Photograph: Christmas Day Brunch at the Rosen Plaza Hotel
(^ Click play to hear song)
Hello, and welcome to my blog! I love receiving visitors, although I have to admit that I’ve been a bit “Bah Humbug!” this year. I’ve been slow getting into the Christmas spirit.
I recently watched the movie, ‘Lady in the Water‘ and I began to feel a spark of Christmas joy. The movie isn’t a Christmas movie but it has all the elements of a feel good holiday movie. I love movies where a diverse and interesting cast of characters come together to solve a problem. Some of my friends didn’t like it because they didn’t get it. Of course, this movie is pure fantasy and based on mythology but if you watch it with this in mind you will enjoy it.
‘Lady in the Water‘ is an American fantasy thriller that’s exciting, funny at times with some scary and suspenseful moments in between and it’s one of those movies that’ll leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. I love it and highly recommend it.
You Deserve This: The meaning behind ‘Lady in the Water’
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This is a favorite poem of mine by AJ Long of ajwrites57
Santa Sat
Santa sat in calm reflection,
his heart was set in one direction,
Christmas day is near.
His opened list, he checked it twice
Who was naughty, who was nice,
Christmas day is near.
Soft white beard, stroked in thought,
Making sure no one’s forgot.
Christmas day is near.
Santa’s head chock full of names,
Who gets dolls and who gets games.
Christmas day is near.
Mrs. Claus feeds and stuffs her man,
To make him jolly as she can.
Christmas day is near.
Toys for Tommy, toys for Jane,
No one forgotten, it is plain.
Christmas day is near.
Mrs. Claus loves to sing,
Fa-la-la’s when bells do ring.
Christmas day is near.
Santa’s elves outdo themselves,
Stacking toys upon the shelves.
Christmas day is near.
Presents packed in his red sleigh,
Elves have worked night and day.
Christmas day is here.
Eight reindeer groomed and fed,
Rudolph waiting at the head.
Christmas day is here.
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen,
Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen.
Christmas day is here.
The children, good as gold each day,
You-Know-Who is on his way!
Christmas day is here.
His pipe fit tight between his lips,
His red suit wrapped round his hips.
Christmas day is here.
Through the night sky his team flew,
On the way to me and you.
Christmas day is here.
On the rooftops, click-click-click,
Tiny hooves landed mighty quick.
Christmas day is here.
Down the chimney with full pack,
Stockings stuffed with Cracker Jack.
Christmas day is here.
“To All, A Goodnight!”
Eats your cookies, drinks the milk,
Up the chimney, smooth as silk.
Christmas day is here.
“Happy Christmas to all tonight
To all I wish a fond Good Night!”
Christmas day is here.
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Happy Holidays from sunny Florida!
My family celebrates Christmas Eve with lots of food, drinks, music and dancing. On Christmas Day we sleep in, and then enjoy opening gifts and a nice brunch of leftovers from the night before. So my post today features delicious Christmas breakfast/brunch recipes. I hope you enjoy them!
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You can prepare this delicious breakfast casserole the day before and bake Christmas morning. A great recipe from Allrecipes.com
Christmas Brunch Casserole
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If you’re like me you’ve gotta have bread! I ran across this beautiful and festive bread recipe at My Diverse Kitchen At first, I thought it would be too complicated to make, but Aparna gives you step-by-step instructions that simplify the process. I’m going to try it!
Golden Santa Bread
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I love pancakes and these look amazing! I got the recipe from Allrecipes.com
Grandma’s Gingerbread Pancakes
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Crumb Cake + French Toast = Scrumptiousness (is this a word? Hmm)
Cinnamon Streusel French Toast
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If your family is like mine then you had a big Christmas Eve party with lots of food. This is a great recipe made from leftover mashed potatoes from Key Ingredient
Bacon Cheddar Potato Cakes
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Feeling drowsy Christmas morning? The following recipes will wake you right up and get you going.
Delicious recipe from Williams-Sonoma
Mint Hot Chocolate
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Scrumptious concoction by Half Baked Harvest
Toasted Coconut Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Latte with Chocolate Drizzle (Yummy mouthful!)
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Thank you for visiting!
