A Purposeful Christmas

Strep Throat is the devil.

I spent the week- the entire week- before Thanksgiving in bed.  Unable to talk, it was an unexpected way to see my Red Cross certified babysitter in action with his younger siblings!

Even after I was off my “death bed”, energy was in short commodity.  We spent the last days before Thanksgiving reading books on the covered porch of the teeny cabin that is our family’s place of respite.  Each child brought a favorite, Over the River and Through the Wood is a sturdy board book, so it was safe even in little Clara’s lap.  The kids each chose a favorite breakfast to learn to cook and I supervised from my resting spot on a nearby barstool.

And on Thanksgiving Day, I gave thanks for Strep Throat.  It slowed me down enough to enjoy these simple things with my family.

I am also thankful Christmas is coming.  I heard a quote this morning, “What if the most important, life-changing, world-changing, universe changing, most joyous thing of all time were on the verge of arriving?”  Remember- that’s what we’re celebrating!  Jesus was born, snuggled, swaddled, and laid in a manger.  Emmanuel- God with us.

I think most Americans have an unbalanced view of the Christmas season. We feel obligated to the loud, glittery part of the story.  We run around shouting the angel announcement, “GlorytoGodinthehighest! AndonEarth, peaceandgoodwilltomen” – so rushed we can’t appreciate the meaning of our own lives.  We hurry from kids’ cookie exchanges to pictures with Santa to parties we’re hosting… Don’t forget to squeeze in a visit to a live nativity, St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, help the children make special gifts for family, see The Nutcracker and shop for Secret Santa at work, buy an angel tree gift… and that’s just the to-do list up until this part of the month!

The angels didn’t appear to the shepherds to set a precedent with their amazing display!  They served a purpose.  They led men in need to the “important, life-changing… most joyous thing of all time…” to a baby in a manger.

Purposeful parenting this month means choosing what makes it to your calendar.  It’s about having enough time to enjoy peace on earth and to extend goodwill to men, starting with your own family.  Merry Christmas.  Make it count.

This article was originally published in The Creekline.

Traditions Revised… or Not

Thanksgiving is coming, followed by 32 days full of family, celebration… tradition.

Pick up any magazine this month, from Real Simple to Family Fun and you’ll find articles touting new, better, more. Better decorations, special family moments and recipes promise to revitalize your worn-out Holiday Traditions.

New can be fun… but new practices aren’t traditions yet.  While new, better and more always promise glitz, they often add up to holiday stress and clutter instead.

“Traditions are called traditions precisely because they form a link to the past.  One value of tradition is that it is a celebration of sameness, not change.” writes Dr. Richard Swenson in The Overload Syndrome.

I love creating memories with our family.  I’ve scoured blogs for new ideas and have multiple Pinterest boards dedicated to the holidays.  I guess you could say I have a tradition of developing new traditions.  Dr. Swenson’s insight has brought balance to my insatiable quest for better.

     “There is no remembrance of former things,” Ecclesiastes 1:11 warns.  I’m listening!  Slow down and enjoy today, remember the great times past and allow the routine to be a salve to a busy soul instead of being driven to scramble after some elusive perfection that doesn’t even exist.

     Again in The Overload Syndrome, Dr. Swenson instructs busy Americans to look to routines not to add spice to life, but to “add a much needed and pleasurable stability.  These routines are called programmed decisions, and they cut down greatly on decision stress.”

     During the busy holiday season, doesn’t everyone want to reduce stress?!   Look to favorite memories of the past or carefully schedule your holiday to-do’s to develop family history.  Your Thanksgiving menu and the way you give thanks to God may be your family anchor for the holiday.  Outdoor games, family singing, a football game, Grandpa’s prayer, going through the Black Friday ads, bringing a pie to the fire station… what makes your Thanksgiving uniquely yours?

     Tried and true traditions can be meaningful, memorable respites in the busy instability of life.  Dr. Swenson suggests that these family memories do more than alleviate the burden of choice and declutter schedules.  He calls traditions “a valuable anchor for the soul.”

     May your soul find rest this holiday season and your thanks be genuine to the One who gives every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).  Happy Thanksgiving.

This article was originally published in The Creekline.

