Christmas Cookies ~ Julie Lence

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and with it comes sugary treats many of us cannot ignore. Every year, I have to remind myself to not over-indulge. One year, hubbs and I went through 4 bags of candy! So when in stores, I stay away from the candy. But who can resist the cookies? I know I can’t, so that’s another thing I try to stay away from. Sometimes it really isn’t hard. I’m the only one who eats them. But other times…

This month I’m sharing simple cookie recipes, because who am I kidding? I’m going to indulge, and you should join me.

 Enjoy, & Happy Holidays! 

Santa’s Trash Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

1 1/4 c. semisweet chocolate chips

3/4 c. crushed potato chips

3/4 c. crushed pretzels

1/2 c. red and green sprinkles

Flaky sea salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350º. In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined.

In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and kosher salt until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients to egg mixture and beat until just combined.

Gently fold in most of the chocolate chips, potato chips, pretzels, and sprinkles (reserve some for pressing on tops of cookies).

Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop balls of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) and arrange on 2 parchment-lined baking sheets. Lightly press down on each cookie to flatten, then press reserved chocolate chips, potato chips, pretzels, and sprinkles on top. Sprinkle with sea salt.

Bake cookies until edges are just starting to get golden, about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly, then transfer cookies to wire racks and let cool completely.

https://www.delish.com/cooking/a50432/santas-trash-cookies-recipe/

 

 

Italian Lemon Cookies

Ingredients:

Cookies:

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

3 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1 cup (200 g.) granulated sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

2 large eggs

1 large egg yolk

Zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

3 Tbsp. heavy cream

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

 

Glaze:

1 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

3 Tbsp. (or more) fresh lemon juice

Finely grated lemon zest, for serving

Directions:

Cookies:

In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

In the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat granulated sugar and butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, beating to blend after each addition. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, cream, and vanilla. Beat, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, until fully incorporated, about 1 minute. Gradually add dry ingredients and beat on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms, about 30 seconds. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to overnight.

Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 350°. Using a small ice cream scoop (about 1 1/2 Tbsp.), scoop dough onto a lightly floured surface. Using floured hands, roll each to a 5" to 6" rope. Form rope into a circle, then tuck one end through the center to create a knot. Repeat for a total of 24, spacing 2" apart between 2 parchment-lined baking sheets.

Bake cookies, rotating sheets front to back and top to bottom halfway through, until bottoms are lightly golden brown and tops are still pale, 10 to 12 minutes. Do not overbake. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool. Repeat with remaining dough and a fresh parchment-lined baking sheet.

Glaze:

Step 1In a small bowl, whisk confectioners’ sugar lemon juice until a thick but pourable glaze forms (add a little more lemon juice, 1 tsp. at a time, if glaze is too thick).

Step 2Dip top of cooled cookies into glaze, then set on a wire rack or parchment-lined baking sheet. Grate lemon zest over tops before glaze has fully set. Let set before serving, about 15 minutes.

https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a41411629/italian-lemon-cookies-recipe/

 

 

Chocolate Caramel Kiss Cookies

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup sugar, divided

1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk, room temperature

1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup baking cocoa

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

3/4 tsp salt

24 caramel-filled milk chocolate kisses

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter, brown sugar and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg, egg yolk and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk the next 5 ingredients; gradually beat into creamed mixture.

Shape rounded tablespoons of dough into balls. Roll in remaining sugar. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake until edges begin to brown, 8-10 minutes. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into center of each cookie (cookie will crack around edges). Cool on pans 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chocolate-caramel-kiss-cookies/

 

 

How do you do...

Post (C) Doris McCraw

aka Angela Raines

Image (C) Doris McCraw

Welcome to my regularly scheduled 2nd Tuesday of the month post.

Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday, is over and we are getting ready for the sprint from Christmas to New Year. A couple of weeks of spending time shopping, wrapping, and getting together with friends and family. 

Then, we are hit with a New Year and wonder what will happen. Many make resolutions and create goals or plans. I've done all the above, and have had successes and failures. 

What I found works is:

Experiences instead of resolutions

A fluid way of writing online content with series being my favorite (Like last year's Civil War Veterans and Wives).

Deadlines, Deadlines, Deadlines!

Speaking of deadlines, I have a new short novel that will be available as an ebook on December 20, 2024. If interested you can pre-order it here: Mack - Christmas Quilt Bride Series

How do you do the Holidays and planning for the New Year? I'd love to know. 

