Mystic, Merry Toyland

The other day I was watching the movie Prancer. There's just something about this 80's classic, that brings back memories of my childhood.

It was released in 1989, which would have put me in the 5th grade. That also happens to be the grade my oldest is in this year.

When I watch this movie, I'm instantly taken back to the 80's during Christmas time. A time of magic and wonder. A time of earmuffs, and cocoa with extra marshmallows. (cocoa, served in a festive mug, of course.)

A time of visiting my grandparent's on Christmas morning, to show them my favorite toys from Santa. The sound of my boots crunching in the snow, while walking up to their house. The smell of their chimney smoke in the cool, crisp air.

A time of asking my grandma and grandpa what Santa had left them in their stockings. (He always came through.)

A time of thinking how loved my grandparents must have been, because their entire mantle was filled with Christmas cards from friends and family. I was always sure to admire each picture.

Going straight for my grandma's Christmas ribbon candy, because they were delicious and full of Christmassy colors.

I'm taken back to the way their blue Christmas lights twinkled in the snow, and the beautiful glow of the lights on their tree, glistening with the tinsel.

I would give anything to go back to that time, and those feelings. We're little for such a short time in our lives. I always tell my kids to slow down and enjoy the ride. They'll want it all back someday.





"Toyland, Toyland
Little girl and boy land.

While you dwell within it,
you are ever happy there.

Childhood's joy land
Mystic, merry toy land.

Once you pass its borders,
you can never return again.

When you've grown up, my dears
and are as old as I,

You'll laugh and ponder on the years
that roll so swiftly by, my dears
that roll so swiftly by.

Childhood's joy land
Mystic, merry Toyland.

Once you pass its borders
you can never return again..."

          Little Amy, in 1980's Toyland

'KETCHUP WITH US’ – Prompt 31: Send Someone Holiday Greetings

My holiday greetings go out to all of you. Anyone who's taking the time to read these words. I want you to have a beautiful Christmas, filled with memories of the past, and positive energy for the future.

And don't forget to gaze at your Christmas tree with your eyes squinted. It's just better that way.;-)


Thanks, Michele and Mel! Merry Christmas!

My Name is Amy, and I Could'nt Care Less if You Wish me Happy Holidays

Why must we make a thing out of someone wishing us Happy Holidays? Seriously, if one person walked up to me and said Merry Christmas, and the person directly after them said Happy Holidays, mentally, I would be taking that as the same thing.

I believe in Christ, so I take both as Merry Christmas, with the added wish for a Happy New Year, from the person who said Happy Holidays. I don't overthink this stuff, you guys. (Although, if I were Jewish, I'd probably get more out of the Happy Holidays.)





123Friendster.com - More Happy Holidays Comments     What I'm trying to say, is that you shouldn't let these things that aren't meant to be hurtful, as something hurtful. This isn't someone trying to be politically correct. (Unless you're actually talking to a politician.)

No one is trying to take Christ out of Christmas. We've been saying "Happy Holidays" since forever. Let's not make it a thing. Bing Crosby sings Happy Holidays, in the movie Holiday Inn, and that was made in the 40's! Zero political correctness back then. Not to mention, he was a man devoted to his faith. Openly, you guys. The King of Christmas music. There was no so-called "War on Christmas" in the 40's.

Sounds grand, doesn't it?

Now, the whole "Holiday Tree" thing, I find annoying. I mean, it's a Christmas tree, people. No other faith has that custom. It's like referring to the Menorah as a "Festive Candelabra." The tree's soul purpose is to help celebrate the Christmas season.

But, I will say this: Although it may annoy me, that the government and a few select businesses take the "Holiday Tree" route, it doesn't stop me from enjoying MY  Christmas. I mean, why would it? My sister calls her Christmas tree Brutus. Should I get my Christmas socks in a bunch because of it?

No! One, because I actually find that quite endearing, because she got it from the Christmas cartoon, Noel, about the little red ornament who was born with a happiness. And two, because who cares? It's not affecting my glad tidings, comfort and joy, or my holly jolly Christmas.

