Take a Break: Victorian Christmas Food and Games

This is the third in the series on Victorian Christmas. See below for links to the other two "take a breaks."

After attending church, the family would return home to a table decorated with seasonal greens, flowers, the best dishes and table linens. While small gifts adorned the trees, the gift was actually the feast. After dinner, there maybe “parlor games,” such as charades, as well as fireworks.

If you’ve read or seen “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, you know that a goose is a must, along with a Christmas pudding, and some sort of drink. The serving of the pudding was one of the great rituals of the Victorian Christmas dinner; indeed it was almost as much a ceremony as the creation of the pudding. The plum pudding, made up of suet, bread crumbs, raisins, and spices, was a family effort. On Stir-Up Sunday at the beginning of Advent, each family member took a turn a beating the pudding, making a wish, and stirring clockwise for good luck. Then a ring, coin, or thimble was tossed into the batter. Until Christmas Day the pudding hung from a sack, then it was boiled in beef broth for eight hours. After dinner it was turned out on a platter, topped with a sprig of holly, set alight, and carried into the dining room. Victorian Christmas Dinner 

Below are a variety of recipes to help re create a Victorian Christmas feast. Least we forget, here is a link to make Christmas Crackers (Snaps),  which appear next to each person’s place setting.

• The Victorian Christmas Dinner: Original recipes from the Victorian era.

• Victorian Christmas Dinner: Includes an interesting pudding recipe 

• Menu from Godey’s Lady’s Book December 1890 

• Victorian Christmas: Food and Drink: Includes how to videos and recipes for mulled wine, mince pies, sugar plums, Wassail punch, turkey and stuffing, bread sauce, Christmas pudding. 

Once you and your guests are stuffed, it’s time for the parlor games.

• Victorian Christmas: Games and Activities

•Victorian Parlour Games

For more on Victorian Christmas, check out the following links in this series:

• Create a Victorian Christmas-Tree decorations 

• Celebrate Victorian Christmas -Wreaths, Swags and Gifts 

Unique Gifts for Caregivers

As a companion to the Unique Gifts for Patients post, and with the holiday season in full season, this is a good time to think about gifts for caregivers.  

 Keep in mind the following about the needs of a caregiver

• Time is their number one issue. Gifts that help them enjoy their free time or create some time are appreciated. While certain gadgets are wonderful gifts and time savers, many caregiver aren’t going to be exactly thrilled with an automatic pillbox as their Christmas or birthday present.

• While it may seem like a cute idea to give them a homemade coupon book offering various services, like childcare, trash removal, or lawn care, they aren’t going to be thinking about “redeeming” their coupon as it’s one more thing they’d need to keep track of.  If you want to offer a service that you think they need, make a card that let’s them know what you will do and when. Some examples:

-                                    “I am your snowplow man/woman for January and February.”

-                                    “Smith’s Lawn Service will cut your grass the 1^st and 3^rd Saturdays of the month for July,     August and September.”

-                                   “Annie’s Catering will provide dinner for you and your family on Monday nights for the month of January.” With this one, you can include a “menu” so they can “order” the dishes they would like to receive.

With the card, consider something small like a box of their favorite candy, an ornament for their tree, a tin of homemade cookies etc.

• Caregivers need to know they can depend on people. If you offer your service, be sure you show up and complete the task.

• They don’t always have the ability to adjust their schedule to do various things, in fact some can’t leave their charge unless there is a sitter or an attendant that can take their place. If you give a gift that will take them away from their charge, such as theater tickets or a spa weekend, line up a sitter for the time they will be gone.

• Isolation and loneliness can be real issues for many caregivers. While they may be dealing with lots of people, such as medical providers, personal care attendants, aids etc., their life may feel like it’s home, doctor’s office, pharmacy and home again. Giving them a chance to be with friends for an evening-be it at someone’s house, a restaurant or at the theater- is a wonderful gift.

