Day 3 - 9 of 12 the Day of Christmas Blog Challenge

I am a wayyyy behind in  linking up to Molly and Aly's 12 Day of Christmas Blog Challenge for days 3 to 9, but I don't think they will mind terribly.  I originally started this post a week of go and have tried to finish it numerous days since, alas, today is the day!

First off - Happy belated Thanksgiving to all of my American friends, I hope that you had a wonderful day filled with family, love and happiness.
So Day 3 of the 12 Day of Christmas Blog Challenge is the most meaningful gift/best gift you've received.  When I started thinking about this all that came to mind was material objects, but nothing stood out as the best present received.  The most meaningful gift that I have ever received is my amazing family that continues to grow more and more.  I come from a family of 4 children and this means that there is NEVER a dull moment at family gatherings, there is always someone around when you need them and there is more love and support than one can imagine.  Not only am I blessed with two loving parents, 3 siblings plus spouses and children, I have married in to a family who have shown me nothing but love since day one.  I guess what I'm getting at is that my most meaningful gift is our family and their continuous love.

Day 4: Tips/Tricks to a Budget Friendly Holiday Season
-Start your shopping early to avoid spending everything you have in December and to help ease last minute stress

-Make a list and stick to it.  If anyone else is like me, I find it so easy to over buy and end up with too much for one person and not enough
-Keep your eyes open for deals early on in the season and watch the flyers/listen for radio ads

Day 5: Favorite Holiday Movie/TV Show Special

 

Plain.and.simple.

Day 6: Gift ideas (what do YOU want? We all have family/friends reading our blogs...so let them know!)

That is it...is it too much to ask for?

Day 7: Holiday Craft/DIY (If you don't make anything, what do you WISH you could make?)
Unfortunately I am not crafty at all, AT ALL, so I am hoping to mimic (read copy) Aly's decorative jars - adorable!!!!

Day 8: Least Favorite Thing About The Holidays
I dislike the clean up and undecorating, my house feels so empty when all of the decorations are down.  I also dislike the weight gain, although this year I think that will be inevitable. ;)

Day 9: Favorite Holiday Recipe

Baked Squash Casserole

3 cups chopped butternut squash
1 onion, chopped
2/3 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
15 Ritz crackers, crushed
1 egg, beaten
2 tbsp. mayo

Heat oven to 350°F.
Cook squash in boiling water in covered saucepan 15 min. or until tender.
Rinse under cold water; drain.
Mix squash and remaining ingredients; spoon into 8-inch square baking dish.
Bake 1 hour or until heated through.

I can't get enough of this recipe, it is soooo yummy, of course I add extra cheese and mayo...mmm.
 
There you have it, hopefully tomorrow I will be back on track with the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge.