Time to Trim the Tree

Each year we make a BIG deal when it comes to trimming the family Christmas tree. Pardon me for not having us all (with the exception of Damon) dressed in the cutest Christmas clothes but there was a pretty big football game going on right after we were done. I laughed thinking we usually have on burnt orange Texas gear as we trim the tree for the Texas/Texas A&M game, but this year we at least were sporting Christmas colors. We tend to go somewhat all out for decorating the tree: food, music, and everything Christmas!! Here we are with our ornaments of the year. My Grandmama Whittle started this and it has continued. If you look at the collage below, you will see my mom hanging the first ornament of the year which was an "always remember" ornament she bought in memory of Grandmama. I also thought it was appropriate that Laura Beth's ornament was an angel doll. Grandmama loved dolls and called her girls "her angels." This year it was Laura Beth's turn to put the angel on top of the tree.

The menu for the Christmas tree decorating:

Hot Apple Cider:

a gallon of apple cider

a bag of red hots

Heat the cider and add the red hots. Stir until red hots have dissolved.

Chicken Ball:

5 oz can of chicken

8 oz cream cheese

1 tsp. Worchestershire Sauce

1/2 t. minced onion

Mix all ingredients together (use your hands for the best results). Roll into a ball and let set in the refrigerator. Roll in nuts or parsley. Serve with crackers.

Cheese Ball with crackers

Vegetable Tray

BBQ Smoked Sausages

Cheese Squares

Sugar Cookies