• Finances are often very tight, so if you are comfortable doing this, help them by paying off some of their bills. Giving them cash to do this is not recommended, since too often cash can be spent for other purposes. Writing the check to the utility company or other business is a better way to go. This is also where gift cards come in handy. Gas, grocery store and pharmacy cards are always useful. 

• They need to be reminded that they are important and special. When you give gifts that are more about the person they are caring for-such as automated pill boxes-you aren’t really recognizing the caregiver for themselves.  Caregivers spend a large part of their day giving, so help them recharge by providing a gift that is special and meaningful to them.  

• Unless they express specific interest, books and magazines about caregiving, or the particular condition a person is living with, are often never read. If you want to give a book, consider something that allows them to escape for an hour or two.

GIFT IDEAS

Electronics: There are a variety of items to choose from at all price points.

• Tablets: While many will already have a computer, tablets (e.g. iPad) are very handy and there are some androids for as little as $129. Consumer Reports December 2013 recommends the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX Tablet, which is selling for $230. 

• E Readers: Kindle or other electronic book devices are also user friendly and it allows them to have something interesting to read, particularly if they have to wait long hours at the hospital or health center. You can pick these up fairly cheaply as there are all sorts of deals on them at the moment. Amazon currently has a Kindle 6” for $89

• E Fitness: Fitting in exercising can be difficult. There are various electronic games such as Wii Fit and Dance Dance Revolution that will provide both entertainment and exercise. An exercise, yoga or Tai Chi video might also be appreciated.

• Streaming Media Players: They no longer have to miss their favorite TV program as an Apple TV or Roku allows them to download and watch various shows and movies using such websites as Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Premium. Apple TV can be bought for as little as $85, while Roku is priced lower. Consumer Reports recommends Google Chromecast for $35. This does require some cables that may not make it as practical as the other options. 

• iPhone: Consumer Reports recommends the 16 GB, which will vary in price based on carrier. 

• MP3 Players: iPods are wonderful, particularly the iPod Touch, as they allow you to have your favorite music, as well as books on tape. Further, many libraries have free books you can download for two weeks at a time. While the smart phone and tablets are replacing the need for these devices, some people still prefer them.  

E-Gift Cards: For those caregivers already using tablets and smart phones, giving them an iTunes Gift Card makes it possible for them to download apps or music. Amazon also offers an Appstore gift card, which is good for those who have Android devices.

Pampering: Not everyone likes to be touched, so do some checking first to make sure they’ll appreciate one of the following:

• Spa: An afternoon, day or weekend

• Massage: Having a massage in their home.

• Hair Salon: Having your hair done can give a considerable lift.

• Pedicure/Manicure: These aren’t just for ladies.

Since these can be pricey, a group of friends can pitch in to make this possible.

Baskets: Baskets are an easy way to put together a variety of items around a theme. Some ideas to consider

• Bath/Spa: For those that love long baths, include such items as bath matt and pillow; special soaps; sugar scrubs; loofahs and other “scrubbing devices;” candles; plants; body lotion for after the bath and even a bottle of champagne.

• Teatime: The whole idea of tea sounds relaxing. Include things like a special tea mug; cookies; teas; brewing pot; tea bag rest; honey; special sugars

• Hot Chocolate: Include a box of good quality hot chocolate, a mug, marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, and a chocolate spoon.

• Candles: A great way to set a relaxing mood, focus on candles without scent. Flame less candles are always a good option, but if you go with waxed candles, include special lighter or matches; a candle snuffer, wick trimmer, candle shaver and candle holder(s)

• Evening for Two: Include a card that gives the date when you’ll be bringing over dinner to share with them. In the basket include special plates, napkins, napkin rings, bottle of wine, glasses, candles and other items to make this a special night. If you want to bring them dinner and a movie, a video, popcorn and a box of “movie” candy would be good things to add.

• Food: Include ready to eat items that are as healthy as possible. Such items could include: fresh and dried fruits, nuts, dark chocolate, cheese, crackers, smoked salmon, wine or sparking apple cider, napkins.

• Other: If they have a special interest, design a basket around that theme. For the movie lover, a gift certificate to Netflix along with a nice bowl for pop corn, and several boxes of Snowcaps, Twizzlers or whatever kind they like. Keep in mind that giving a gift basket of golf items, when it’s nearly impossible for them to get away for a game, isn’t the best idea.  

Can’t afford to fill a basket, consider something much simpler such as matching socks and nail polish; journal and pen set; favorite hand or body lotion, etc.

Arts and Crafts: I could write volumes about the importance of using your hands to engage in creative activities. Not only does it reduce stress, increase immune function, but it also elevates mood. An art kit-colored pens, pencils, markers, water colors, paper etc.-might make a good gift. There are a variety of craft kits that can be picked up at places like Michael’s or Joann Fabrics.

Puzzles and Games: Be it a jig saw puzzle, crossword, Sudoku, hidden word or something else, activities that can be worked on when there is time, can be fun and relaxing. There are many apps for activities like this.

 

Bring the outside in: Nature is a healing force so things like a Zen garden, plants, flowers, water feature, bird feeder, wind chimes or even a sound machine featuring nature sounds can be calming and relaxing.

 

Gift Cards: Always a great way to ensure that people get something they’ll want, the variety of gift cards are never ending. In additionto the various ones at your local grocery store, consider things like cleaning service and respite care.

Take a Break: Celebrate Victorian Christmas -Wreaths, Swags and Gifts

Keeping with December's theme of Victorian Christmas-last week was Create a Victorian Christmas-Tree decorations -this week we focus on gifts, wrapping them and holiday greens. 

Gifts: Similar to tree ornaments, the Victorians started months ahead making presents for one another. The homemade gift was considered more thoughtful and meaningful than a store bought one. For the adults, presents might include: Apron, stationary, muffler or scarf, jewelry, magazine subscription, handkerchiefs or scarves, combs, needle-case, watch case, pomander ball, plant, photograph frame, book marks, cookies, jams, jellies or sweets. Some of the same presents would be suitable for a boy or girl. Boys gifts would include sled, skates, model train, shoeshine kit while a girl would receive dolls and accessories, hair bows etc. http://www.biblicalquality.com/Christmas8.html

As noted in last week’s post, the feast was the gift initially. However, with the arrival of the industrial age, manufactured toys became available and gift giving expanded. 

Wrapping: In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, presents were wrapped in brown-paper. However, as the holiday grew in popularity, gift wrapping expanded. Presents were wrapped in colored paper, tissue or cloth with ribbons to complement. “Christmas papers were intricately printed and ornamented with lace and ribbon. Decorated boxes, loose bags, and coronets bore cutout illustrations of Father Christmas, robins, angels, holly boughs and other seasonal decorations.” How is wrapping paper made. 

An interesting aside- tissue paper was a spin off of toilet paper. Introduced by Joseph Gayetty in 1867, by 1863, it was commonplace enough for Butterick to use it for the newly invented sewing patterns. Learn more about gift wrapping. Other wrapping ideas:

• Make Wrapping Paper using marbling techniques 

• Examples of Victorian wrapping 

Greens-Centerpieces, wreaths and swags: Christmas was a time to bring the outside in. Pine cones would be gathered, greens would be cut and if there was no holly berries, the Victorians would dip beans into red wax.

The dinning room table would be set with a tablecloth or runner. Candles would be lit and greens or flowers would be a focal point.

One year, having no centerpiece, my brother-in-law, who is an artist, went outside and cut a variety of pine branches. He laid them in the center of the table, placing glass tree ornaments on top of them and adding two candles. It didn’t take him more than 15 minutes to make, but it looked terrific. You can make a centerpiece using a vase or container of some sort to hold greens. For inspiration, check out 539 Victorian Christmas Decorating Dining Design.

I’m fortunate as I live where there are lots and lots of pine trees, so I can pretty much go outside and cut all that I need. I’ve been making swags for doors by taking a bunch of greens and wrapping them together with floral wire. Since I also have a lot of pine cones, I’ve been tying ribbons around them and draping them down the front of the swag. The whole thing is tied off with ribbon. 