Until Nest Time

Doris McCraw

Thanksgiving-read ‘Ten for Dinner’ ~ Ruthie L Manier

The Holidays are here! In my family the holidays begin with my mom’s birthday on November twentieth and then Thanksgiving. I love the holiday season and this is the reason I decided to write my Celebrations collection in 2024. I began with A Miracle For Santa’ in Deember of 2022 which led to a follow up in De-cember of 2023 with ‘A Journey To Believe.’ Ienjoyed writing them so much I simply had to do more. there are now eight in the Celebrations collection whith holidays stories that will touch your heart. Below, are chapter one and two of ‘10 for Dinner’ a short story you will enjoy, especially if you have a large family with a lot of quirks. Holiday Worries One week before Thanksgiving. “Martha, that turkey you call “Girty” is the biggest we have ever had. It is going to be the juiciest turkey, too,” husband Garrett said, licking his lips. “Oh, stop. Your mouth is watering, GD,” Martha replied. “You know it is my favorite holiday. I love the delicious food and pies you make. It’s so good,” Garrett added, rubbing his belly. Then, he leaned down and kissed her warmly. Martha brushed her long brown hair before pulling it back into a loose bun. Then, she added, “Thank you, but your turkey steals the show every year.” “Any fool can cook a turkey, my love. But it takes a master chef to make the rest of dinner and dessert,” her husband replied. A few quiet moments passed as husband and wife prepared for the day ahead. “GD?” “Yeah?” “Here it comes. She is concerned about the kids,” he thought as he continued buttoning his flannel jacket. “Do you think all the kids will show up for Thanksgiving dinner this year?” Martha asked, her blue eyes filled with worry. The subject was a sore spot for GD. He paused before answering, but his mind raced. The darn kids are constantly acting up, fighting with each other, and stressing out their mom. This fighting must stop. I’ll drag them by the hair to get them to Thanksgiving dinner if I must. “Martha, they wouldn’t miss your Thanksgiving dinner for anything in this world,” he replied. Martha rolled her hair into the bun she wore during daylight hours. GD’s kind words did not fool her. Their children had been sharing harsh words for a while. She prayed they could resolve their differences soon. Garrett grabbed his keys off the duck-shaped wall key hook and sat his cowboy hat on his head. “I will be out on the north pasture. If you need me, call. I will come running,” he added. “My knight in shining armor,” Martha replied. She beamed as she watched him go. After forty years of marriage, she still loved him with all her heart. “I don’t know about that, Martha, but I will ride up on my black stallion, dirty work clothes and all,” he said and winked as he disappeared through the opened door. Martha muttered a silent prayer that her children would resolve their differences and began her morning chores. CHAPTER 2 Warning for All From the barn, Garrett called his son, Charles, who answered on the first ring. “Hi, Dad.” “Chuck, I am glad I reached you,” Garrett said. “Me too. What’s up? Are you and mom okay?” “Yes, we are good. I hope you are doing well. I know you are busy, so I will get straight to the point. I need your help.” “Sure, how can I help you?” “You might not want to agree so fast; this task will be more difficult than you think. Your mom wants all of you kids at Thanksgiving dinner. With so many feuds festering between your brothers and sisters, Martha is afraid some of them will not show,” Garrett explained. “I understand her concern. Those idiots, Trapper and Randall, still are fighting over that mustang from years ago. That’s gone on far too long,” his son replied. “Agreed. And what about the girls?” “You are talking about Harley and Maddy. I think they are still bickering over that guy they both liked five years ago.” “Yep, it has them all bickering and taking sides. Do you think you can help me to persuade them to set their quarrels aside long enough to enjoy Thanksgiving together?” Garrett asked. “I can’t promise anything, but I will do my best.” “That is all I ask, Chuck.” “See you on Thanksgiving morning, Dad.” “Looking forward to seeing you and the family. Take care, son.” Garrett ended the call, feeling confident his eldest child would intervene and convince his siblings to be civil for their mother’s sake. Next, Garrett called his eldest daughter, Samantha. “Good morning, Dad. Is everything okay?” she inquired. “Good morning, Sam. We are both well here on the ranch. I know you are a busy woman. So, I will jump to the point of this early morning call. Your mother wants all of you kids home for Thanksgiving dinner.” “Where else would we be? Of course, we will be at the ranch with you and Mom,” Samantha replied. “That is good to hear. Have you spoken to your sisters or brothers about Thanksgiving?” “Some of them. I had lunch with Maddie and Des yesterday. They said they were planning to attend.” “That is great!” Garrett said. “I do not understand why Mom is worried. We all show out of respect for you and her. I know how much everyone loves your turkey and Mom’s cooking. How they interact with each other is what you need to worry about, don’t you think?” “That is a concern that bothers me. If a firestorm over stupid things in the past erupts and they ruin your mother’s day, your brothers and sisters will have to deal with my wrath,” he warned. “Oh, no. I will pass this along to the others,” Samantha said. Her father chuckled and said, “See that you do. Have a nice day. I will see you on Thursday.” “You, too, Dad. I love you,” she added before ending the call. “I love you too! Bye for now.” “Bye.” Garrett knew his eldest daughter would spread his message to the rest of the family. Word would spread like wildfire on the range. Confident his children would show up for Thanksgiving and behave like adults, he finished saddling his horse. He rode to the north pasture, assured peace would prevail on Thanksgiving Day. Now, he had to finish his work before dinner time. Martha did not like it when he was late. I hope you enjoyed this preview of ‘10 for Dinner.’ Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your loved ones❤ What’s Next?

