Christmas Related Activities

It is less than a hundred days before Christmas and I know everyone has started with their own preparation for this much anticipated event. Having a child in the house makes every Christmas more special even when she does not fully understand what it really means yet. As early as now, she told me she wanted to help in preparing our menu, the gifts, the Christmas tree and anything that she can be of help. I am glad that she is not like the other kids who just care about the presents.

This Christmas will also be a one of a kind of us. We have planned several family holidays over Christmas. Some family and friends are arranging get-togethers in their own places and one of my friends is visiting her family in Europe. They have booked their stay at a Self-catering holiday homes in Rome.

Spending this special occasion with our family and relatives will surely become a blast! I told some of my relatives to check on travel guides if necessary so they can plan things accordingly. My little girl is really excited because she does not get to see her cousins that often.

In the meantime, I will continue researching on what we can cook together with the kids. It would be a lovely bonding activity for them as well as for us moms. This coming holiday breaks will be a lot of fun for us.

Happy Holidays

From all of us who are now enjoying the food in our kitchen....

Puto... Puto Bungbong

Yes it is Christmas in few days! The time of the year when I missed the different traditions. I miss the 9 morning masses. I miss the aroma of the street while cooking puto bungbong. Oh how heavenly is the scent of the early morning while people are cooking puto and puto bungbong.... these are one of the few things that I miss living in Manila.

Remembering this makes me more nostalgic about Philippine Christmas... oh how I wish I could be there....

Puto (Source)

Puto Bungbong (Source)

How Puto Bungbong is made (Source)

Perfect Gravy for the Holidays

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Club House. All opinions are 100% mine.---------------------

Three more days and it is Christmas. We may not have a festive Christmas celebration compared to the ones I am used to in the Philippines, but we will surely have our own Christmas Tradition. This year, we will be spending Christmas with my mother-in-law. We will open gifts Christmas morning then followed by a breakfast then we will have our dinner later.

As always, Mom is busy preparing for our Christmas get-together. She even asked me what type of gravy I prefer. I know that making a perfect gravy is a hassle because it will depend on how much roast drippings she can get. I told her that any type of gravy is okay with me. I even recommended that she needs to watch the gravy tips video so that she won't have problems making the gravy. I know that Mom can cook but an additional tips will not hurt for sure!

Mom and I always shares cooking secrets. I told her about the Club House gravy mixes which will be a good way to make a gravy without much fuss. These mixes provide a dependable and consistent way to deliver flavorful gravy. Everybody in the family loves gravy so I am sure that Clubhouse Gravy will be a welcome addition to our get together this coming Christmas.


Do you want a perfect gravy for your family Christmas celebration? Join the Club House and learn about their newsletter sign-up and contest entry and get a chance to win a Club House Gravy Gift Pack.

Christmas Holiday - The Branson Way

Christmas holidays in Branson begin the first week of November where shows will feature special holiday sets, costumes and music throughout about half of the show. Carols and hymns both old and new will be sang during the shows. There will be special effects that will surely put you in the holiday spirit.

Christmas will be perfect time to visit Branson because there will be a 17 foot talking Christmas Tree that interacts with the kids (whatever their age) and a magnificent 7 story special effects Christmas Tree with lights synchronized to music. There is also the ANNUAL ADORATION PARADE, an old-fashioned Christmas parade with bands and floats passing through the streets of historic Downtown Branson and Branson Landing. The climax of the event is the lighting of the nativity scene atop Mount Branson. The Silver Dollar City will be transformed into a holiday paradise circa.

With over 100 shows, theme parks, tons of attractions, the lakes, mountains, shopping and world-class golf, entertainment in Branson is so varied that everyone will find many things to enjoy while staying in the famous Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing or at Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. These hotels offer different packages that you and your family can enjoy during this Christmas season. You can choose any of the following:

1. It’s a Wonderful Life Package, starting at $329 per night and running from Nov 15 thru Dec 23, you’ll experience the ultimate holiday getaway for shopping, relaxation and entertainment.
2. Santa Claus is Coming Package. Santa is packing up his sleigh and is on his way to the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing! This package includes : Deluxe, overnight accommodations for four people, Two children's gifts, Full breakfast for four, and A portrait with Santa. Rates starting from 209/night. This offer is from Nov. 23, 2009 - Dec. 31, 2009.
   
3. Polar Express Package. All aboard the Polar Express! Join the Hilton Branson Convention Center for this magical ride. This package includes : Deluxe accommodations for four, First class excursion with dining car seating on the train provided by Branson Scenic railroad, Hot cocoa and cookies along with a souvenir ceramic mug. This offer is from Nov. 06, 2009 - Dec. 19, 2009. Rates starting at 269/night.