The Value of a Dollar ~ Part 3, PRACTICAL Ideas~

Wait!  While this article is good alone, it’s intended to be read in order from The Value of a Dollar series. Start with Part 1 here. Then read Part 2 here.

Every parent wants to raise financial geniuses.  We’ve explored financial responsibility, now let’s delve into some practical ways to equip your children- from toddlers to teens- as they learn to value a dollar.

Little ones usually don’t comprehend money’s value.  In the van today, we discussed money-making opportunities.  We’re gearing up for our family trip and everyone wants some spending money!  Andrew (4) was shocked I’d be willing to pay him $1 for an involved job.  “A whole dollar?!” he exclaimed joyfully.  That dollar lost it’s glamour quickly when we discussed how much a snack or souvenir will cost.  Still excited, he now understands he’ll need to work hard to save for a fun trip just like Mom & Dad.

Children have limited opportunities to earn money.  Encourage them to be creative!

• Keep a “paid jobs” list.  Dave Ramsey maintains, and I agree, that certain chores are a child’s contribution to family life and are unpaid.  However, I often make a list of extra jobs I’m willing to pay for.
• Allowance.  If you say you’re going to give it, keep your word!  You may consider having standards the children must meet in order to receive it.
• Talk to the neighbors.  A responsible child may be hired to walk a neighbor’s dog, babysit, mow lawns, rake leaves, pull weeds, or house sit.
• Sell something!  Neighborhood garage sales are bi-annual in most N St Johns County neighborhoods.  Allow your child to set up a lemonade stand or join with friends to sell outgrown toys.

Now that they’ve earned some money, remind your family to “Save, Spend & Give.”

Searching for a practical way to encourage saving?  One local dad matched savings- dollar for dollar. Adam Frederick remembers, “Dad definitely built into me a desire to save and watch my money closely.  It was a lot of fun to watch the account grow.”

His Dad showed him monthly statements that tracked balance and interest gained every month over the 5 years he matched savings- until Adam started working.  “He built into all of us a lot of financial ideas along the way.  He cited Proverbs 22:7 when he taught me to always pay off credit cards at the end of the month and never build debt.  Dad was very intentional.”

As your children get closer to adulthood, consider involving them in the family budget.

Len Fontenot shared, “I sat my kids down and showed them real life. I’ve shown them how much comes in, how much goes out on basics, for savings, supplemental retirement and retirement, how much for emergency and how to manage and manipulate credit. My boys learn far better from what I show them as opposed to what I tell them. In other words if you are practicing what you preach show them how the family finances work and let real life be the teacher.”

Practice what you preach.  As you train your children in financial responsibility, remember you are writing part of your family’s story.  Let it be consistent of your values in the rest of life- full of faithfulness and generosity.

This article was originally published in The Creekline.

The Value of a Dollar ~Part 2, Budgeting~

Wait!  While this article is good alone, it’s intended to be read in order from The Value of a Dollar series. Start with Part 1 here. 

Legos, Legos EVERYWHERE!  Four children big enough for Legos x birthdays x Christmas x unbirthday presents = exponentially more legos than you could possibly imagine!  Legos in boxes, Legos in bins, Legos in backpacks and Legos in my vacuum cleaner!

Why, then, did I wake up to this request one Saturday morning, “Mom?  Can we go on pick-a-brick and buy some Legos?”

They want more Lego swords, more hair, and more little hinges.  More guys, dogs and horses.  Really, they just want more.

If my goal for my children is financial maturity, now is the time to teach the difference between needs and wants, about goal-setting and entitlement.

Needs vs wants can be a fun lesson to cover.  It’s certainly easy once you help the children (and yourself!) look at life honestly.  Here’s a start:

jeans: need

Legos: want

iPod: want

M&M’s for kids: want

dark chocolate for Mom: need!

Try quizzing by grabbing random items off WalMart’s shelves and asking, “need or want?”  Expect a giggly answer when you pick up a giant pillow with a screen-printed wrestler, tanning spray and corn-on-the-cob holders.  They’ll be surprised at how little in such a large store is actually a need.

Once your kids catch on, they may call you out when you toss in another bottle of red nail polish or a crepe-maker that’s “such a great deal”.  Remember- the financial lifestyle you model is what your children will learn from!

Of course, not every want is bad… and that’s where the next teaching point comes in.  Buy wants within your budget selectively.  Remind them of Proverbs 21:20, “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.”