A heartwarming read of empty nesters with a pending divorce after the Christmas holiday. Can a Red Stone be the answer to all their problems?

Secondary Characters and Villains

Post by Doris McCraw
writing as Angela Raines

December, the time of Holiday cheer, parties and family. Of course, for authors, it's still writing time. For me, the longer nights sometimes translate into more writing or at least more reading. It is definitely watching DVDs and streaming old Westerns time.

I am a huge fan of the old B Westerns and older TV Westerns. When I say B Westerns and Old TV Westerns I'm talking about the movies from the 1930s to about 1950 and TV shows from 1950 to 1962. I have many of them on DVD or stream them. There is nothing quite so much fun as watching episodes of "The Cisco Kid", "The Rebel" or "Yancy Derringer". Of course, anything with Alan 'Rocky' Lane or Charles Starrett is quite fun. I will also point out, I'm always watching to see who wrote the stories for the episodes or film. Many of the early pulp authors who later became well-known did stints as scriptwriters.

Charles Starrett - 1940
from Wikipedia

Looking back at these various works brought home how important villains are to a story, but the secondary characters also. In "The Encyclopedia of Feature Players in Hollywood", Jim Goldrup, one of the authors says this in his introduction about secondary characters: "Principle characters are bound by hero or heroine rules, “the others” aren’t, and they of necessity must not be, in order for the good guys to look good, in order for them to play their parts."

For me, as an author, I try to have a strong villain, and additional characters that enhance the story I'm trying to tell. Additionally, because of my background in theater, my villains have to believe in what they are doing as much as the hero/heroine does in their actions. Their misguided humanness can be some of the most powerful storytelling. Some of the best scenes happen when the two clash over their viewpoints. The movie, "The Ox-bow Incident" is so powerful because of that clash and the reactions of the secondary players.

Would "The Magnificent Seven" and it's predecessor "The Seven Samurai" be the powerhouses they are if the villain were not a strong as the leads?

I confess, even though I write romance, with the happy ever after, I am at heart an action-oriented writer. I love the hero who is strong enough to save the day, but his partner, the heroine has to be his equal in strength of character. They both have to be strong enough to survive the dangers of the Western landscape along with the depth to understand what the other is going through. It can sometimes be a fine line between strength and overbearing. That is where the secondary characters add so much. Many times the leads need someone as a sounding board, someone who can listen without judgment and give advice when needed.

Villain, secondary characters, heroes, and heroines can create a world where the author can tell their story, and the reader gets to live the lives written on the pages. So this Holiday season, enjoy family, friends, books, and movies. Then authors, if you so desire, write a few more lines on that story. Readers, look to see how the storyteller combines the pieces to create the world you are enjoying.

For those how would like to check out some of the old shows, The Cisco Kid - YouTube,
Yancy Derringer - YouTube, Alan 'Rocky' Lane movies - YouTube

Doris Gardner-McCraw -

Author, Speaker, Historian-specializing in
Colorado and Women's History

Angela Raines - author: Where Love & History Meet

Books: Angela Raines Books

Angela Raines FaceBook: Click Here

CHRISTMAS IN EARLY COLORADO #Christmas #Colorado #History

In honor of the upcoming Holiday Season, I thought I would share some of the research I've done on early Colorado. I will return with the discussion on writing in January. 

Imagine if you will, the 1800s. You have followed the siren's call to Colorado. Life has been busy and the high desert with its mild weather has fooled you. Or perhaps you've been in the mountains trapping. You do some figuring and realize it's Christmas, what do you do? 

