The Poinsettia is the traditional Christmas flower for many. It is particularly well known for its red and green foliage. Native to Mexico, it derives its common name from Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico, who introduced the plant to the US in 1825.
The plant's association with Christmas began in 16th-century Mexico, where legend tells of a girl, commonly called Pepita or Maria, who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus' birthday and was inspired by an angel to gather weeds from the roadside and place them in front of the church altar. Crimson blossoms sprouted from the weeds and became beautiful poinsettias. From the 17th century, Franciscan friars in Mexico included the plants in their Christmas celebrations. A little holiday history for you!
A trip to NYC makes the holiday season special in such a magical way. Indulging in cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery is a must and it was our last stop of the day. Their buttercream frosting ROCKS! I bought a half dozen and popped a few in the freezer in the hopes they will still be tasty.
MacKenzie-Childs was all decked out for the holidays.
Our next stop was Tiffany's to see the tree and then to Henri Bendel's for some holiday shopping.
A stop at Grand Central Station to shop the holiday market is always a must. I probably should have stocked up on spices :-)
Our "Scoots" group planned a get together to assemble our Wilton pre-baked Gingerbread camper kit that we found at Walmart this year. It brought back memories of my grandparent's Shasta trailer. My grandparents brought their cute Shasta trailer to my parent's camp, and we had campfire dinners, dressed up in my grandmother's costume jewelry, baked pies in the little oven, had treasure hunts, and my favorite thing was to sleep in the "bed" on the upper level of the trailer.
My heart is getting merrier by the minute. Xavier is nine months old and will celebrate his first Christmas.
Joe and I went to the Turning Stone Casino for our annual visit to the gingerbread village. Life-size gingerbread houses don't exist only in fairytales!
The Tales of the Traveling Totes members offered a giveaway, and the winner of the lovely glass acorn ornament from MacKenzie-Childs is Kitty's Kozy Kitchen. Congratulations Kitty!!
Merry Christmas friends! Joy to the World!
Debbie
