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Free Christmas Ecards
The Birthday of Jesus	Have a Shocking Christmas	Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas	Away in the Manger
Christmas is Remembering	Ways to Confuse Santa	I Wish You the Joy of Christmas	Christmas Comes once a Year

LOW CARB CHRISTMAS!
Jan McCracken

Who says that Low Carbers can’t participate in all the joys of
Christmas Cookin’? Set yourself up for a Merry Low Carb Christmas this year!

We all have treasured memories stored up in our hearts of our own past Christmas times and much of that is around FOOD and specially prepared Christmas treats.

I would spend days cooking for holiday parties, for drop-in guests, for gifts and just for nibbling through the season. So, you see, it isn’t just about the food! There are a whole lot of emotions intertwined in “Christmas Cooking”!

Living the Low Carb Lifestyle we may feel “deprived” and think that we can’t participate in the ritual of Christmas cooking and making special memory treats.

WRONG! You can build Christmas goodies to your hearts content this year. The secret in filling your low carb heart with the spirit of Christmas is NOT TO FILL your tummy with Low Carb
Christmas treats!

Did you know that research shows that the “first bite” tastes the same as the “tenth bite”? ‘Nuf said?

I invite you to my website that is all about Low Carb Christmas Cookin’ and you will see that we have great, old-fashioned recipes “mouth-watering” ready for you and they are “real food
style”!

Let the spirit of Christmas fill your Low Carb Heart! And, Merry, Merry Low Carb Christmas!

http://www.lowcarbcookin.com
Low Carb Christmas Cookin’
An Old-Fashioned Low Carb Christmas!
224 pages of recipes all about Christmas!

About the Author
Jan McCracken is author and self-publisher of over 35 gift books and cookbooks. Born in the Midwest and former owner/innkeeper of a country bed and breakfast in Branson, MO, she has been cooking since she was seventeen years old (she won’t tell us how many
years that is!).

Jan has been living the low carb lifestyle for almost eight years
http://www.lowcarbcookin.com
mailto: jan@lowcarbcookin.com

New Ways to Use Old Christmas Cards  
by LeAnn R. Ralph

Forty years ago when I was growing up on our dairy farm in Wisconsin, my mother always saved the Christmas cards she had received in the mail. In those days, people sent many more Christmas cards than they do now.

Today, I still find myself saving the cards that I get each Christmas. When the holiday season is over, I take them down off the dining-room side of our kitchen cabinets. I look at each one and think about the person who sent it. Then I tuck the cards into Christmas canisters and store them with my Christmas decorations. The next year when I take the decorations out, I discover the cards and then I look through them again. They are still much too pretty to throw away, but unfortunately, I only have so much space available for keeping cards!

If you save your old Christmas cards, too, but don't know what to do with them, here are three ways that you can put them to good use:

• Make ornaments.

1. Cut out the pictures and glue ribbon or lace around the edge. Craft shops and variety stores carry an amazing assortment of ribbon and lace.

2. Punch a hole in the top and hang from the Christmas tree with yarn or ribbon.

• Make gift tags.

1. Cut around the pictures, leaving enough room at the edge to write "To" and "From" if the pictures are arranged in such a way that there is a large open space around the perimeter. Glue ribbon or lace around the edge to add a bit of decoration.

2. Cut out the pictures and glue onto pieces of colored paper folded in half (so you can write your message inside). Add ribbon or lace, if desired.

3. Cut out the pictures, write your message on the back up-side-down and tape just the top edge to the package so that recipients only have to lift the tag to read your message. Once again, glue ribbon or lace around the edge for extra decoration.

• Make collages.

1. Purchase a 5x7 or an 8x10 picture frame with glass (or a larger frame, if desired).

2. Cut out the pictures from the Christmas cards.

3. Glue the pictures onto a piece of cardstock or other heavy paper cut to fit the frame. Cover the paper with pictures. Experiment with different arrangements before you glue them down.

4. Display the collage on a coffee table or end table or hang it on the wall. Christmas card collages also could be given as gifts to family and friends.