Around 1842, the northeast corner of Colorado/Utah saw the trappers celebrate the holiday with the help of the Indians in the area. Their festive meal consisted of appalost, a type of shish kabob with lean meat and fat roasted over a low fire, buffalo cider, a liquid found in the stomach of buffalo, supplemented with washena, marrow fat and pomme blanc from the Indians.

If you were in what is now the Denver area in 1858, perhaps you would have partaken of one of two celebrations in the new towns that were approximately sixty days old.

Records show the area had about 200 men and 5 women (four were married) and assorted children. One town had candles for a tree that had been cut in the foothills. A German couple were doing the planning and trees were a part of the home country festivities. The other town had a meal of buffalo, rabbit, wild turkey, rice pudding and peach and apple pie, listing just part of the menu. Now add into this mix some  "Taos Lightening" compliments of good ol 'Uncle Dick' Wooten and you would probably have a day to remember, that is if you didn't indulge in too much of the gift 'Uncle Dick' brought to the festivities.

In 1863 one family on the Arkansas river, up close to the cut off to what is now Monarch pass, had been cut off from others and the towns due to heavy fall snow storms that year.  They had been working their claim, even in the heart of winter. When Christmas arrived, they had plenty of food, but not much variety. One daughter, with the help of her siblings decided to bring out the good china brought from their home in Nebraska and serve up a feast of mock turkey made from beef and beans along with substitute coffee, made from browned bran. The parents were the guest of honor. 

Leadville Mine 1908

Even the boom towns celebrated the holidays. In Leadville in 1888, Dick Berryman's Saloon offered the following bill of fare for patrons on Christmas: Possum, Turkey, Roast Pig, Sweet Potatoes and Corn Dodgers.

Two other stories, with unknown dates, show yet another side of the Christmas holiday. 

On a train ride a woman and her two children were leaving Kansas to go to Denver to live with her mother. The ranch she had tried to maintain after her husband’s death had been too much for her to handle. As the train proceeded from Kansas to Colorado, it was stopped by a large drift across the tracks on Christmas Eve. The two children were upset that they would not be able to spend Christmas with their grandmother. The train crew and the three male passengers made the children comfortable. While the children slept near the stove, the crew and male passengers used the wealthy ranchers socks and filled them with gifts. On the morning of Christmas day the children had their Christmas thanks to the kindness of strangers.

For another family, living in the high mountains, the father had gone to a nearby town to purchase sweets and some gifts. On the way home, he and his traveling companions were caught in a blizzard. They dug down the three feet of snow that had accumulated to the bare ground and burning wood during the night along with the insulation of the snow were able to keep from freezing. Although he returned later than expected he made it home to spend Christmas with his family.

I will leave you with a description of an 1873 Colorado winter from Isabella Bird found in her book "A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains". As Isabella rode her horse Birdie through the fir covered area near what is now Estes Park she wrote  "...I think I never saw such a brilliant atmosphere.That curious phenomena called frost-fall was occurring in which, whatever moisture may exist in the air, somehow aggregates into feather and fern leaves, the loveliest of creations, only seen in rarefied air and intense cold. One breath and they vanish. The air was filled with diamond sparks quite intangible. They seemed just glitter and no more. It was still and cloudless, and the shapes of violet mountains were softened by a veil of the tenderest blue."

I hope you enjoyed the journey through the past in Colorado during the Christmas time of year. Some of these stories helped to inspire my novella "Gift of Forgiveness" which takes place in the Colorado Mountains during the same time of year. 

purchase e-book here

May your Holiday Season be filled with joy, love and the promise of even more in the upcoming year.

Doris Gardner-McCraw -

Author, Speaker, Historian-specializing in
Colorado and Women's History

Angela Raines - author: Where Love & History Meet

For a list of Angela Raines Books: Here 

Angela Raines FaceBook: Click Here

The Spirit of Christmas

The Spirit of Christmas 

by Christina Cole

Christmas is always a special time, both in my own life and in the lives of the characters I create. The holiday season plays a role in my newest western historical romance, due out from Secret Cravings Publishing in January, so it was important for me to do a little research to learn how Christmas was celebrated in the past.

I found that by the mid-1800s, Christmas traditions in America were very similar to those we know today. They included brightly-decorated trees, the exchange of cards and gifts, caroling, lots of festive foods, visits from Santa Claus, stockings hung by the fireplace, and many religious celebrations.

