It took 44 boxes of candy canes to make this amazing tree. 

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

*Image and creation instructions courtesy of Amen Photography.

Are you feeling the holiday spirit yet? If not, check out what Calvin has to say about believing in Santa Claus and the Spirit of Christmas.                        

Happy holidays everyone!

(Source: nevver)

Halloween is over so it must be time for Christmas, right?!

*Ruffle Christmas Tree Cake photo courtesy of Bubble and Sweet via the Half Baked Cake Blog.

                                   MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

*Photo of Santa Cupcake courtesy of The Cupcake Blog.

Each year TCW, my employer, hosts a pull-out-all-the-stops holiday party for the children (ten and under) of all employees. The Dining Staff does an amazing job dressing up our dining rooms with red, green, gold and silver holiday decor accompanied by scrumptious mini-food for kiddies, plus tons of characters from Silly the Elf and Sponge Bob to Kung Fu Panda and, well, SANTA! The entire event is at a decibel level that’s off the charts and only occurs in nature when 100 kids are in one room at the same time, loaded up with sugar and holiday cheer.

This year the pièce de résistance was this gingerbread cathedral created by our skilled pastry chef Erick Reyes. Always ready to top his own creations this grand centerpiece, along with a few typical gingerbread houses scattered around it, took him 70 hours to create using 28 sheets of gingerbread. For perspective on size, see the mechanical train near the entrance. Yep, he also incorporated two trains into the village set-up. Up until the moment the kids arrived to meet Santa he was perfecting this sugary wonderland. Needless to say children and parents alike were awed by such holiday splendor - and its delicious aroma.

Cheers to Chef Reyes and his impressive baking skills!

T-minus eight days until Christmas! My little fake tree is all lit up and covered in ornaments. Gift shopping is nearly complete and most things have already been shipped to the real tree in DC where I’ll be opening items on Christmas Day. I’ve been eating holiday sweets and treats as a show of my dedication to the season. What more is left? To watch ELF of course! It isn’t Christmas without a screening.

What’s your favorite quote from this new holiday classic?

                                     ‘Tis the season to be jolly!

         Finally, a healthy-ish way to eat dessert at Christmas time.

(Source: your-daily-dose)