About the Author
LeAnn R. Ralph is the author of the book: Christmas In Dairyland (True Stories From a Wisconsin Farm) (August 2003). Share the view from Rural Route 2 and celebrate Christmas during a simpler time. Click here to read sample chapters and other Rural Route 2 stories —
http://ruralroute2.com
mailto:bigpines@ruralroute2.com

10 Great Holiday Decorating Ideas...On a Budget!  
by Kathleen Wilson

1.First things first. Set a plan or a theme for your Christmas decorating. It doesn’t cost a thing to have a good plan, and when you are working with budget ideas, this is what pulls your ideas together, and makes everything you do look purposeful, and personal. Some theme ideas for Christmas? The rustic lodge xmas, a toyland xmas, countries around the world, Victorian, country, santa, snowmen, old fashioned, the list goes on and on!

2. Make garlands out of felt scraps. Cut Xmas shapes out of felt in miniature, mini stockings, holly leaves, mittens, and string together with needle and floss or strong fishing line to hang all over the house. Remember when you string each shape, tie a knot on both sides of the shape to hold it in its place. You can add more dimension to the shapes by cutting two of each, stuffing them lightly, them sewing the two together. Glue would work also if you aren’t a sewer. Saved used dryer sheets are perfect for this kind of stuffing, or even tiny fabric scraps that are too small for other uses.

3.Drop a tealight candle in your cleaned out glass mayonnaise jars, tie a holiday ribbon around the neck, and you have a beautiful candle with xmas charm. You could nestle the candle in peppermints, nuts, or even sand if you wish. Try grouping several together for a dramatic evening effect. These also make great luminaries.

4. Start a Christmas collection. This can be a great tradition to initiate in your home. My girls and I starting collecting Santas 3 years ago, and it’s something they look forward to, choosing our yearly Santa together. I know it will be a fond memory for them, and I plan to let each child choose a Santa to take with them when the day comes that they leave the nest and start their own home. By the way, this doesn’t have to be expensive, or even store bought. Try sewing or crafting a new decoration each year together for even more memories! Or check out your dollar store…they have some really cute ceramic holiday decorations for a buck or two. Remember, it’s the memories you’re interested in here, not a collectable based on monetary value.

5. If you are looking to do a toyland theme for your Christmas decorating this year, try searching out teddy bears and dolls at your local thrift stores. Wash them in a pillowcase and put them in your dryer for at least 20 minutes, then dress them up with ribbons and holiday fabrics. Group them under your tree, on mantels, and on windowsills. Stack small squares of cardboard together and wrap as a tiny present, then tuck them under a teddy’s arm, or wrap an empty box and use it as teddy’s seat by the front door.

6. Place a few inexpensive glass balls in a bowl and embellish with a few sprigs of greenery or some leftover ribbon. If you don't have an extra bowl (it is the holidays, after all!) try decoupaging a box with leftover Christmas wrap, or cover with a little fabric and glue.

7. Take down your pictures and wrap them like a gift, then hang them back on the wall for great holiday cheer! You don't have to do this all around the house, how about just in the entry, or maybe the dining room?

8. Tie greens or ornaments to the chandelier with a little Christmas ribbon, just make sure they don't hang low enough for any candles on the table to catch them on fire.

9. Make your own gift tags out of leftover paper. Ok, this is not a new idea, but try punching it up a bit. Add details by layering shapes over the base paper, use paper punches and scalloped scrapbooking scissors to add style, use a gold calligraphy pen to add names. Or use the scalloped scissors to make old holiday cards into tags.

10. Sponge stars or other seasonal shapes on your window with paint! No, I’m not nuts. Just add a teaspoon or so of liquid dish soap to acrylic craft paint, (I like white or gold metallic) and after the holidays you should be able to wash it off with window cleaner. Use a non- scratching dish scrubber if you come across a stubborn spot.

There it is, the 10 best budget decorating ideas for Holiday decorating! Always remember the most important reason we celebrate, and the reason we take the time to make our homes warm and inviting…our loved ones! Have a wonderful holiday season!

About the Author
Kathleen Wilson is the author of “Quick Decorating Ideas Under $20:The Budget Decorator’s Bible” and the editor of The Budget Decorator, a free ezine dedicated to the “budget impaired” home decorator. Visit her at http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com for more great ideas

Cranberry Recipes
CRANBERRY NUT LOAF

2 c. all-purpose flour, sifted
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 c. butter or margarine
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp. orange peel, grated
3/4 c. orange juice
1 1/2 c. fresh cranberries, chopped
1/2 c. walnuts, chopped

Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a large bowl. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Add egg, orange peel and orange juice all at once; stir just until mixture is evenly moist. Fold in cranberries and walnuts. Spoon into a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack.

