Grace at Home

In the twinkling light of Christmas' close arrival, we thought it quite apropos to share a few of our favorite pass-times which occupy us during the season of Christmas. One of our very favorite ways to spread Christmas cheer is to have an abundance of handmade lovelies on hand for wrapping up and giving away, or perhaps to set on a nearby table! 'Tis so much fun to light the fire, and bring your craft box down with your siblings and put things together to send to friends, or for your home while listening to Christmas Carols. We pray you will be inspired by the 'lovelies' we have compiled below! 

Blessings, 

-- Bethany & Johanna

Spicy Old-Fashioned Pomanders

You will need >>

One Medium Orange

Bottle of Whole Cloves

Masking Tape (optional)

Ribbon

Powdered Cinnamon

and Nutmeg

powdered orris root (optional)

1 nail

Start by placing the strips of masking tape around the orange to "reserve" space for the ribbon. Make one circle around the middle of the orange or two circles at right angles to each other. Now stick cloves into the remaining surface. Use the nail to make holes in the orange skin, then push the long pointed ends of the cloves through the holes. Leave a little space between each clove (about the size of another clove). When the fruit is full of cloves take off the tape. Mix the spices and orris root together in a bowl and roll the pomander in the mixture. Put the pomander in a cardboard box or paper bag somewhere where it is warm and the air circulates, like a high kitchen cabinet. Every day for a week, take it down and roll it in the spice mixture. In a few weeks it will be dry. Then you can glue on the ribbon where the masking tape was. You can even add bows, dried flowers, spices, and of course a ribbon loop for hanging!

Dried Citrus Ornaments

You will need >> 

Citrus fruit such as lemons, limes and oranges

Wire ornament hanger or string

Oven

Slice citrus fruit about ¼ inch thick. Place fruit slices on cookie sheet and bake on lowest setting. Leave oven door open and flip fruit periodically. This step can take several hours and must be closely monitored. When the slices become slightly dry and rubber like to the touch, they are ready. Remove slices from oven and punch a hole near the top. Insert metal ornament hanger or string. To personalize your ornaments paint them with glitter or a frosting glaze. {Source}

Homemade Cinnamon Ornaments

You will need >>

1/2 c. ground cinnamon

1/2 c. applesauce

Mix 1/. ground cinnamon and 1/2 c. applesauce until it makes a dough. Sprinkle cinnamon on work surface and roll out dough. You can place dough between wax paper and roll out. Cut desired shapes with cookie cutters. Poke hole in shape with toothpick for hanging the ornament; for a larger hole, use a drinking straw. Place in dehydrator or 150 degree F oven until dry. Use string or ribbon to hang your ornaments.

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White Christmas Pie 

{Taken from White Christmas Pie by Wanda Brunstetter, book review coming soon!:D}

• 1 tablespoon Know gelatin
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1 cup sugar, divided
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped until stiff
• 3 egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 cup flaked coconut
• 3 {9 inch} baked pie shells

In a small bowl soak gelatin in cold water, set aside. In a saucepan, mix 1/2 cup of the sugar, flour, salt and milk. Cook over low heat, stirring until mixture come to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, remove from heat. Stir in gelatin. Cool. when partially set, beat until smooth. Blend in vanilla, almond extract, and whipped cream. In a separate bowl beat egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff. Add 1/2 cup sugar and beat until soft peaks form. Fold in gelatin mixture, and the flaked cocnut. Place in pie shells and keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Makes 2 9-inch pies.

Little BABY on the hay,

Soon there'll be another day

When NAILS SHALL PIERCE

Your hands and feet

As You provide our SIN'S DEFEAT.

RISEN JESUS on the Throne,

WE LIFT OUR PRAISE TO YOU ALONE-

For YOU'RE the gift that we receive

The moment that our HEARTS BELIEVE.

{Roy Lessin}