmas Day Snacks
Potato Chips and Veggies with Onion Dip
Christmas Cookies

Christmas Dinner
Peppercorn Filet Mignon with Burgundy Mushroom Sauce
Green Beans with Almonds
Herb Popovers
Cheesecake

I sing in my church choir and for the last two year's Christmas Concerts we have sung Longfellow's, "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day".  This is the beautiful version we sang. I hope you have time to have a listen. I was so afraid I would sob through it (I did not!), and it has been caroling in the background of my brain for the last week. Here's the heart-wrenching story behind the beautiful words and how Longfellow, even though living in great pain, found a place in his heart to feel peace on earth and wish good will toward men. Amen. I wish you all the best during this holiday season and through the new year. Thank you for coming by, I appreciate your readership and your comments so much. xo Kristen

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15 Comments

  1. Thank you for all the lovely stories you bring in your posts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Penny. Best wishes for a happy holiday season with your family.

      Delete
  2. Your holiday table is lovely and elegant. I love everything in it, specially the various, adorable napkin rings.
    Have a Merry Christmas.
    Fabby

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much. The napkin rings are from Wendt and Kuhn although I don't think they are being made anymore. I hope you had a Merry Christmas!

      Delete
  3. Dear Kirsten thank you for sharing the story of Longfellow and his beautiful poem. It reminded me that the most precious gift this Christmas is Hope. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas and Peace on Earth for us all. Iris x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh yesss! Its all I have been wishing for now and always!

    From me and my family here in Dubai, to yours, A very Happy Christmas, Joy, Safety and well being!

    Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kristen,

    Beautiful post! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

    Warmest wishes for a great day!

    Margie

    ReplyDelete
  6. Merry Christmas Kristen! I enjoy your blog and catching up with your precious grand child! I've got a similar breakfast dish in the oven now, only I use stuffing cubes (Peppridge Farms) and Ro-tel tomatoes. Happy Knitting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stuffing cubes! Ingenious! I even had some in my cupboard leftover from Thanksgiving I could have used. Next time! Also like the idea of adding spicy tomatoes!

      Delete
  7. Lovely Christmas blog. Your table looks beautiful and the recipes are wonderful. Merry Christmas.

    Carole

    ReplyDelete
  8. Greetings from Haliburton, Ontario, Canada.....
    May you have a merry and blessed Christmas with your family. I love your blog and pictures and being in touch with sunny California. We are in snow country here, but it is beautiful.
    Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jan! I envy you your snowy days and I can imagine how beautiful it is!

      Delete

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