Buckeyes or Rudolph--Do We Have to Choose?

During my quest for holiday traditions, I received some great ideas and some recipes. So many people wanted to share what they do with others. I believe it is because these are constants in our lives. Not just constants, but they are embedded in our hearts as joyful, peaceful times. These are things we look forward to--no matter what is going on around us.

A third grade teacher (Tiffany) wrote in and offered her family's customs. She is soon to be a first time mom and can't wait to start tradtions of her own.

And Natalie's family has a tradition that starts off the holiday season in her home.

Tiffany wrote:
My favorite Christmas memories include:
My mother, grandmother, aunts and cousins getting together to make Christmas candy. Our favorite was peanut butter balls (buckeyes). (see below for recipe--Pat)
Of course…decorating the house for the holidays.
Santa Claus…he came every year until I was 25!! It was a big deal to me as a child and we just continued the tradition in fun.
The fact that gifts were truly a surprise was very special and magical. I see a lot of people taking their kids shopping and there are no suprises…NO FUN!!!

Natalie:
Each year after we return home from Thanksgiving festivities, we watch the lighting of Macy's tree. The next day we get up early-go tree hunting-come home to decorate and then make hot choclate and watch Rudolph.

Recipes for Buck Eyes:
Soft stick of margarine
8oz jar of PB (Small Jar)
1 box powdered sugar

Mix ingredients together with hands make small spheres out of the mixture. The smaller the better because you get good chocolate to peanut butter ratio. If they are too big, they are not as good. About the width of your thumb.

Melt some “Candy Quick” Chocolate. Only melt about ¼ of the package in the microwave at a time because it will cool too quickly and will scorch if you have to reheat too many times.

Use a tooth pick to dip peanut butter balls into the chocolate. Do not dip completely…leave a small area near the toothpick without chocolate…(This gives that “buckeye” look)

Allow them to cool and enjoyJ