Dave Ramsey classifies money in three categories: spend, save, give.  He challenges readers to tithe first, pay yourself next (save) and then everything else.  When the children receive money, whether as a gift or payment, teach them to immediately separate it into spend, save and give.  Give the first 10% at church, save the next portion, what’s left is spending money.

Tithe.  Save.  Then spend.

So what if your sweetie wants a new iPod?  It comes out of spending money, but she doesn’t have enough!  Setting goals is imperative to enjoying life on a budget.  She needs to save her spending money for this splurge.  She may also want bracelets and lip gloss- help her realize how this purchase affects her goal of the iPod.

That same daughter may assume you are going to buy her jewelry to match her new outfits.  It may be well within your means to do so, and sometimes your heart is to bless her with those things.  In that case, go for it!  But if she’s demanding, assuming she deserves it or pouting to get it, recognize the symptoms of entitlement.

“You can smell entitlement on a kid a mile away,” Ramsey says.  Webster’s dictionary says entitlement is belief that one is deserving of certain privileges.  Ramsey’s advice to children (and adults)?  “You’re not entitled to squat!  Food on the table, a roof over your head… sure.”  This takes us full-circle to needs vs. wants.

Whether it’s $1 gum, $5 Legos or a splurge, teach your children to purchase wisely.

This is part 2 of a 3 part series on money originally published in The Creekline.  Continue to part 3 here.

The Value of a Dollar

I used to be rich… when I was 4.

Johnston’s FRM Feed Store had a 1c bubble gum machine.  While Mom selected perfect links of smoked sausage from the butcher, I filled my hands with rainbows of Chiclets gum.

It was my own, personal gold mine really…  The last penny candy dispenser when all the rest in town were 25 c.  Grocery store candy stands were no longer a temptation!  I saved my hard-earned allowance and only splurged on gum at Johnston’s.  It was my first lesson on the value of money: Shop for value, not instant gratification.

     Two years later, I saved up until I could buy the last toy I’d ever ask for… a Jem doll.  Move over Barbie- Jem was rockin’ her way into every girl’s toybox in 1986.  It took every last one of my pennies to buy her at the local ‘R Us.  She was amazing!  I loved her flashing, light-up earrings!  For about 2 hours.  The next day I gave her to my sister.  Lesson two: Money doesn’t buy happiness… unless you use it to bless someone else.

Fast forward to sixth grade.  Our class took a trip to Universal Studios and I saved $64 to bring with me.  After a fun day of Back 2 the Future, Earthquake and Ghostbusters rides, I carefully chose my souveniers in the (overpriced) gift shop.  When I got home, I gave Mom, Dad and my sister their personalized mugs.  I took out the swirly lollipop and the pencils I bought then looked up, puzzled, from my bag.  “That’s it?” I remember asking.  Lesson three: Money sure does go quick; and doesn’t always go far.

Present day.  Anytime strangers ask Andrew how old he is, he’s proud to answer, “Four.  And Mom is 30.”  These 30 years have brought times of financial abundance and some lean years as well.  The lessons I learned as a child on saving, budgeting and spending wisely have served our family well through both.  What a blessing to gain experiential knowledge in the safe environment of a loving childhood home when the only consequence was an empty wallet!

CNNMoney accuses Jacksonville residents of overspending- we’re reported to carry an average credit card debt of $5,115 per family- the second highest in the nation!  We do our children a great disservice if we allow them to flounder financially as adults instead of training them to spend wisely, and within their means, as children.

It’s been said that money is the root of all evil.  Instead, I’d like to think of money as a very revealing window into the state of the heart.  Do we shop to feel happy, be accepted, get a fix?  Are impulse buys, or budget-blowing purchases, your norm?  If so, please consider what you are modeling for your family!

Self-control and good stewardship are developed over a lifetime.  Just like you work out regularly to develop physical strength, we must exercise discipline, good choices and patience to develop wise spending habits.

There are a wealth of ways for children to learn good stewardship.  I believe the financial lifestyle you model is the most important.  Helping children manage their own money- including mandating savings and allowing a few mistakes along the way- is equally important.  We’ll make this a two-part article and look at practical ideas next month.  Until then- help your children see that spending wisely makes “cents”.