Of course, farther west, in rural areas and sparsely-populated villages, celebrations were sometimes quite humble. Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote of  receiving precious gifts: a tin cup, a shiny new penny, a heart-shaped cake, and a peppermint candy. In the west, many gifts were homemade, and wintry weather often interfered with holiday plans, but despite the hardships of life on the prairie on in rough, unsettled territories, the spirit of Christmas lived on. 

Several years ago, my family and I visited the National Frontier Trails Museum in Independence, Missouri for their annual Christmas celebration. In addition to visiting with and hearing stories from Laura Ingalls Wilder (through the talents of a gifted re-enactor) , we toured the old railroad depot. This brought back a wealth of memories for me. Many of you know I lived with my grandfather while growing up. He was a railroad telegrapher, and touring this depot was like stepping back into my childhood.

Upstairs, where the agent and his family lived, the table was set for a festive Christmas meal.

In the old west, tables probably weren't this ornately set, but I cherish this image. To me, it somehow exemplifies the beauty of the holiday season and the importance of home and family. I had this vision in mind as I wrote about Emily Sue Phillips on Christmas Eve.

As a little gift to readers, I'm now sharing two short Christmas excerpts from the story, He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not.  I hope you enjoy them.

In this excerpt, Emily Sue reflects upon Christmas, childhood, home and family. 

Each year on Christmas Eve, the Phillips family gathered in the parlor at sunset for a festive celebration. Emily loved Christmas. When she’d been a child, the holiday always meant gaily-wrapped presents beneath the tree, Mama’s holiday cakes and pies, sweet cinnamon candies and peppermints, and fresh oranges tucked inside stockings hung on the fireplace mantel. Once upon a time, she’d actually believed in Santa Claus. In fact, she’d believed in the jolly, bewhiskered fellow for a good many years. She wished now she could go back to those childhood days, those simpler times when she could make wishes and, as often as not, they came true. Of course, she knew now that it was Pa, not Father Christmas, St. Nicholas, or any other legendary figure who brought the gifts she cherished.
     Earlier that morning, Kat's husband had cut down a lovely spruce tree and brought it to the house. Emily and Mama had worked together for most of the afternoon, adding ornaments, bows, tinsel, and tapers, but then Mama had been called away. The Sherwood family was about to get a brand new baby for Christmas. Soon after she left, a heavy snow began to fall. Mama would not be able to make it home until the weather cleared.

Alone now, Emily lit the candles one by one, reflecting on how many things had changed over the years. Kat now celebrated Christmas Eve in her own home with her husband and children. Mama did very little holiday cooking and baking these days since she was usually too busy attending to her midwifery or caring for Pa. His days were numbered; he wouldn't be with them forever. Each year when Christmas came around, Emily wondered if this might be their last together. The thought brought a tear to her eye. For all his faults -- and her father had many -- she loved him dearly.

With the candles glowing brightly, she stepped back to gaze upon the magnificent sight. The sweet scent of pine filled the air, mingling with the aroma of hot spiced cider and frothy cocoa. For a moment, her spirits lifted. Christmas possessed a special magic.

In this excerpt, Emily Sue receives a visit from Benjamin, the young man she loves. They've been through some difficult times in their relationship in recent weeks.He has brought a gift wrapped in butcher's paper and tied with a coarse jute string. 

"Why are you here? Why are you doing this?"

"It's Christmas. I'm giving you a gift. That's what Christmas is all about."

"Not really, but I won't quibble over theology. My point," she said, her voice growing cooler with each word, "is that you've made it clear you don't want anything to do with me. Of course, then you do an about-face and tell me how much I mean to you, but in the next breath, you're sending me away again. You've got me so confused, I don't know what to think."

"I'm sorry. I know I've put you through a lot over the last few weeks."

"And this is supposed to make up for it?" She took the gift he held out. Its szie and shape alone, plus its weight in her hand, clearly made known its contents. She turned toward the tall spruce with its glittering tapers and shimmering tinsel and slipped the crudely-wrapped present beneath the fragrant pine branches. Next to the other gifts, Ben's contribution looked woefully out of place.

"You're not going to open it?"

"I can't. It's not Christmas yet," she explained. "My father won't allow us to open even a single gift until Christmas morning."

"Are you sure you can't make an exception?"

"Sorry, Ben. No exceptions."

A crestfallen expression showed on his face. "I hoped to be here when you unwrapped it. I wanted to know if you liked it."

"I'm sure I will," she said in quiet voice. She would cherish anything Ben gave her.