The Writer Next Door | Vashti Q 
MMM! What a spread ! 🙂
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Thank you Sophie! 😀 Are you doing any cooking for the holidays this year?
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Yes, I try to cook when I can. We tend to take it in turns in our house 🙂
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That’s cool. We take turns too. This year it will be at my parents’ house. I’ll still need to cook something though. 😉
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You left me drooling over the pictures…
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Ha,ha,ha! That’s a good thing Ashwin! Especially coming from a great cook such as you. 😀
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How sweet of you Vashti to include my posts! You made my day 🙂
I just finished making some ‘heavenly hash’ and I think you’re gonna like it! I will post about it in a day or two. Trust me…it tastes better than it sounds. lol
I’m so sorry to hear about all the difficulties you’ve been experiencing. I can so relate. Last year we spent Christmas unpacking, but this year promises to be better. I hope all works out with your dad. Good health is everything!
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It was my pleasure Doreen. If it tastes better than it sounds, Heavenly Hash must taste amazing! Ha,ha! I’ll look forward to seeing that post. 😀
My father is getting a little better everyday. So for that I am grateful. I’m glad you’re having a much better holiday season this year. Thank you so much! 🙂
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I know the feeling Vashti. I haven’t really felt all “Christmasy” (is that a word?) either. A Long told me to read his “Santa Sat” poem for pennance, so I’ll definitely do that. I tell you that Bacon Cheddar Potato Cake looks so good that may just get me in the mood. Along with some Christian Brothers Egg Nog!!
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Hi Robert! Hmmm. Christmasy. Well, if it isn’t a word, it should be. Ha,ha! I loved AJ’s poem. It will make you feel Christmasy. 😉 I know, right? That does look good! I have to try the Christian Brothers Egg Nog. Is there brandy in that?
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Yes it is! 🙂
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Mmmm. Now that’s nice. It’ll warm you right up. Yum!
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You’ve really given me a problem, Vashti, as I don’t know whether to the Toasted Coconut Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Latte with Chocolate Drizzle or the Mint Hot Chocolate with my Golden Santa Bread…scrumptious post!
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Ha,ha! What a dilema Teagan! I’m sorry about that. 😉 Thank you, I’m so glad you had fun with it. 😀
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nice, Vashti ! i just browsed your pages. i love your blog site, variegated and with good explosive energy ! will be in touch !
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Hello Lory! I’m so glad you stopped by. I’m happy to know my blog has good energy! I’ll look forward to your visits.:D
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Fantastic holiday post. There is so much in this post to enjoy and get into the holiday spirit. I MUST try the gingerbread pancakes. Oh heck…I’ll try all the recipes. 🙂 Happy Holidays!
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Hi Peter! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Oh, I’m dying to try the gingerbread pancakes too! Let me know how they turn out when you make them. Thank you! 😀
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Thanks for the mention Vashti … love the recipes and like you I will be celebrating with my family on Christmas Eve, maybe with one of your recipes this year lol Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas dear friend xx
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Hi Yolanda! You’re very welcome. I had to mention your lovely post. Let me know which recipe you try. Merry Christmas to you too! 😀 xx
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Vasthi,
I really don’t like to cook, but those recipes look good. I may have to try something. That Santa bread is really cute I’d hate to cut into him.
Sunni
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Hi Sunni! If you do decide to try one of these recipes I’d love to hear how it went. You’re right, the Santa bread does look too cute to eat! Ha,ha!
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the latte looks especially sinfully delicious!
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Doesn’t it? My mouth waters just looking at the picture and I could just imagine the fresh, crisp smell of the mint. 😉
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We do a Christmas brunch every year and I don’t have any ideas yet what to make. Thanks for some great ideas to get me thinking! They all look wonderful! Visiting from Thursday Favorite Things!
