Ugly Sweaters and Photo Booths? Old News! – Try THIS Christmas Theme Instead!

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Irene always liked having a theme for our family Christmas get-togethers. We’ve had a lot of parties and a lot of themes.

The Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

The Photo Booth

Ours was in the early stages of it’s popularity, so we had the “home made” version. They’ve come a long way since then!

Customized Wish T-Shirts


We’ve done it all! Reinbeer (No, that’s not a typo. We had different brands of beer in bottles decorated as reindeer), Cigars, Nose Cups, Flying Chickens, Dirty Santa, Matching PJs, Opening Gifts Wearing Potholders, Sending Candles Into The Sky in Hot Air Balloons, Saran Balls, Beardos and even an outdoor Ice Skating party, just to name a few.


I have to say, my personal favourite was (what we are calling) “Christmas Movies”. We came up with the idea that we could assign a Christmas Movie to each person attending and provide “props” as “clues” to the movie. We put together packages of props (things that appeared in the assigned movie) for them to dress in. Everyone had to correctly guess the movie everyone else was representing. (Just an FYI – TELL them what movie they are representing. The younger attendees never saw -or heard of- some of our favourite movies!) If you guess correctly, you receive a jingle bell from the person. Whoever collects the most bells, wins the grand prize. Everyone also received a framed photo of themselves “starring” in their movie (sort of a consolation gift). Sounds easy, right? The hardest part was creating the “framed photos”; the rest was just fun.

If you’re considering skipping the ugly sweater party this year and giving “Christmas Movies” a try, you can get inspiration from our creations. See how many you can guess correctly!


Remember, the props are clues from the entire movie, and are not restricted to any one character. They can be made or purchased (We did a combination). Pick a few of your favourite Christmas movies if you’re creating them for everyone. Or have everyone do their own and be surprised.

If you choose to create photos of everyone starring in their movie, just look for an app that merges photos. We used Paint Shop Pro, but there are many, inexpensive, easy apps to choose from.

It was my favourite Christmas theme and there are so many movies to choose from. I can’t wait until we do this again and assign someone The Muppet Christmas!

For more great ideas, be sure to read The Enormous Surprise Ball.

The Meadow -A Surprisingly Wonderful Cocktail

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As most of you know, we like experimenting with creating cocktails and every now and then, we hit upon an absolute winner.

Recently, we had guests coming for a visit and we really wanted a cocktail using the St. Luke’s lavender whiskey I had recently purchased at Boundary Oaks Distillery. If you don’t live down the hill from them like we do, you can contact Boundary Oaks to find out where (and how) to buy it. https://boundaryoakdistillery.com/

We experimented and found the perfect blend of honey, lemon and lavender with absolutely no “perfume” taste and created (what we are calling) “The Meadow”.

The Meadow

  • 1 shot St Luke’s lavender whiskey
  • 1/2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/8 tsp lemon zest (or less. It was just a tiny bit.)
  • 1/4 tsp honey
  • 1/8 shot of bourbon (we used Woodford Reserve)

Garnish with lemon slice and a sprinkle or twig of dried lavender.

You could substitute lavender extract or lavender simple syrup but Boundary Oaks St. Luke’s is outstanding! A bourbon blended with the sweetness, aroma, and flavor of real lavender, it’s great for sipping all on it’s own. The cocktail was so delicious and refreshing, even the non-drinking guests begged for seconds!

If I haven’t convinced you, here’s a recipe for the substitute simple syrup.

  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2-3 tbls dry lavender

Put all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let steep for an hour. Strain out the lavender and keep syrup refrigerated.

Its cocktail time!

The Perfect Disorder

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I recently read an article about Gen Z’ers promoting anti-perfectionism. Forgive the clichés, but the article hinted that to “be real” and to “be yourself” holds tremendous power when it comes to happiness. Huh! These “kids” have figured out something that’s taken me decades.


Throughout the years I’ve experienced many instances of imperfection in others whom I’ve admired. Unfortunately it didn’t stifle my need for perfection. 

The first experience was a bridal shower hosted by a well-liked coworker. The venue was her BASEMENT and snacks were served in BAKING PANS! Horrified? Maybe at first. Then I recognized you didn’t have to be flawless to be accepted.

Many years later, my sister, Sandy, and I met at the Omni Hotel to spend some time in Indianapolis. Sitting in the lobby I saw her approach the check-in desk. She was wearing the most outrageous socks I had ever seen. After the initial shock, I found myself a bit envious. Sandy felt free enough to wear something so bold at a “fancy” hotel without worry.

Free. I now understand how freedom is stymied when you’re obsessively striving to be always seen as amazing and fabulous—an impossible goal.

To me, getting older equates to less time to waste. Trying to be perfect takes a lot of time and attention, leaving little room for enjoyment. I’ve begun to manage my need for perfection. Guess what? Stress, anxiety, procrastination, lack of focus and maybe a little self-loathing have surprisingly lessened. I’m willing to try new things without fear of failure, I’m aware that “done” is better than perfect, and I have learned to accept compliments.

I wish I had bullet points for you to follow, but it happened so organically I can only hope you get to experience this liberating place that I have.

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I Don’t Finish Anythi

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Have you ever tie-wrapped your sleeve to a bread bag? I have. 

Have you ever forgotten where you parked and reported your car as stolen? I have.

There have been other strange experiences, too. For instance, I question whether I rinsed my hair as I step out of the shower. Or I remember what I wore on the first day of kindergarten, but couldn’t conjure up the word, “bagel”. 

These incidents (and many, many others) prompted me to try to find an answer. Dr. Google had many suggestions. There were the Vitamin Bs; ginseng; Ginkgo biloba; green tree extract; rosemary essential oil; duck tape; all promising me the ability to speak Cantonese, after one dose.

For me, they all failed.

When Beef Brain was mentioned for human brain support (hurl), I chose something more mainstream (never mind that I saw an ad on TV). Neuriva is manufactured in the U.S., contains no preservatives or additives and is decaffeinated. So, in my cart it went. The results? Surprising!!

My focus improved tremendously. I no longer had to re-read 5 pages of a book to remember where I left off. My days of bouncing around like a pinball were over. Vocabulary recall was within me and was coming to the surface! (I am unquestionably speaking with increased eloquence–see how I did that?). I can remember six-digit validation codes sent to my phone.  I’m learning Photoshop Elements! I now feel competent, positive and in control.  

And now, the disclaimer. I’m not a doctor. I am not slinging pills. I just want to share my experience and offer encouragement to anyone with memory or focus problems to speak with their health professional. I was floored with the results. Maybe you will be, too.

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