So, if you see me in town, and want to wish me a Merry Christmas, I'm all in! And if you want to say Happy Holidays, I'm all in! Because it's Christmas! It's the holidays! And I plan to keep Christmas well.

God Bless us, everyone!

My Wish For You This Christmas

With only a few days left until Christmas, I wanted to take some time to send my readers some holiday wishes.

Merry Christmas, everyone! And I hope you take the time to do at least one of the things listed!

Find your inner child.

                                       Turn off all the lights in the house, turn ON some Christmas music, then sit down and gaze at your beautiful Christmas tree. (And don't forget to squint your eyes at it! I've been doing that since I was little, and it's still cool!)☺         

                                
Kiss someone under the mistletoe.☺


                                                                    
                                                         Read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to your kids. Heck, read it to yourself if you don't have kids! Just read it! ☺

Look up at the moon on Christmas Eve night. I'll be doing it too, so there's no need to feel silly.☺









Take a little time to stop and smell the Christmas cookies.☺

And most importantly, pause and think about our wonderful savior. What a wonderful gift He is!♥


I wish you ALL a very merry Christmas!!

Santa Bread

I finally made another Pinterest find! (Yay for productivity!!) I really thought I would get around to making more of the holiday stuff I pinned, but alas, life as a mommy to 3 kept me busy. ☺

This one was found via Taste Of Home, and the directions are there when you click the link. Pictures and all, thank goodness!! ☺

I used the suggested 2 loaves of frozen bread dough, instead of making the from scratch recipe given. It explains how to make it either way you choose.

I read the reviews at the bottom, and used the suggestion of brushing on the plain egg yolk before brushing on the red, that way they don't bleed together.

I also used chocolate chips for the eyes, instead of raisins.

All and all, I'm really pleased with the outcome! Next time I'll make his pom-pom a little smaller, because a little warning, Santa rises like crazy in the oven!! ☺


We'll be serving our Santa bread with some Hoppin' Jalapeno and Bacon Dip, from Tastefully Simple. But I'm not going to lie....cutting into it will be a little heartbreaking!! What a cutie!!

Ho Ho Ho!!!

Campbell's Soup Snowman

Who remembers this sweet commercial from the early 90's? (The person posting the video posted it as being from 2002, but that's wrong.)

I sometimes still see it on tv, but not much anymore.

Christmas Cards: Let's Keep the Tradition Alive!

Call me old fashioned, but I still enjoy receiving Christmas cards in the mail. I love the feeling that someone thought enough of me to send a beautiful card of their choosing, and buying the stamp to send it out. And I love doing the same for as many as I personally can.


But sadly, as the years pass, we receive less and less. I love Facebook, but I really do think it's to blame.

Why would we waste our time and money on cards and stamps, when we can just say, "Merry Christmas everyone!" on Facebook or in an email?

I'll tell you why.

Because of the personal connection a card can bring. When you're signing your name to the card, your giving that person a piece of yourself. You're showing them just how much they mean to you, and that you cherish them.

It's so refreshing to see a family member's or friend's handwriting in front of you, with a little note saying to have a Merry Christmas. I still have old cards from my grandma, with her signature of love. Somehow, when I brush my fingers over her handwriting, I still feel connected to her.

As a child, I remember my grandparent's had so many Christmas cards sent to them, they stretched clear down their living room beam, and then some! And I remember thinking how loved they were by everyone they knew.

But here we are in an electronically, impersonal age. Families are spending less time interacting with each other, and more time on their cell phones and computers. People are too busy looking down at the world, when everything that's truly important is up.

So with a week until Christmas, I ask you all to at least try to add a personal touch to your holiday greetings. I promise it will not go unnoticed. ♥

This Was a Real Thing?!

Ever since I was a little girl, I've watched Santa Claus is Coming to Town every year. And every year I would look at the sleighmobile thing Fred Astaire was driving, and thought, What a cute idea! I wish they really had those in real life!

Well, did you know that they did?! Maybe they still do in the snowy parts of the country. The one below was made in Wisconsin in the 1920's.


