Tonight we held our second annual neighborhood bonfire. Last year, instead of giving my traditional neighborhood gifts, I decided to invite the neighborhood to a bonfire where we could sip hot chocolate, enjoy delicious goodies, and visit with each other as friends around a warm fire. I turned the event into a service opportunity. I invited everyone to take the money they would have spent on neighbor gifts and donate it to the local food bank.
Last year we had such a positive response from our neighborhood, that we did it again this year and had an even better turn out. It was a fun night. All the neighborhood together, enjoying each other’s company.
We had a beautiful fresh snowfall today, but the snow let up just in time for our bonfire. It was cold though, so there was a crowd around the fire.
Elayne made her famous cinnamon hot chocolate. This stuff is not your traditional Swiss Miss. It’s made from scratch and it’s amazing! I think Jonathan and Jeffrey had about 17 cups between them. One of the worst things in the world is to hear, “Mommy, I need to go to the bathroom,” coming from a kid who is dressed in seven layers of winter outerwear.
People brought all kinds of yummy treats. The first things to go were Colette’s Belgian butter cookies that she makes in a special cookie press.
Our neighbor Bobby turned the bonfire into a marshmallow roasting opportunity. Pretty soon others were following his lead. Jeffrey’s coat is in the washing machine. He had quite a bit of roasted marshmallow stuck to it.
This is our neighbor Dallas with Jeffrey. Dallas made his own hat. It’s very colorful! I got Jeffrey’s hat at the store for a buck. Not very colorful.
People brought lots of food donations for the food bank. Lots of checks too. My neighbor Lee manages a Jiffy Lube where they will match any donations, can for can and dollar for dollar, so they will double everything that was donated tonight. Awesome!
I have the best neighbors in the world. I love them all! Thanks to all who helped make this night happen. Merry Christmas everyone!
13 comments:
What an amazing neighborhood tradition! I love it! You always have such awesome ideas, Jill - and you make them happen! You rock!
I wish one of my neighbors would have a bonfire. I would gladly attend such a holiday party. I love your fire pit.
What a great idea! So many people need food this time of year and you still get to visit with neighbors!
Wow--what a neat idea. I love it. I almost love it enough to think of doing it---next year! What's the recipe for the hot chocolate?
How delightful! I think I'll go eat a cookie now.
Thanks for organizing this grand event. We certainly don't get a lot of mingle time with the neighbors in the winter time, it was great.
What a great idea! I really...i mean REALLY hate being cold, but I might brave it for a little fun time and tradition. (two of my favorites) What fun these holidays are!
Awww, thanks for the invite, sure wish I could mingle with all of you fine people!!
I've been slaving over four batches of toffee to deliver to our neighbors and thinking that we ought to copy you next year! What an awesome idea!
Where did you get your cool firepit place thing? I like it!
Lynette,
We borrowed the fireplace thingy from our neighbors who bought it a Lowe's several years ago in the summer time. They use it in their backyard to roast marshmellows and such with the family. It worked well for our bonfire too. They said it wasn't very expensive.
What a terrific idea! It helps the community, and the memories that you make are just as good--if not better--than the gifts you would exchange. Nice work!
One of the coolest ideas I've ever seen. great, great idea. and the food....looks YUM!
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