Christmas Ornaments
3/4-1 c. applesauce
1 (4.12 oz.) bottle ground cinnamon

Mix applesauce and cinnamon together to form a stiff dough. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters. Make a hole for ribbon. Carefully place on rack to dry. Let air dry several days, turning occasionally. If you prefer they may be baked at 150 degrees for 5-6 hours.

CINNAMON SCENTED CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS
4 oz. can (about 1 c.) cinnamon
1 tbsp. cloves
1 tbsp. nutmeg
3/4 c. applesauce
2 tbsp. white glue

In medium bowl, combine cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Add applesauce and glue; stir to combine. Work mixture with hands 2 to 3 minutes or until dough is smooth and ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Divide into 4 portions. Roll out each dough portion to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut dough with cookie cutters. Using straw or toothpick, make small hole in top of ornament. Place cut out ornaments on wire rack to dry. Allow several days to dry, turning ornaments over once each day. Use these ornaments to decorate gifts, hang on tree, etc.

GINGERBREAD ORNAMENTS
3/4 c. cinnamon
1 tbsp. allspice
2 tbsp. cloves
1 tbsp. nutmeg
1 c. applesauce

Combine first 4 ingredients and blend well. Stir in applesauce and mix well. Roll out 1/4 inch thick on ungreased cookie sheet. Cut with cookie cutters of different shapes. Put a tiny hole in top with toothpick. Let dry 4 days. Put string through hole and hang on Christmas tree. Can also make hearts for all year home ornaments. Smells wonderful.

BREAD DOUGH ORNAMENTS(NOT EDIBLE)
Mix 1 slice white bread (without crust) and 1 tablespoon glue. Keep wrapped. Mix assorted acrilic paints into separate piles of dough. This takes awhile to mix. For white dough you must use white paint. Flatten with a rolling pin. Shape into forms or use cookie cutter. Brush 1 tablespoon glue mixed with 1 tablespoon water over shapes. Stick wire into dough and let set at least 2 hours.

CHRISTMAS BREAD ORNAMENTS
4 c. flour
1 c. salt
1 1/2 c. water

Combine flour with salt; add water. Stir the mixture with a spoon until it starts to form a smooth dough. Knead dough about 5 minutes. To make ornaments, pinch off bits of dough and form shapes. Such as bears, Christmas trees, gingerbread people and snowmen or roll out the dough and use cookie cutters. To make hair, push a piece of dough through a garlic press. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until golden brown. Paint with acrylic paints, then spray with clear acrylic spray. On the back of the ornament, write the name and the year.

DOUGH ORNAMENTS
4 c. flour
1 c. salt
1 1/2 c. water
Cookie cutters
Straw
Yarn
Tempera paint
Clear fixative spray

Mix first 3 ingredients. Knead for 5 minutes and shape into a ball. Roll dough on a floured surface. Cut into shapes with the cookie cutters or shape with your own design. Make a hole in the top with straw (or toothpick). Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Paint with Tempera paint. While paint is still wet, you can sprinkle with glitter, if desired. When dry, spray with clear fixative. Insert yarn into the hole and tie in a bow and hang on your Christmas tree.

PLAY CLAY ORNAMENTS
2 c. baking soda
1 c. cornstarch
1 1/4 c. cold water

Mix soda and cornstarch together, blending well. Add the cold water and mix well until mixture is smooth. Boil for one minute until it has consistency of mashed potatoes. Stir constantly. Spoon out on a plate. Cover with a damp cloth and allow to cool. Knead dough and roll out on waxed paper. Cut out designs with a cookie cutter or shape by hand. Let dry until hardened, about 1 to 2 days. Paint ornaments with tempra or water colors. Dry well and coat with shellac or clear nail polish. Hangers may be mounted on back with glue, or pressed into dough before it dries.

A RECIPE FOR CHRISTMAS
Take a quart of joy and gladness A pack of folk and kin -- A dash of Christmas spirit And toss some laughter in. Take a large amount of giving And spread it generously; Read directions in the Good Book And apply them carefully. Garnish well with human kindness, On crystal leaves of cheer, And you'll have a batch of Christmas To last the coming year.

