Most of us are familiar with the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Each year PNC Bank calculates the costs involved in the gifts mentioned in the lyrics. This year a partridge in a pear tree would cost you $159.99, while three French hens would cost $45. With the increase in gold five gold rings would set you back $499.95. I don’t know where to hire them, but ten lords a-leaping are priced at $4413.61. PNC estimates that it would cost $21,456.56 to purchase one set of each of the gifts. The cumulative cost of all 364 gifts exceeds $87,000.
While we will not likely shop for that list, most of us will spend considerable time and money trying to find the perfect gift(s) for those we love. It seems to me that the real value [...]

Hello!  Thanks so much for your help in our annual White Christmas project.  This year, we will be focusing on a family of three: a mom, a daughter, and a son.  For a breakdown of what they are needing, please click here.
We will be having our Christmas party on December 13, where we will wrap the presents that everyone buys.  For those who want to shop together, we will do the shopping on this same day after morning services.
If you are planning to help out, could you please post a comment on this blog post, letting us know what you intend to buy?  This way we will make sure they get some of everything, and not just end up with 10 pairs of pants and no shirts.  It is fine if you want to let [...]

We know that most family and friends gather at Christmas time to share the holidays, here are a few recipes that you could use for such occasions. 
Appetizers for Holiday Gatherings
 
Cheese Ball
2 8oz. pkgs. Cream Cheese
8oz. can Crushed Pineapple, well drained
¼ C. finely chopped green pepper
3 Tbsp. Grated onion
1 C. chopped pecans
1 Tbsp. Seasoned salt
 
Mix together and serve with crackers. This is better if made at least one day ahead so flavors can mingle. Can be rolled into one large or two small balls and roll in crushed nuts.
 
Cream Cheese Dip
Garlic salt to taste
Milk
2 8oz. cream cheese softened
With mixer or fork, mix cream cheese, gradually adding milk to create a creamy dip. Sprinkle with garlic salt and mix. Serve with chips.
 
Oyster Crackers
1 pkg. Ranch style dressing mix
2 Tbsp. Dill weed
1/8 Tbsp. Garlic salt
½ C. oil
1 [...]