“I grew up in a gentler, slower time. When Ike was president, Christmases were years apart, and now it’s about five months from one to the next.” – Garrison Keillor

I think Mr. Keillor is right, its does really seem like Christmas was only about five months ago. But now we are once again deep in the midst of the Christmas season. It is time again for the Christmas classics. I don’t know what that means to you but for me it means that by December 26th I will have watched each of the following movies at least three times:

Christmas Story
Christmas Vacation
The Santa Claus
Miracle on 34th Street (the original version)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the original Boris Karloff version)
Charlie Brown Christmas
The Sound of Music

Okay, I know "The Sound of Music" isn’t really a Christmas movie, but there is something about this time of year that makes that movie seem incredibly appropriate. Maybe its because the Captain realizes what’s really important is getting to know his children instead of finding the “right” governess. Maybe its because it reminds me of a simpler time, like a Currier & Ives painting.

Of course, no Christmas would be complete without watching "The Charlie Brown Christmas." Despite the fact that Charles Schultz hated it because it was so poorly drawn, it is a classic. We own a copy of the movie so I’m not dependent upon some network to decide whether or not to show it (lest we offend someone because of its biblical/Christian references). Yes I know that is what Christmas is all about, but it doesn’t seem to be something people want to admit or talk about much any more.

Like Charlie Brown I feel the grip of commercialism tightening around the very spirit of Christmas. However, I have found a way to help put Christmas back into perspective. It has been a tradition of mine for a number of years.

First, you need to make the time (time isn’t found, its made – but that’s a topic for another posting!). Make about twenty minutes some evening before Christmas. Then you will need to make some hot chocolate. While the water is heating up, go turn on the lights on the Christmas tree and turn off all the other lights in the room. Once the hot chocolate is ready (read marshmallows added) start playing the Mannheim Steamroller version of Silent Night (Still Nacht). If you don’t have a copy, run out and get one NOW!

Next, sit on the floor in front of the Christmas tree and take a deep breath. Now just sit there and don’t say a word. Anyone caught talking before the song ends should be thrown out of the house (these are the same people who don’t vote and you don’t really want people like that in your house anyway!).

Just sit there, drink your hot chocolate, and enjoy the sight of the Christmas tree while surrounded by the blissful sounds of Chip Davis’ masterful interpretation of Silent Night.

I’ll bet by the time the music stops, you will find yourself in a much better mood and more relaxed. If that isn’t the case, repeat the process again. If that still doesn’t work, you probably need professional help!

Since it is Christmas, I have a gift for you that in the true spirit of the season comes with that wonderful phrase we all know and love, “Some Assembly Required.”

Grandma Orwig’s Hot Chocolate Mix
1 Box Carnation powdered milk (8qt)
1 lb box powedered sugar
1 6oz size Coffeemate
1 32oz Nestle’s Quick

Use ¼ cup mix with hot water

For what its worth, keep in mind this makes a ton of hot chocolate mix. Feel free to share it with friends, neighbors, and yes even relatives!

Merry Christmas!