This article was originally printed in The Creekline.  It is part 1 of a 3 part series, read part 2 here.

Summer Safety

Summer is in full swing and our children are having a blast!  Pool mornings, beach days, family visits, and extra time with friends make for happy kids and great summer memories.

With homework and early bedtimes in the past, it’s possible to focus so much on fun that children become careless.  Right now, in the middle of summer diversions, is the perfect time for a family refresher on summer safety

In all honesty, I would usually gloss over an article like this.  I mean, I’ve been parenting forever.  I have six kids who have never broken a bone.  Do I need a basic safety lesson?

Yes, yes I do.  A few weeks ago our family had an accident that reminded me of the importance of safety.

What was your most recent family disaster?  Sunburns or jellyfish stings?  A kitchen fire?  A lost child for three… five… 20 minutes?  Maybe a bike accident resulting in stitches or broken bones?  Whatever the trauma, being prepared can make the difference between panic and desperation and managing the chaos in a careful, orderly way.

One of the most important things for children to know is that it is always okay  to come straight to you.  We’ve taught our children to stop, take a deep breath, think and pray and come straight to Mom.  Having a clear head in an urgent matter is crucial!

Of course, most summer safety issues are relatively benign.  Remembering sunblock when surfing, staying hydrated in the Florida heat… these are easy when friends are looking out for each other.  Being aware of rip currents and always using the buddy system when in the water, knowing how to treat a sting, and who to trust (stranger safety) should be reviewed at age-appropriate times.

When Ben severed a tendon and fractured his toe at the beach, Ben’s friends wisely carried him straight to me.  I have never been so grateful for the well-stocked first-aid kit we keep in the van!!  We were able to clean the wound, glob on antibiotic ointment to keep the gauze pads from sticking and minimize infection, and then tape with enough pressure to reduce bleeding until we could get to the fire station and urgent care center then orthopedic surgeon.

No matter how prepared you or your children are, crazy accidents (like a shovel slipping from the hand and resulting in surgery!) can catch us by surprise.  2 Corinthians 12:9 offers comfort.  Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you, formy power is made perfect in weakness.”    Ask God for guidance while doing what you can and getting to help.  The wisdom of knowing who to turn to can help keep your family safe this summer!

This article was originally published in The Creekline.

Red, White & You

Three cheers for the red, white and blue!!!

Our six year old, Timothy’s, favorite holiday is the Fourth of July.  Why?  Because he’s proud of the freedom Americans fought to obtain?  Umm, no.  Because his uncles and many family friends have served our country in times of peace and war?  Nope.  Because he loves guns, battles and all things explosive?  Closer… but still no.  Actually it’s because he likes the glow-sticks we give out every year at dusk to occupy the children until the fireworks.

It’s understandable, really.  I mean- he’s only six.  How could he know the significance of this all-American holiday?  How can he understand why we launch fireworks and why we enjoy BBQs with neighbors- of every cultural background- together as Americans?

Amid the bustle of everyday busyness, the “minor” holidays are often a welcome relief.  Many head to the water or paint the house like any Saturday.  It’s wonderful to have some time off to enjoy life and have a little fun!  So what sets a commemorative day, like July 4, apart in your children’s minds?

I’m looking ahead to Independence Day and this year, I’m asking questions.  Like, how can we make family memories while teaching the history, values and sacrifices that made our country great?

“Like most holidays, different people have different levels of engagement and different ways of participating,” commented 210 dad Eric Lowe.  He and wife Meg, a teacher, are establishing traditions like fireworks, a BBQ complete with the perennial favorite “blueberry flag” cake, and time spent with neighbors and friends.  “Although the song came along many years after we gained our independence, the Star Spangled Banner always brings a tear to my eye.” adds Meg.

Here at the Olsen home, we enjoy the annual neighborhood parade- brimming with patriotically decorated bikes, home-built floats, and a color guard from the high school.  The children love the candy and the firetruck, I love the day off from lunch duty- all the neighbors share pizza at the amenity center afterwards!  It’s a welcome break before the evening’s cookout, games and fireworks.

Across the First Coast, celebrations range from simple- a picnic lunch and special prayers for servicemen, to elaborate multi-family parties.  Some love spreading a blanket amidst the vibrant crowd for fireworks over the Castillo, others look forward to a Phantom Fireworks run to choose the perfect backyard pack.