Holiday Smells
A simple recipe for that delightful holiday fragrance to scent your home or office for the entire season. This mixture of apple juice and spices is a joy to share with your friends and family. 1 lg. jar or can apple juice
1 pkg. pickling spice
1 pkg. whole cloves
1 pkg. stick cinnamon

Mix all ingredients in crock pot. Add water to fill container. Bring to boil, then simmer for as long as you desire. This mixture will last about 1 week. If you wish to use again, strain out spices. Add fresh juice and water. Be sure to reuse your spices in the next brew. A little water may be added. Please note: "This is not a beverage, only a fragrance."

MAKE YOUR HOME SMELL WONDERFUL!
2 c. pineapple juice
Cinnamon sticks
2 tbsp. whole cloves
1 tbsp. ginger

Bring to a boil in a saucepan; reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered. Add more water as liquid evaporates.

CHRISTMAS POTPOURRI
2 qt. pine needles
4 c. citrus peel, cut into sm. pieces
and dried
1 candle sense (pine)
3 c. rock salt
2 cans rosemary, chopped
1 can basil, chopped

Mix and put in glass jar. Lasts years. Just put lid on for a couple days to get a stronger smell.

Jar Mix Recipes

INTERNATIONAL COFFEE
1 c. powdered coffee creamer or nonfat
dry milk powder
1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 1/2 c. instant coffee powder
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar

Mix all together. To serve, place 3-4 teaspoons of mixture in a mug and fill with boiling water. (2 cups of coffee creamer may be substituted for the coffee creamer, cocoa and granulated sugar.) May be used for gifts by placing in a decorative jar or a nice coffee mug and add serving directions. Each recipe makes about 5 cups.

SPICED MOCHA MIX
1 c. dry non-dairy creamer
1 c. hot cocoa mix
2/3 c. instant coffee powder
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Mix all ingredients together. Store in a jar. Makes great Christmas gifts.
Recipe to attach to jar:
Use 3 tablespoons in one cup of boiling water.

CHRISTMAS SOUP GIFT
1 lb. dry red kidney beans
1 lb. dry pinto beans
1 lb. dry split peas
1 lb. dry black eye peas
1 lb. dry Navy beans
1 lb. dry lentils
1/2 c. dried parsley flakes
1/2 c. dried bell pepper pieces
1/2 c. dried minced onion
1/2 c. dried celery flakes and leaves
2-3 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. dried ground red pepper
2 tsp. cracked black pepper
8-10 pt. jars with lids

Mix all beans in a large bowl. Pick out any discolored beans. Divide beans evenly in 8 or 10 pint jars leaving 3/4 inch of space at the top. Combine all remaining ingredients and divide evenly in the jars. Seal with lid.

Recipe to attach to jar:
Soak bean and spice mixture in 2 quarts of water overnight. DO NOT RINSE OR DRAIN. Bring to boil; reduce heat and cook 2 hours. Add salt pork, ham bone, or turkey carcass plus 16 oz. tomatoes and 8 oz. tomato sauce. Cook an additional 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Serve with hot bread and fruit. Makes 8-10 gifts.

BROWNIE MIX
4 c. sugar
2 c. flour
1 1/3 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. salt
1 c. vegetable shortening or oil

Put all ingredients except the shortening in a large bowl; use a spoon to mix until uniform. Cut in shortening using either a pastry blender or your fingertips until mixture looks like a chocolate cornmeal. Seal tightly in a plastic bag or a jar, label along with this page number and store at room temperature.

Recipe to attach to jar:
Put 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla or orange extract in a mixing bowl; beat slightly. Stir in 4 tablespoons melted butter or margarine which has been cooled. Lightly spoon 2 cups of mix into the mixing bowl; do not pack the mix when measuring. Beat well with a spoon to make a somewhat smooth batter; stir in 1/2 cup chopped nuts, if desired. Spread into a greased and floured 8x8x2 inch pan. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan, then cut into squares.

FIRESIDE COFFEE
2 c. Nestle's Quik
2 c. Coffeemate creamer
1/2 c. instant coffee
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 c. granulated sugar

Mix in blender for 5 minutes at medium speed. Store tightly covered.  Put in jelly jars - tie with ribbon and plastic spoon and note directions on gift card for a nice gift.

Recipe to attach to jar:
Use 3 teaspoons per cup of boiling water.

