52 days to Christmas

November 1st, and Halloween is over for another year! It was again a very slow night, like the last 2 years previous; seems there are less and less children coming out, and fewer people decorating for Fall or Halloween. Whatever the reasons for it, and I believe they are multiple, the Season is dying out and no longer the precursor to Christmas that it used to be. Three weeks ago the first notice of Christmas displays showed up in our local shops, cards and some decorations, but last week Canadian Tire had most of it's display up and for sale; Home Hardware were selling lites at reduced prices to grab the market; Home Depot had half it's display in place but were not selling, while Wal-mart were also in process, but selling items. This I think reflects the mood of the country, that the recession is not over for the common folks and the stores are concerned about sales this Christmas.
Here in the Haven, we have our schedule for taking down the Halloween Decorations, starting today, and working through until the 5th of November (Guy Fawkes Day, and we are thinking of a small display, only because fireworks are illegal other than for specific holidays, and burning the guy would elicit a rather testy visit from the local constabulary ;-) and then begin the process of putting out the Christmas decorations to be completed to about 80% by November 28th, around the American Thanksgiving and hopefully before the weather becomes too frigid.
Last week I cooked two mincemeat pies to test this years batch, (20 lbs) which I began in January; and I will detail the making of, in another post. Thomas has been working on the Christmas Trees (16 this year), Santa's Sleigh, his Reindeer, and the Candy Canes for Candy Cane Lane, since early September, getting them ready, assessing the quality and needs for lights, even as he was preparing the Fall/Halloween decoration. The two seasons are the biggest in terms of preparation, though Christmas takes the most time and energy, and preparations have to be started early, to beat the cold and snow. It is no fun putting up decorations in a 40 kl wind with wind chills of -50c ;(
This month we will be getting in the mint flavoured chocolate chips and the mixed peel, and other supplies for baking. The puddings and cakes we made in January have been marinating all year, and should be in prime condition for the season ;-) only the cookies, trifle and short breads need to be made. Mark has begun a Mead, and I have some Apple wine on the go, and we have the recipes for Apple Punch and Wassail selected, along with the purchase of 11 gallons of apple juice. Enough not only for Christmas, but the Winter.
The Season is soon to be upon us and many things have to be prepared, and listed!! Come follow me on this years journey into Our Family Christmas Traditions!!