And even this diversity- the freedom to choose your perfect celebration- is quintessentially American!  I love my country.  I’m grateful for the opportunity to celebrate freedom and teach our children about their heritage: Irish, Lebanese, Norwegian, English, and Cherokee- great- grandparents who loved this land and fought for the freedom we celebrate today as Americans.

We can be so forgetful- so every year, take a few minutes from your 4th, whether relaxing or full, to share some history and gratitude with your children.

How exactly should we celebrate Independence Day?  Together.  Happy 4th!

This article was originally published in The Creekline.

Here’s Cookin with You, Kid

This article was originally printed in The Creekline.

    Onions, broccoli, purple potatoes, brussel sprouts, cucumbers, tomatoes, beets, butter lettuce, peppers, collards, rosemary, cilantro… do these foods make your child break into a grin or break into a run?!

Foods that normally end up on the corner of a plate or hidden in a napkin may take soon center stage if you and your children get creative in the kitchen together!  This month, pick an unfamiliar veggie and don your aprons for some delicious family memories.

Everybody loves a cheese quesadilla.  Older children can make these (put shredded cheese on one half of a tortilla.  Fold in half.  Cook ‘til it melts, flip, serve!) with all sorts of tasty additions folded in.  If you offer a plate of sauteed veggies to choose from, you may be surprised when your picky son chooses peppers and mushrooms to add to the cheesy yumminess!  Cilantro is a garden staple and family favorite over here.

If all of that are already fave foods, add guacamole to the dinner!  Any preschooler will love mashing Haas Avocado chunks with a potato masher.  Here’s a chance to teach big sister to chop, too… tomatoes, red onions, cilantro and garlic (jalapeno for the brave!) all need to be stirred in.  Let someone have fun squeezing in some fresh lime juice and dashing on a bit of salt just before the final taste test.  (I’m getting hungry just writing about this!)  Avocado isn’t an “icky weird green thing” any more, now it’s a yummy snack with tortilla chips or on top of the quesadilla!

I’ve been surprised over the years at how many things my children willingly try (and enjoy!) when they have a hand in the preparation.  Tuna or egg salad sandwiches are always a welcome break from PB&Js and now Lauren jumps in the kitchen & whips these up on her own!

Sure, you can make personal pizzas with unusual toppings.  And how about a salad bar where they choose which new toppings to try alongside?  Or head to Ace or Lowe’s to choose some new veggies to plant (and later eat).  March is a fine time to introduce your family to the delicious side of Florida gardening!

Using a familiar base (pizzas and quesadillas) to add something new can be a great and non-intimidating way to introduce new foods to your family.  And if the kids snub their noses at these new taste treats?  Keep offering the “good stuff” and reduce the fake food (remember cheez whiz?) you keep in the house until they naturally choose delicious and nutritious snacks and dinners.

You can’t go wrong when you’re creating a delicious meal and a great memory alongside your child.  Bon Apetit!!

Valentine’s Day for the Birds

This article was originally printed in The Creekline.

It’s February!  The sun is out again!  The promise of spring and the thought of donning flip-flops brings smiles and happy sighs all over Florida… love is in the air!!  Our 48 sister states still trapped in freezing winter (not Hawaii, of course) need encouragement to show kindness and love after shovelling all that snow.  To that end, February was deemed the month of love.  Valentine’s Day was born.

Kidding!  You can research the roots of this holiday (which predates Hallmark, in case you’re wondering) on your own.  But since we should be giving encouraging notes to our children year round, and passionately loving our spouses with actions and tokens (flowers and chocolate, golf tees and fishing lures, whatever makes your spouse’s heart beat fast!) all 365 days of the year, I thought I’d share an “unvalentiney” way for your children to show love after this cold winter.

My idea involves a little creativity, a little craftiness, and a lot of hands-on fun.  You don’t have to buy doilies or glitter or explain to your six year old why she is too young for a boyfriend.  February was designated National Wild Bird Feeding Month in 1994, so we’re going to show our feathered neighbors some love this month!