But her reply did not appease him. He huffed out a short breath. "How can you say that? You don't even know what it is."

Emily rolled her eyes. "It's a book, Ben. It's not like it's any great mystery." Lifting the present again, she hefted it up. "I appreciate it, all right?" For the life of her she couldn't understand why she was acting like such a spoiled brat. Too many emotions were vying for control.

“I swear, you’re impossible.” Ben nodded toward the tree as she placed the present beneath it once more. “Fine,” he said. “There’s your gift. Yes, it’s a book. A book of poetry, to be precise. It’s nothing terribly fancy. I got it from old Asa Taylor at the mercantile. I hope you enjoy it.” He turned and walked away. “Merry Christmas,” he added in a gruff voice.

     Although Christmas may not be so merry for Emily Sue Phillips and Benjamin Brooks, I sincerely hope your holiday is filled with warm wishes, true love, and the joy of family and friends. It is a special time of year. Enjoy! 

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not 

Coming in January 2015

Secret Cravings Publishing

For more information, visit Chistina Cole's Love Notes on Facebook.

The Old West Celebrates the Holidays: Jacquie Rogers

Yule Brings Celebration For All

The snow blows nearly sideways as it blankets the range. Ranch hands hunker down in their saddles, scarves over their ears and their Stetsons protecting them from the fierce wind. They dream of a warm fire and hot buttered rum. But they have livestock to save from freezing and starvation, so they ride on.

It's Christmas on the open range. Miserable for man and beast. But it isn't just another day at the office, so to speak. They whittle gifts for one another, sing a few carols as they sit around the campfire warming their hands and feet. Cook gives them a hot meal--the finest beans with maybe some meat thrown in. And with a little luck, Cook could scrounge up a few tins of peaches to use for a pie. Life couldn't be better and they thank their lucky stars for a sound horse and solid tack.

(Yes, I know these cattle are a modern breed and very fat, but it's the only picture I could find.)

Ahavath Beth Israel 
Congregation

Chanukkah in the mines

It's the 1860's in Silver City, Idaho. The Festival of Lights has been celebrated in the West since the beginning of frontier settlement, but not like their counterparts back East who have a warm and dry place to worship with their families. A menorah can be lit anywhere, and the Jewish silver miners do just that. They pray, play a little dreidel, and think a lot of home.

The picture to the left is the oldest continuously used synagogue west of the Mississippi. It's located in Boise, Idaho, and was built in 1896 by the Beth Israel congregation, now called the Ahavath Beth Israel congregation. Very beautiful.

Christmas on the farm

Everyone has chores to do every day and Christmas is no exception. Cows have to be milked, livestock has to be watered and fed, eggs need gathered, and the barnyard will require the usual tidying (to use a gentile term). So after the chores are done, the family can gather together and celebrate Christmas with what meager resources they have. If they don't have evergreen trees to spare, they might decorate a sagebrush with popcorn and berries. They make ornaments with precious bits of paper and scraps of cloth. Peach tins make nice ornaments, too, and they shine in the firelight.

1876 Christmas, Harper's Weekly

Their celebration might be more humble than those in the eastern cities, but they have a grand time, nevertheless. The women cook for days. They're resourceful and whatever they have available will do for a fine pie or stew. The Christmas feast could consist of chicken, venison, or maybe a ham, along with homemade rolls, freshly churned butter, potatoes and gravy, and pies--maybe one made with dried apples and a vinegar pie. Each family member has made modest gifts for the others and even the smallest child has labored over precious gifts--might be a drawing or a doll made of sticks. They sing carols, maybe read the Bible, and if they're close enough to town, they'd most likely go to church if there was one.  If not there'd probably be a worship service at the schoolhouse or maybe a saloon.

For most Christian families, Christmas is a day for family togetherness and to show their love and appreciation for one another, as well as celebrating the religious aspect of the holy day.

Christmas for Outlaws, Gunslingers, and Cyprians

The saloon owner brings small gifts for the working ladies, the bartender, the resident gambler, and a few of the regulars. A few cowpunchers bring gifts for their favorite girl. They might have a nice meal together before they open for business, and even then, the customers are few. It's one night they can relax.

Happy Holidays to Everyone!

My gift to you: send a message to jacquierogers @ gmail.com (no spaces) and let me know which book you'd like (be sure to tell me what address to use, if different than the one on the email), Faery Merry Christmas or Much Ado About Madams and I'll gift you a free book.  Offer ends 10pm Pacific Time, December 19th.