Traditions and Such

Do you have traditions for the holidays? What does your family do every year at Christmas time or Thanksgiving?

One thing we have done, most of the time since our home was established, was to go to my parent's house on Christmas Eve. Then we go to an area of town called 'Conway' where we go to see the lights. A lot of activity goes on here on Christmas Eve and the night before. They even have a boat parade on their lake.

My dad started this activity when I was 14, I think. My dad was one who loved to drive on back roads and he seemed to know where everything was. It would take him an hour to go get a gallon of milk sometimes, when I lived at home!

He started driving us around Conway to look at the lights. You could see inside many of the people's homes. There were parties going on occasionally and sometimes there are people who are outside sitting there (or standing or walking) just to wave 'hi'.

I know we have to be careful to not come up with too many activities or it could be overwhelming for us and our family members.

We have always tried to go to the Christmas parade, but now we are in the Christmas parade. Maybe this will become a new tradition for us. We are in the parade to help the world to know the true meaning of Christmas. How kind it is of the Lord to allow us to be in a Christmas parade where we can make His name known.

Here is a recipe for hot cocoa that I made up. But, I drink this throughout the year, whether it is in December or August.

Oma's Hot Cocoa
1 cup milk, preferably raw and grass-fed

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1 tablespoon Stevia or a few drops liquid Stevia

Dash each cinnamon, curry powder*, nutmeg, and pink salt*

1 drop peppermint essential oil (optional)


Place all ingredients except peppermint oil in pot. Stir really well (you could even blend the ingredients before putting them into a pot). Let the mixture heat up, but do not boil. Place drop of peppermint essential oil on bottom of a glass cup. Pour heated mixture into cup. Stir.


*Suggestions for adding curry powder and pink salt came from my friend, Patte.

As always, if you are interested in the essential oils, please contact me personally at awestruck@bellsouth.net