OATMEAL RAISIN SPICE COOKIE MIX

3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup raisins
2 cups uncooked quick oats
1 cup flour mixed with 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. nutmeg, 1 tsp. baking soda and 1/2 tsp. salt

Layer ingredients in jar in order given. Press each layer firmly in place before adding next ingredient.

Recipe to attach to jar:
Empty cookie mix in large mixing bowl and stir to combine. Add 3/4 cup softened butter, 2 eggs slightly beaten and 1 tsp. vanilla; mix until completely blended. Roll heaping tablespoonfuls into balls. Place 2 inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350º for 11 to 13 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes on cookie sheet; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Makes: 3 dozen.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE MIX
This can be stored for 6 months in the refrigerator. 9 c. unbleached flour
3 c. sugar
3 c. brown sugar
2 tsp. salt
4 tsp. baking soda
4 c. shortening (not butter or
margarine)
4 c. pecans
4 (12 oz.) pkgs. chocolate chips

Store this mix in an airtight container.

Recipe to attach to jar:
To make cookies: 3 1/2 c. mix
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
Plus milk as needed
Drop onto cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes. Makes 2 1/2 dozen.

OATMEAL COOKIES
Mix: 3 c. sifted flour
2 1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. salt
Cut in 1 cup shortening until mixture resembles cornmeal. Stir in 3 cups oatmeal.   Store in a tightly covered container.

Recipe to attach to jar:
2 dozen cookies
Combine: 1 egg
1 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
Stir in 2 cups dry mix. Drop dough by teaspoon onto greased cookie sheet. Bake in preheated 375 oven for 10-12 minutes. Yield: 8 dozen cookies. *You may add 1/2 cup raisins, dates, chocolate chips or nuts.

BROWNIE MIX
7 c. sugar
2 1/2 c. cocoa
1 tbsp. salt
4 c. flour
1 tbsp. + 1 tsp. baking powder
2 c. shortening

Mix sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt together in large bowl. Stir well. Cut in shortening until it resembles coarse meal. Place in air tight container. Store in dry place or in the refrigerator up to six weeks.

Recipe to attach to jar:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add 3 beaten eggs to 3 cups of the mix. Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla. Flour and grease 9" square pan and bake all at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

CINNAMON SCENTED CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS*

4 oz. can (about 1 c.) cinnamon
1 tbsp. cloves
1 tbsp. nutmeg
3/4 c. applesauce
2 tbsp. white glue

In medium bowl, combine cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Add applesauce and glue; stir to combine. Work mixture with hands 2 to 3 minutes or until dough is smooth and ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Divide into 4 portions. Roll out each dough portion to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut dough with cookie cutters. Using straw or toothpick, make small hole in top of ornament. Place cut out ornaments on wire rack to dry. Allow several days to dry, turning ornaments over once each day. Use these ornaments to decorate gifts, hang on tree, etc.

CHRISTMAS SPONGE ART

White paper
Scissors
Dry sponge
Ballpoint pen
Water colors (red & green)

Draw a yuletide motif on white paper. Then, with your parents help, cut out and place on a dry sponge (one with tiny holes in the sponge are the best). Then trace the pattern with your ballpoint pen and cut out the shape (again, with your parents help). Then, dip in paint, squeeze excess paint out and blot onto either plain white or solid colored wrapping paper. You can stamp each sponge several times before re-dipping in the paint. This even dresses up plain newspaper wrapping! Great for any time of the year!

CINNAMON CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

3/4-1 c. applesauce
1 (4.12 oz.) bottle ground cinnamon

Mix applesauce and cinnamon together to form a stiff dough. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters. Make a hole for ribbon. Carefully place on rack to dry. Let air dry several  days, turning occasionally. If you prefer they may be baked at 150 degrees for 5-6 hours.

The Smell of Christmas

SWEET SMELLS OF CHRISTMAS

2 tbsp. whole cloves
2 bay leaves
2 cinnamon sticks
A handful of pine needles
1-2 pieces orange or lemon rind
2 c. water

Put all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and then simmer all day if you wish. Add water and refrigerate and reuse.

CHRISTMAS POTPOURRI

1 qt. fir needles
1 c. dried, mixed fruit (without membranes) thinly shredded
1 c. rosemary
1/2 c. basil
2 to 4 bay leaves, coarsely crumbled
2 c. coarse salt (not iodized)
Mix and pour into little calico bags. Makes 5 cups.