They took an old Model-T Ford, and converted it with a snowmobile!

I want one!!

Claymation Christmas, O Christmas Tree

For Flashback Friday, I want to share with you a scene from Wil Vinton's Claymation Christmas.

This was a Christmas special that was played for many years, and also featured the California Raisins.

This was always my favorite part of the special.

Enjoy!!

A Christmas Poem for my Children

My Christmas Tree

By Amy Meck

My Christmas tree's beauty sparkles like a star

Like the one guiding wise men from Heaven afar.

The angel at the top glows radiantly looking down

As did the angels in Bethlehem town.

A simple ornament depicting the manger

That once was the bed of our blessed savior.

Our gifts lie beneath all wrapped up with love

Like the babe in the manger sent from above.

My tree makes me happy, peaceful, and light

As it shines like the star on that Heavenly night.

These Christmas Commercials are Part of This Complete Breakfast.

You might be thinking, Wow, Amy sure loves Christmas commercials!!


And you'd be right!!

All these commercials hold a special place in my heart, because they manage to sweep me back to my childhood, and help me remember simpler times.

Who would have thought, that something that lasts usually no more than 30 seconds, could do that? ☺

Sweet McDonald's Christmas Commercials From Years Past

Here are some McDonald's Christmas commercials from years ago. They've always made me smile, and I hope they do the same for you! ☺

Hi, My Name is Amy, and I'm a Virginia.

Are you a Virginia?

I'm proud to say that I have always been a Virginia.

Yes, I know that Santa isn't a real man that physically brings gifts to the children of the world, but he does bring a gift to those who believe in the magic of Christmas.

If you grew up believing in Santa, you might remember the excitement that Christmas would bring. The feeling of being on top of the world, knowing that the jolly old man, all dressed in red, was going to be in your home on Christmas eve, bringing you a mound of wonderful toys!

The feeling you got when you set out the milk and cookies, knowing that in the morning, there would only be a few crumbs on the plate. (And in my case, sometimes a half eaten cookie. "Santa's actual bite marks!" I would think to myself.☺)

When I found out that Santa wasn't real, My heart was broken. I believe it was the summer before 3rd grade. I felt as though a member of the family had died. But even after the heartache, I'm still glad my parent's told me there was a Santa. I dealt with the truth, but was able to hold on to the magic. I think that's why the ending of The Polar Express brings tears to my eyes.

"At one time, most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years past, it fell silent for all of them. Though I've grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe."

And then there's that sweet letter that was written by a young Virginia O'Hanlon, and the editor that responded to her in such a gentle, loving way.

Dear Editor,

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, "If you see it in The Sun, It's so."  Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O'Hanlon

 115 West Ninety Fifth Street

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge. 

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. 

We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. 

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. 

You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. 

No Santa Claus! Thank God! He lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Probably one of the most famous letters of all time.


Childlike faith. Think of what the world would be like if everyone had it.

So yes, I'm still a Virginia. Every Christmas eve night, I look up at the moon, just as I did every year since childhood, hoping to see Santa's magical sleigh flying through the night sky, knowing all the while that I won't see anything, but still believing in the magic of Christmas Eve.

"The bell still rings for me." 

I bet the bell still rings for him, too!!

(Submitted for Ketchup with Us, on December 18, 2013. If you aren't following the super fantastic gals, at "Ketchup", you're truly missing out! Click on the names, and FOLLOW THESE LOVELY LADIES! Michele and Mel )

'Ketchup With Us- Prompt #32'

Link up a holiday post, old or new.

The Magic of Christmas

I just wanted to share this sweet picture I found on Flickr.

Ah, to be a child again at Christmas time.

Now those were the days!! ♥

Enjoy your Saturday everyone!!

Amy's List of Must See Christmas Movies

I think everyone has their favorite Christmas movies and specials, that they watch year after year. And I must confess, Christmas wouldn't feel like Christmas, if I didn't have these to enjoy and anticipate every year!

