I found this commentary on eZine Articles and like what the author had to say about Christmas stress. For too many people, the holidays can become a source of stress, rather than a wonderful time to share with family and friends and remember the simple pleasures of life. This author reminds us to slow down and think of others during the holiday season.
Christmas Stress
By Mindy Adamson
I made a very obvious discovery this Christmas season; that no matter how much we try, say and attempt to create a stress free season, it seems to never simplify but gets worse with every passing year. I hear so many people say “this year I am going to do things different”, but to no avail. The stores fill more and more with potential gifts, cards and stocking stuffers. How did we lose our way, the true meaning of the birth of our lord and savior? I want to see if I can crack the code to making a Christmas different. It is too late this year to start seeing what good can be done this season, but we have a whole year to figure out what we can do differently. I can’t change how other people deal with this time of year, but I really want to examine how I can make a difference. I challenge you, the reader, to do the same.
What I want to take a look at is the gift giving we go crazy over. How many people do you know, including yourself, worry themselves into a frenzy finding “just the right gift” for every person they know, have ever known and the people they suspect might get them a gift? Why is it that we go into debt so we have to spend all year trying to pay it off, to get gifts for people who very likely do not need for anything? I have seen for as many years as I have been on this planet, the piles and piles of presents given in vain. Where do these gifts go? Don’t you ever wonder what will happen to all these gifts? I would be willing to bet that many of them end up in garages, junk drawers or at the next family yard sale. So this is how we lost the Christmas meaning, we have focused on things instead of the truly important things in life. Loving one another and putting Christ in the center. Add up the money you spend on all aspects of Christmas; from presents, cards, wrapping paper, trees, decorations and much more and I ask that you evaluate whether this is really where your money is needed. If, like me, you have decided that this is foolish to the extent it is currently. There is another way.
There are people in true need. Not far away in Africa, but right here in the land of the “American Dream”. The idea of a house with a white picket fence, a husband and wife and 3 kids is far from reality for so many Americans. Instead of piling our houses with knick- knacks and more gadgets than we could ever possibly enjoy, we have the chance to help those who can’t help themselves. Instead of spending ourselves blind on gifts, let us give to the homeless, hungry and sick. There are many reputable charities out there that strive to bless those in need. If Jesus were here on this Earth today, how would he spend his earnings? I believe he would serve others and help those in need, just as he did in his time. There is so many things that can distract us from what God intended us to do with our money, let us not forget the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Show your gratitude for what you have been blessed with by blessing others. Next year is a new opportunity, will you continue the cycle of materialism, or will you chose a new path…one of giving and love?
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mindy_Adamson
A Traditional Mexican Christmas with Recipe for Rosca de Reyes
Posted in Christmas Food by Santa
Looking for something fun and different for your Christmas meal? Try Rosca de Reyes (also known as Three King’s Cake), a traditional cake made in Spain and Mexico. Made out of bread dough, Rosca de Reyes is decorated with dried fruit and usually contains a figure of the baby Jesus hidden inside.
It is traditionally eaten on January 6, during the celebration of the “Día de Reyes” (Wise Men Day). In most of Spain, Mexico, and sometimes Hispanic communities in the United States, this is the day when children get presents from the Three Wise Men (not from Santa).
Tradition says that whoever finds the small baby Jesus in the Rosca de Reyes is blessed and must take it (a representation of baby Jesus) to the nearest church on the 2nd of February (Día de la Candelaria). In the Mexican culture, the person also has to throw a party and provide tamales and atole to the guests.
This article includes a recipe that will have you making this delicious treat in no time!
A Traditional Mexican Christmas with Recipe for Rosca de Reyes
By Jen E Carter
The Mexican Christmas festivities last for several weeks, starting on Dec 16th when the first of the Posada parties start. The celebrations remember Mary & Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. Although initially a religious celebration, the Posada parties are now a big social celebration of the holiday season.
Every night until Noche Buena, December 24th, a party is held in a local home. The end to each posada is celebrated by the breaking of piñatas filled with candy and toys. On the night before Christmas, families often attend Midnight Mass together.
Although traditional children had to wait until January 6th, more families are allowing them to open their presents on Christmas Day. However, there are more celebrations to come.
On January 6th which is Epiphany, celebrations include:-
- Freshly baked Rosca de Reyes – a big oval wreath made out of bread dough and decorated with dried fruit and sugar
- Chocolate Caliente – steaming mugs of hot chocolate
- Tamales – can be a lot of work to make – steamed dumplings of rich, spicy filling wrapped in corn dough. There are three important components to a tamale: the wrapper, the dough and the filling. Although it’s rather complicated to make, no-one wonders why after they’ve taken their first bite!
Recipe for Rosca de Reyes
Ingredients
1 packet yeast
¼ cup of lukewarm milk
3 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cups of sugar
7 eggs
125 grams butter
1/4 aniseed
100 grams raisins
1 tsp vanilla
2 teaspoons of cinnamon
Pinch of salt
50 grams candied figs
50 grams candied orange
50 grams candied lemon
50 grams candied cherries
50 grams candied citron
1 beaten egg
sugar
flour
- Heat oven to 360° F ( 180°C)
- Dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk
- Mix the flour, yeast, sugar, eggs, butter, cinnamon, aniseed, raisins, vanilla and salt
- Kneed for five to ten minutes until pliable
- Place in a bowl, cover with a teatowel and place somewhere warm to rise (1-2 hours)
- Cut the candied fruits into strips
- Form the dough into a ring or rosca.
- Add the baby Jesus figurine.
- Place the ring on a baking tray decorating the top with the candied fruit.
- Leave to rise again for 20-30 minutes.
- Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle over with sugar.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes
Remove from the oven and serve to celebrate Christmas the Mexican way. Remember, tradition says that whoever finds the figurine of the baby Jesus has to host the next party!
Visit our website for further ideas for Mexican recipes and Christmas Recipes.
Find more recipes & cookbooks at the One Dollar bookstore.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jen_E_Carter
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Traditional-Mexican-Christmas-with-Recipe-for-Rosca-de-Reyes&id=305448
