Christmas planning

I have

• Three gifts to buy (two await inspiration)
  
• One check to write
  
• Thirteen gifts to wrap
  
• One house to clean (the public areas downstairs, at least)
  
• One tree to install and trim
  
• Two chandeliers to decorate
  
• Two window boxes needing red flocked ribbons
  
• One big grocery list to make
  
• Some decisions on holiday baking to make
  
• Holiday baking to do
  
• Two turkeys to roast
  
• Holiday china and linens to unpack and, if necessary, wash
  

That doesn't look too awful, given that there are two weekends between me and the family gathering.

Roy and I have decided on simple food for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day -- beef stew for the former, fruitcake oatmeal / leftover stew / a ham slice for Christmas dinner.

The weather is cold and clear today. I think I would like to spend a bus token and go to the Reading Terminal Market, then pick up a weekly SEPTA pass so that I have the freedom of the city next week.

Here's a nice picture of the tree at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Library.



I really like the displays of natural stuff below the tree, and the clear plastic ornaments filled with things like eucalyptus sprays or holly berries.

Springerle tips and hints

Okay, I think I have the Perfection Springerle recipe down pat.

( notes to myself for next time I do this )