There are many ways to make your backyard a welcoming spot for birds.  Birdfeeders, birdbaths and sand baths can transform a space in minutes!  My all-time favorite bird feeding project is the pinecone birdfeeder.  You may want to do this outside!  Children smear peanut butter all over and throughout a pinecone.  Then they roll it in birdseed, tie a string to the top and hang it for the birds to enjoy!

Our older children recently made suet (recipe at www.gracefullmom.com).  This is nutritionally dense for birds and makes a large batch!  You’ll be able to keep the feeder full for a while without more messy projects.  Like birdfeeders and seed, suet and suet feeders are easy to buy if you’re not up for a project.

I was surprised last week by seeing some small birds (as yet unidentified) flitting all over our yard- and enjoying our bird bath!  I’ve had this bird bath for years and this is the first time I’ve witnessed a bird playing in it.  In fact, I had given up and stopped filling it!  Fortunately for the tiny bird, it had just rained.  A birdbath can be quickly improvised by filling a very large plant saucer.  Some birds prefer their water source elevated.  A fun experiment would be to place one on the ground near a bath on a pedestal and see which receives more visitors!

It’s been fun getting to know our backyard buddies and learning their preferences.  Sometimes we’ll put extra seed on a fence post for a bird who can’t get the hang of a feeder- we aren’t “birders” but we sure do have fun watching our backyard guests!

I’m reminded of the scripture, “All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you!  They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.” -Psalm 145:10-12

The splendor of Florida’s weather and the birds in our own backyard can be breathtaking.  Teaching our children to appreciate the creatures that call St John’s County home and to love the Creator who made them is a wonderful way to celebrate love this month.  ♥

10 Ways to Say Thanks

This article was originally published in The Creekline.

January is a month of numbers.  A countdown to the new year is where it begins.  Then we move to 3 or 5 resolutions.  Now, we’ll add a list of people your children should thank for wonderful holiday memories.  Yes, it’s Thank You note time!

I can hear you muttering something about winter doldrums being due to the outmoded practice of writing Thank You notes… but grumble no more!  You don’t have to stick with the stationary and fountain pen note (though those are my perineal favorites!)  There are as many ways to express gratitude as there were gifts under the tree.  It can be fun!  Browse through my 10 Ways to Say Thanks top ten and let me change your mind.

    TEN (We should count down, don’t you think?) Invite the giver over and enjoy the gift together!  Did your daughter receive a spa set?  Let her do nails with her friend.  Did Grandpa give his favorite Western to your boy?  Set up a time for them to enjoy popcorn and the cowboy movie together.  Whether your children jot a quick thank you note invitation or simply call to invite, using the gift together will create a better memory than any letter would.

NINE A picture is worth a thousand words.  Take a picture of your child enjoying the gift and let him write a quick thanks on the back.

EIGHT Draw a picture of the gift.  A horse-themed picture from your daughter to thank Nana for a My Little Pony set is sure to put a smile on any grandma’s face.

SEVEN Call!  Are you a procrastinator?  Super busy this time of year?  A call while you’re using the gift can be very meaningful.  We call Granny every time she sends a delicious treat and enjoy the moment together in spite of the miles that separate us.

SIX Write a poem.  Okay, okay- you can google one if you must.  But limericks are an easy, fun and funny way to mix it up.  These short (5 line) humorous poems with an AABBA rhyme scheme are perfect if the gift would be hard to gush over.  Fruitcake?  Tie?  No problem!

FIVE Let your little one watercolor a “picture” and you write a thanks for him over the dried masterpiece.

FOUR Pull out all the fun crafty goods (glitter, rick rack, googly eyes, stickers) and make the words THANK YOU pop off the front of a homemade card.

THREE Be specific in your thanks.  What was the gift?  How will you use it?  What was the first thing you thought when you saw it?  A thoughtfully written letter is never outdated.

TWO Give a sincere, personal thanks with a smile and a hug.  A live, in-person hug is hard to top!

ONE Keep it simple.  A post it note on the bathroom mirror, computer monitor, or any other unexpected place can brighten someone’s day.  Likewise, a flower picked from the garden with a little “thank you” attached can be simply perfect.

Grandparents, siblings, neighbors and friends put a lot of thought and love into the gifts, parties and treats your children received this Christmas.  When you teach the kiddos to say thanks, you’re giving the gift of gratitude which is in perfect taste all year round.