A few recommendations

for this Christmas season.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has a new Christmas CD out called The Spirit of the Season which is absolutely amazing. It's probably one of the best albums I have heard for quite a few years. I remember listening to the Choir singing last year during their Christmas Eve broadcast and they did most of the songs on this album. I was completely stunned by the voice of Sissel, and the musical selections. I think my Mom would really like this CD because it features many of the same songs used in a certain Julie Andrews Christmas Special we love.

If you want a really yummy holiday smell drifting throughout your home, try this. In a saucepan, add, a few sliced oranges, some cinnamon sticks, and a few whole cloves. Add water till about half way full and simmer away. You can continue to add water as it evaporates. After awhile (the next day) the other ingredients need to be replaced. It's such a great fragrance.

If smelling the above gets you in the mood for some homemade cider, purchase some apple juice and mulling spices. Using a tea infuser, you can simmer up some hot goodness.

If it's available to you, go to a store that sells Christmas stuff and marvel at their decorated Christmas trees. Or, stop by friends houses and check out their trees. Last night I was in Lisa's home for Book Club, and her tree is a stunner. We also discussed the book "Socks for Christmas", and ways that we can be more charitable during this time.

I am now trying to think of ways that we can do something service oriented for another family.

All of these things have really helped me get into the moods of Christmas.

What do you like to do at Christmas time?