So, here's my personal list of must-see holiday shows. (In no particular order.)

A Christmas Carol


This is what I believe to be the best version of the story. (Although, I do enjoy The Muppet's Christmas Carol also.☺)

It's from 1951, and stars Alastair Sim as Scrooge.

My husband and I watch it every year together.☺

One Magic Christmas


This move was made in the 80's, (which I love) and is kind of like It's a Wonderful Life meets Scrooge.

I love it.♥

The Night They Saved Christmas


Another 80's movie. What can I say, I grew up in the 80's!


Art Carney played a wonderful Santa.☺

A Christmas Story


I mean, what's not to love?

So many quotes, so little time....☺♥

It's a Wonderful Life


Such a feel-good movie!

I manage to hold back the tears until Harry walks in at the end!

After that I stay teary eyed until it's over. ☺

A Garfield Christmas


Who doesn't love Grandma?!!

"Back in my day, all we had were wood-burnin' cats!"

Love it!!

The Bear Who Slept Through Christmas


The first time I saw this sweet movie, I was in kindergarten.

I also still have my record of the story and songs, that I listen to every year.

It's about a bear that tries to stay up to find out what Christmas is. So sweet.♥

Noel


They played this every year in the 90's, but haven't for a long time. I'm glad I own it. It's such a sweet story.

When a glassblower's tear of happiness, drips down into the ornament he's making, Noel is able to feel and view the world as humans do.

Eloise At Christmastime


This has been on our movie list since it came out in 2003. Such a cute movie to watch with my girls. PLUS it has Julie Andrews!

And what little girl didn't imagine living in the Plaza Hotel with her "Mostly Companion" Nanny? ♥

The Nutcracker Prince


This movie has beautiful animation, and of course the music.

My sister and I have been watching it since 1993.☺

Kiefer Sutherland voices the Nutcracker Prince.

A Charlie Brown Christmas


Is there anything more heartwarming, than Linus explaining what Christmas is all about to Charlie Brown?

♥♥♥♥♥♥

Home Alone


"God bless this highly nutritious, microwavable, macaroni and cheese dinner, and the people who sold it on sale, Amen."

Disney Christmas 


This DVD has 3 different cartoon on it. Mickey's Christmas Carol, The Small One, and Pluto's Christmas Tree.

Disney know's Christmas. ☺ I also have a video my grandma gave me, that's filled with the really old Disney Christmas cartoons. I just wish they would release them on dvd!

The Santa Clause, 1 and 2


"Just because you can't see something, doesn't mean it doesn't exist."

Wise words.♥

Elf


Again, so many quotes, so little time. ☺

Prancer


Another 80's movie that I love.

Childlike faith is a wonderful thing to have.♥

White Christmas


Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye are wonderful.

I love old movies. Everything was so classy back then.

Christmas Vacation


I love Chevy Chase!

I also love that I'm not a part of this family! ☺

Scrooged


I love the ghost of Christmas present!!

"Sometimes you have to slap them, just to get their attention!"

And I always cry when Calvin says, "God bless us, everyone!"





And how about all the old movies that aren't Christmas movies, but have wonderful Christmas scenes in them?


Like Holiday Inn, Meet me in St. Louis, and Little Women (with June Allison).




Then there's the long list of Christmas specials from Rankin and Bass.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, Frost's Winter Wonderland, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, The Year Without a Santa Claus, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, The Little Drummer Boy, The First Christmas Snow, Jack Frost, Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey, and many many more. I love Rankin and Bass!!

Or how about the stop animation of The Nightmare Before Christmas? True, it's not your typical Christmas story, but it's still fun to watch! ☺

And I can't forget about all the Christmas cartoons they play on Boomerang, from when I was a little kid.

The Smurf's Christmas, 'Tis the Season to be Smurfy, Casper's First Christmas, A Flinstone's Christmas, The Town Santa Forgot, and more! I love that channel around the holidays! It takes me back.☺


What are some of your holiday favorites? Do you feel I left something out? I know I must have, because the list could go on forever!!

I love holiday movies.♥♥♥