Unusual Holiday Traditions - Holland

Now, some traditions can seem odd to those who have never experienced them before. Probably why I always believed  that it's important to travel and read as much history as possible.

From what I've read Sinterklaas' black helpers are either just guys covered in soot, the chimney thing, slaves or servants. I guess Americans aren't the only ones who try to revise embarrassing history.

 

From the recent images I found when writing this, free Black Peter signs show up on Dec 5th with Sinterklaas now. So I guess it's nice to know we all have holiday traditions we'd like to avoid.

One of the funniest essays on strange customs  like Sinterklaas and black Peter was written and read by David Sedaris.

Click on the link below and enjoy.

6 to 8 black men-David Sedaris

Obscure Holiday Movies- The Great Rupert

I love the holidays and the entertainment pertaining to them. I found this little gem in the dollar dvd bin at the Dollar Tree. Now this Jimmy Durante film is a fave of mine.The Great Rupert

This sweet little dancing squirrel is the guardian angel for an impoverished family.  The stop motion squirrel is nicely done. He looks adorable in his tiny kilt and accessories. Also he is quite the dancer. So click on the link and watch Rupert spin and help make things better.

The Rules of Pie

 

Well, actually there's probably only 2 or three rules per say.  The first is homemade crust may be better, but those crusts from the refrigerated section are so much easier.

2. Fresh fruit fillings aren't that difficult so avoid

canned. Also, what's up with weird fillings like crackers to make mock apple pie.... No .  It's a cracker pie.  But if you're not in California like me and can't find anything decent fruit wise at a reasonable price..... Ya know what ?  I've had it .... Cracker pie isn't that bad. Just call it what it is.  Raisin or funeral pie is pretty good too, but I think the brandy helps. Add a good quarter cup....so the recipe just says use vanilla... Do it....you'll thank me.

There is only one BAD pie as far as I know. My Dad was in the Navy during WW2 and on his ship there was a pie made from canned fruit cocktail that was so bad you hurried through the line with your tray so you didn't get stuck with 2 pieces. Back then you got in trouble if you didn't eat everything on your tray.

3. One pie is good but 2 are better. Obviously.
Okay, there seems to be more than 3 rules.
4. Pies are not dessert only. The prime directive of pie is that it be served at all meals until it's all gone. So, Breakfast pie and coffee is perfectly reasonable.
5. Eating pie directly out of the pan when it's the last piece is okay. When there's still more than one piece? Make sure no one's looking or home. Don't leave any stray whipped cream.

Here's a basic recipe for Funeral pie http://allrecipes.com/recipe/funeral-pie/
And one for mock apple/ cracker pie http://allrecipes.com/recipe/mock-apple-pie/

Enjoy your pie.

Thanksgiving Out Behind the Local Thrift Store-Revisited

I wrote this yrs ago in honor of Thanksgiving and the homeless out back of the Salvation Army thrift store that I managed yrs ago.  As I read about Black Thursday and Friday, I'm reminded how simple things like some cans of soup can make better gifts.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2010

SpaghettiOs and Turkey Noodle Soup- Thanksgiving Out Behind the Local Thrift Store

I worked as a store manager for a local thrift store for 8 yrs. Around this time of year I always worried about the homeless guys and the few women that hung around out back. Most of them did the shelter thing or got help from the VA, so they were relatively looked after.

But there were 2, Eddie and Liz, who hated to be indoors. Both were older folks....Liz got tossed from a hospital in the 80's(thank you for the monetary savings, Mr. Reagan) and Edie had head injuries from his last tour in Nam. Their various advocates ie the VA tried to get them to give up their outdoors only existence, but they'd continue to sneak off . If anything really bad happened I had their advocate's phone numbers.

They tended to be targets of the local teens who thought it was funny to beat them up, burn their sleeping bags and steal what cooking/food supplies they had.

I used to keep a change jar in my office and they became my own personal charity. I'd buy the occasional pot or pan or sleeping bag and stash it in my office. Every few weeks, Eddie or Liz would wobble in all black and blue and I'd go raid my stash.

One November afternoon, the day before Thanksgiving, they both showed up and I went to my office to drag out the pots, sleeping bags and a coat I had just bought. I slipped out the loading dock door and bought them a can each ofSpaghettios and Turkey noodle soup with the last of my change.

"Oh look, Eddie!, Liz yelled as she inspected the bag. "We're going to have turkey and Italian for Thanksgiving tomorrow!"

They hugged me and toddled off back to their camp.....happy with their holiday feast.

We should all be so grateful.