Christmas with Theresa Snyder

Thanks for joining me again for week two of my Christmas interviews with authors.  Each week, I'll host a different author.  And on the week of December 4th I will share some of my favorite holiday things with you. 

Plus, these authors and I have worked up a little something special just for YOU, our followers as a way of saying thank you for all your support.  The best part is...you don't have to sign up for anything or even create a free account. 
It's just simply a free gift to you.
So be sure to drop by for your free gift on November 18th.

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The premise for these special holiday interviews is
"What These Famous Authors are Doing for the Holidays". 

This week, Theresa Snyder has stopped by for a visit. 
And where there is a Theresa Snyder, there is almost
always a Farloft.    

So, please help me welcome back author
Theresa Snyder and Farloft.

And, in case you didn't know, Farloft has his own book out called Farloft's Storybook.

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Alexia:  Theresa, my friend, welcome back.  Thanks for finding time to visit with me this special and oh so busy time of year. 

As most of you know, I am a Christmas year 'round
kind of person.  I love the holidays, all the decorating
and baking.

I especially like the holidays when I can share them
with the family and good friends such as the worlds
most handsome dragon ever: Farloft.

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Farloft:  Thanks Alexia.  It's nice to be back with you and your guests.  Hello everybody.  Oh, by the way, Alexia, these are for you.
*delivers a gift of chocolates, extends wings and bows*

Alexia:  Well, thank you Farloft. Give me a huggle.  I'm so glad you could make it.  How was your trip coming in?

Farloft:  Well, we hit a little rain storm.  Theresa kept trying to open her umbrella and it would nearly yank her off.  I eventually had to dart outside of the storm to keep her dry, not to mention keeping her on my back.  *looking around for his gift, licks muzzle in anticipation*

Alexia:  I'm excited that you both made it; safe and sound.  Would you be looking for this?
*presents Farloft with a tray of chocolates and other baked goodies*

Farloft:  Awe, *blushes* thank you Alexia. You always have the best chocolates and treats ever.

Alexia:  You are welcome, Farloft, Merry Christmas. *huggles again*

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Alexia:  I understand you are joining me for a special Christmas project for our followers.

Farloft: Yes and I'm so excited about it, too. I appreciate you inviting me to participate. *grins toothily*

Alexia:  You are welcome. I'm sure having fun working on this for our followers.  And I know you are too.

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Alexia:   So, Theresa, are you and Farloft doing anything special this Christmas that you don’t normally do? If so, what would it be?

Theresa:  Dad and I usually spend a quiet Christmas at home. Sarah, my dear friend and book cover illustrator, and Daniel, who was my lead in the print shop for over eight years, come for brunch each year. We open presents afterward and then settle in for the phone calls we will receive from friends and family throughout the rest of the day.

Alexia: Our tree is usually decorated with all the old ornaments.  Recently the kids won the debate and we bought new shiny ones.  Do you favor old fashion Christmas decorations or new / modern ones? Why?

Theresa:  Our tree is a history of our family. We have a tradition of exchanging ornaments with friends, so the tree is a conglomerate of a lot of different tastes. The rest of the decorations around the house are the same, a mixture of old and new. The theme is always toy/candy store with loads of munches in crystal jars all over the bookshelves and mantles.

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Alexia:  That sounds lovely.  What is one of your most favorite Christmases as a child?

Theresa:  I remember the year I got my teddy bear, Smokey. Mother said it was a terrible disappointment to her because I had wanted the bear in the store so much and she said I never begged for anything. She and dad put it on lay-a-way and saved for it all through October, November and December. They were so anxious to see my face when I received it Christmas morning, but I was so sure I was going to get it from Santa that I got out of bed early and found it under the Christmas tree. Mom and dad awoke to me laying in my bed clutching Smokey in my sleep.

Alexia:  What’s it like decorating around your house for the holidays? Do you have family over to help string up miles of lights and finish off the day with holiday treats / drinks? Perhaps, you all go shopping for the perfect Christmas tree and discuss new things to do this year. 
And I can imagine Farloft is a big help, especially stringing lights on the roof and other high places.  *sticks out chest in pride and grins*

Theresa:  We always have Sarah and Daniel over and whoever else wants to join us. Sarah and Daniel are like my kids and they look forward to the decorating as much as we do. It has become a tradition for them to show up the weekend before Christmas. I have the house clear of other ornamentation and all the boxes of Christmas stuff brought in from the shed. They go at it like Christmas elves and in no time we have it all done. Then we sit down to a nice lunch of soup, or stew, and homemade biscuits.

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Alexia:  If you could go back to your childhood, what Christmas treat did your Mom make for you that you would most enjoy baking for your family today?

Theresa:  My mom always made waffles with strawberries and whipped cream for Christmas morning breakfast. We continue that tradition with Sarah and Daniel, but I would give anything to have mom’s homemade waffles again. They were so light and fluffy.
Dad also makes an incredible homemade cranberry sauce that is always required on the table Christmas day.
2 bags of fresh cranberries – ground up in a grinder or chopped in a blender
1 apple and 2 oranges (plus the peeling of one orange) chopped up
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup granulated sugar
Mix well and refrigerate overnight

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Alexia:  All we do to prepare for the holidays sends out a message to our families and friends.  What is your message?

Theresa:  My message is always to spend as much time with friends and family as possible. Time is a precious thing and much more important than any other material gift you could give.

Alexia:  If I were visiting your home for the holidays, what should I expect to see, taste, and do?

Theresa:  The house would be decorated like a toy/candy store. There is a mechanical Santa that reads story books, a bear that blows bubbles, a musical merry-go-round with silver reindeer. There is a dog that ‘barks’ Christmas carols and numerous crystal jars with candy and cookies in them throughout the house. We would start out with waffles, berries and whipped cream for breakfast. Music would be playing softly all day long. We would open presents and visit. There would be a big selection of munches and drinks, both hot and cold. My mother was Irish and never wanted anyone to go away hungry. I have inherited that desire. We normally have our big holiday meal with company on Christmas Eve, so on Christmas day we ‘graze.’ There is left over ham, cheeses, Dad’s homemade cranberry sauce, salads, green beans, sweet potatoes, fresh rolls and baked goods. We usually end the day with Christmas movies and naps.

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Alexia:  A toy / candy store? Hmm, maybe I need to come for a visit.  I've really enjoyed our visit Theresa and of course with Farloft, too.  I wish you both a bright and very merry holiday season.  Thank you both for coming by.

Farloft:  *sticks nose in air and breathes deeply* I smell snow! We are going to have a fun flight home. *grins at Theresa*

Theresa:  Thanks for having us Alexia. I wish you a very merry Christmas, *whispers* Do you have another coat I can borrow? *shivers at the thought of snow*


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Books make great gifts.  Be sure to visit Theresa and Farloft for your Christmas shopping.

Join me again next week as I host Susan Jean Ricci, author of A Super Sandy Christmas and the Christmas Cardinal.

Until then,
Alexia

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