If you don’t have pine readily available where you are, the Dollar Store has plenty of faux greenery that can be cut up and used in a similar manner. They also sell bags of pine cones, which can be touched up with white paint to look like it’s been snowing.

If a wreath is more your style, check out the following links:

• Victorian Farm Christmas How to Make a Wreath 

• Pine Cone Wreath

Cold and Hot Packs: Which to use, when and how to make them yourself

Working in first aid at the local ski area, we go through a lot of ice as well as heat packs. The latter are generally used for cold hands and feet, with the ice being used for the aches, bumps, bruises and breaks that can accompany falls.

Below are some basic guidelines to follow. Be sure to talk to your provider about what’s right for you

Ice for Injuries

Most often injuries result from some sort of fall or collision-in short, you know what you did. The area becomes inflamed, with common symptoms including pain, tenderness, swelling and/or redness. Ice is the best immediate treatment because it will reduce swelling and pain. Never put ice or cold packs directly on skin because it can cause frostbite. Put a washcloth or towel between your cold pack and your skin. Use in 10-15 minute increments. Wait about 45-60 minutes before reapplying the cold pack. The skin should return to its normal appearance before reapplying. For hands and feet, it can be easier to soak in a bucket or bowl of icy water.

Acute injuries are iced for up to three days.  After 48 hours, the effect of icing is significantly reduced. Ice as needed, as long as the injured area returns to normal appearance.

Ice can be useful for flare-ups for chronic conditions, such as icing a long- standing injury after playing tennis.

An ice massage can be very helpful. Apply ice directly to the injured area but move it frequently, not allowing it to sit in one spot.

If you sustain an injury, follow the Mayo Clinic’s PRICE protocol

1. Protect the injured limb from further injury by not using the joint. You can do this using anything from splints to crutches.

2. Rest the injured limb. But don't avoid all activity. Even with an ankle sprain, you can usually still exercise other muscles to minimize deconditioning. For example, you can use an exercise bicycle with arm exercise handles, working both your arms and the uninjured leg while resting the injured ankle on another part of the bike. That way you still get three-limb exercise to keep up your cardiovascular conditioning.

3. Ice the area. Use a cold pack, a slush bath or a compression sleeve filled with cold water to help limit swelling after an injury. Try to ice the area as soon as possible after the injury and continue to ice it for 10 to 15 minutes four times a day for 48 hours. If you use ice, be careful not to use it too long, as this could cause tissue damage.

4. Compress the area with an elastic wrap or bandage. Compressive wraps or sleeves made from elastic or neoprene are best.

5. Elevate the injured limb above your heart whenever possible to help prevent or limit swelling.

After two days, gently begin using the injured area. You should feel a gradual, progressive improvement. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), may be helpful to manage pain during the healing process. If no improvement after several days, contact your medical provider.

Heat for muscle pain (knots, spasms, trigger points)

Note that if you injury a muscle start with cold for the first few days until the inflammation is under control and then switch to heat. Apply heat in increments of 15-20 minutes and be sure to put a protective layer to avoid the possibility of a burn.

Sore, stiff, nagging muscles or joint pain responds to heat. Moist heat is the most effective form. Using Heat for Pain Problems 

Make your own ice and heat packs

With the holidays rapidly approaching, it is easy to make hot/cold packs as gifts. These are generally nothing more than two pieces of fabric sewn together and filled with rice or another grain. Placed in the microwave for a minute or less, they can provide ample heat. To ice, store in the freezer. Links to check out:

• 5 Ways to Make Homemade Ice Packs 

• How to make the best cheapest ice and heat packs video 

Other Resources

• The Great Ice vs.Heat Confusion Debacle: A quick guide that explains when to ice, when to heat, when not to, and why.

• What Makes self-Treatment Worth Trying? 

• Injuries: To ice or heat?