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Hello AnnMarie, I’m so glad my post was helpful. Thank you very much! 😀
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Wow what a great blog! I love the Christmas breads. Thank you for sharing it on our Four Seasons Blog Hop. Pinning now
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Hi Shawna! Thank you very much. I do too! It was my pleasure linking up with you guys. Thanks for pinning it! 😀
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Sorry to hear about your father vashti. I hope everything turns out okay. 🙂
That food looks delicious. My invitation must have been lost in the post, Vashti 😉
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Hi Ben! My dad’s health is improving everyday. Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I’ll re-send the invite. 😉
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Hey lady! Some of these look absolutely yummy! I am sending you positive thoughts for your dad’s health, for the house hunt, and just for you my friend! I have a difficult time with this holiday season every year, not 100% sure why, but it is what it is. Sending you as many blessings as I can!
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Thank you so much Stacey! You’re such a sweetheart. I appreciate all the positive vibes and blessings. I’m sending some love right back to you! 😀 xx
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I wasn’t hungry, but now I am starved {big smile}. Thank you for this delightful holiday post. You have set the stage beautifully. Happy Holidays, Vashti.
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Hi Kendall! I hope you got something to eat (wink, wink). Thank you so much for the kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Happy Holidays to you too! 🙂
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Aw, I feel so Christmas-y now!! I love all the food, and I still have the music playing! Who is the singer? So classic/retro. ♥
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Hi Joy! That’s so great! I was totally going for “Christmas-y”. Ha, ha! The song is by Andrea Wittgens and Sugartown. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😀
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It’s so great that you’re feeling the Christmas spirit again. I know it’s been tough to even think about Christmas with everything you have going on. Thanks for sharing all of those posts – it really brightened up my spirit even more so. I hope you have a great holidays!
Thanks so much for sharing on Turn It Up Tuesdays!
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Natasha, it makes me all tingly inside to read that I brightened your spirit with my post. That is awesome. You and Micah have a great holiday season too! 😀
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Pinning this! Great food, great recipes. Thank you linking up to Traffic Jam Weekend, Vashti.
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Thank you Kimberly! It was my pleasure linking up to Traffic Jam Weekend. Happy New Year!
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All this makes me so hungry. And the Santa bread is Super creative 😀
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Hello Ayesha! I love that Santa bread! Thank you for checking out my post. Happy New Year! 😀
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Those are some awesome holiday recipes. Hope you have a wonderful time.
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My Christmas Eve and Christmas were wonderful surrounded by family. New Year’s Eve was peaceful and quiet. I hope your holiday season was wonderful. 🙂 Thank you!
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Very similar, lots of family followed by quiet.
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A girl after my own heart!
Now I’m going to check to see if that movie is on Netflix :).
I hope you’re more in the holiday mood now Vashti. I know sometimes it’s hard, but it sounds like Christmas will be lots of fun for you and your family. Enjoy!
xxx
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Hi Doreen! It is difficult to get in the spirit some years because problems come and go as they please but despite that I am in a holiday mood. I hope you’re enjoying yourself. Merry Christmas! Thank you! ❤ xx
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Happy Christmas Vashti. I hope you have a wonderful time.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
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Thank you David! I am having a wonderful time. I have lots of family down from Japan, Tennessee and NYC! 😀 Have a very Merry Christmas, my friend! ❤
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Vashti, still loving that brown hair. Thanks for all the recipes. I wish I could eat Christmas brunch at your house.
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Aww, I wish you could eat Christmas brunch at my house too. Thank you very much! I wish you a great holiday season and may you get everything your heart desires! ❤ xx
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Well I’m glad you found your Christmas spirit Vashti! You had my mouth watering with your yummy looking treats, and the poem was funny and festive. Hoping your holidays remain jolly and festive! ❤
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Hi Debby! Sometimes it just takes a little longer to get into the holiday spirit, especially when there are things going on that aren’t pleasant but I’m feeling much better and in a more festive mood. Thank you. Have a very happy holiday season and may all your wishes come true. ❤ xx
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Believe me Vashti, I hear you. And thanks for the lovely wishes. ❤ xo
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Love the poem. And those potato cheddar cakes are a must try 😀 Happy season Vashti!!
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Hi Melissa! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Please do try them. 😛 Have a wonderful holiday season with your family! Hugs & Kisses ❤
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May the treasures and pleasures of Christmas be with you with love and peace all year through. Merry Christmas!
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Delicious post! Nice poem too! 🙂 I totally understand that festivals are food! We do that too..:-)
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Thank you very much! 😀
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