The Thursday Thirteen - 12/18/2014 – Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice

With Christmas bearing down on us with it’s gleeful hymns and promise of peace, joy, and goodwill to all, it’s easy to get swept into all of the what ifs. What if Christmas could be celebrated over a three-month span, so that there was no rush to cram in as much as possible as soon as possible? What if we didn’t think so much about what we have to give, but instead focus on what we want to give? What if time and giving could somehow become perfectly blended, resulting in a meaningful gift that would show someone just how much you appreciate them? Here is a list of just a few of my what if gifts. A few may happen, but most will not, it doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate your goodwill, as well as everything you do to make my life more peaceful and joyous.

1

For: Brenna (My Favorite Kitty)

Santa says you’ve been naughty, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be anything underneath the tree with your name on it.

Merry Christmas Fortune Cookie Gift Set with Catnip by FidoTheCat on Etsy

2

For: Ella (My Neighbor and the Brilliant Mind Behind StartCloseIn)

Not only would she love something handmade, she would moon over the bright neon colors and simple hand-painted designs.

Mod Gingerbread Men from Lulu the Baker

3

For: The Thundering Herd (My Group of High School Friends)

Playing a game wouldn’t be so bad if the game pieces were cookies, and winning meant eating them.

Tic Tac Snow Cookie Plate from Hallmark

4

For: Christie (My Neighbor and Cocktail Buddy)

There isn’t anything she loves more than a girly cocktail, except perhaps a seasonal girly cocktail.

Cranberry Margaritas from Tide and Thyme

5

For: Jimmie (My Mid-Twenties Neighbor)

The perfect treat for someone who, like me, is willing to eat anything with bacon…ANYTHING!

Bacon Wrapped Apricots with Honey & Rosemary from Reluctant Entertainer

6

For: Elizabeth (My Neighbor and Andes Mint Scarfing Friend)

When your babysitter doesn’t eat all of the Andes Mints they can be used for other things…like brownies.

Andes Mint Brownies from Averie Cooks

7

For: My Co-Workers (I’ll Have to Bake a Quadruple Batch, Because They Can Really Make Some Food Disappear)

These scrumptious looking treats look like they would go well with coffee, and perhaps tide a person over ’til lunchtime.

Chocolate Biscotti from Glorious Treats

8

For: Grinchmas (Anyone Who Comes to Celebrate This Special Day with Me)

Grinchmas is an annual Christmas tradition. We eat pizza and watch the Grinch. Simple and fun, but perhaps we could use some pre-Grinch-watching/singing-along-with snacks this year.

Creamy Tuscan Spread from The Girl Who Ate Everything

9

For: Bob’s Co-Workers (Peanut Butter Lovers)

Chex Mix as a crust? Peanut Butter? This is going to become a favorite.

Muddy Buddy Pie from The Crepes of Wrath

10

For: My Elderly and Not So Elderly Neighbors (I Have a Few Favorite Ones)

These cookies look special enough to share with everyone on our street.

Jam-Filled Cream Cheese Cookies from Culinary Covers

11

For: Bob (The Man Who Loves Halloween)

Why not combine the two holidays? Santa and his creepy elves will help remind people that we are The Halloween House.

Zombie Santa Corpse and The Infected Elves Zombie by RevenantFX on Etsy

12

For: A Snow Day (Come on Over and Join Us)

I dream of having a huge gigantic snow day in which all of the neighbors stop by for hot chocolate. Let’s make it happen…even if it does have to wait until after Christmas.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Sticks from The Kitchen McCabe