Traditions Old and Older

Right now, Bing Crosby is on the radio singing "White Christmas". When I was a very little girl, I went to the theater to actually see the original movie! My mom, my grandma, my sister and me. That really ages me doesn't it?
I don't know what order the photos are in so I'll start with the Christmas tree. We bought a live tree this year...one with a root ball. There is a program that allows you to buy a tree from Mt Zion Nursery, have that tree delivered by either the Mon or Marion County parks association, and after Christmas they will pick it back up and plant it in a local park. Cool huh?
Growing up, my mom had a couple of things that she made almost every Christmas. One of those things was nut rolls and the other was pizelles. I found a nut roll recipe and decided to try my hand at them this year. They turned out really good but not as good as mom's. I don't have her recipe...Sis, do you?
I have mom's pizelle maker...looks like a waffle maker....where you put in the batter and squeeze it together for a few seconds making a decorated waffle like cookie. The batter is flavored with anise...a mild licorice flavor. I believe it is a traditional Italian cookie because our neighbor, Margaret Howes, who is Italian, made them every year too. So half of my pizelles are anise flavored and half are almond. Then you top them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Yummy.
So this has been a very melancholy day. Thinking about mom and wishing she were here to help me and since she can't be, it would be nice for my sister to be here instead.
But the really cool thing is that Walt and Annie will be home in just a few days and then the festivities will really begin.
God bless you all and may you're Christmas be filled with sweet memories, sweet treats, and the sweet fragrance of the Holy Child who is Christ our Lord.