With a little luck, after Christmas, we rest. We sit back to enjoy the grace of a crisp, but not cold, winter morning that began with a brilliant sunrise. We pick up that book we’d set aside for the last two crazed weeks. We fully appreciate the transient charm of the decorations that, in a week or so, will return to hibernation till next December. Amid the luminescence, the comings and goings, calm sets in… and we are thankful.
I am very thankful for another wonderful family Christmas, replete with blessings… not the least of which was once again to accompany Angie, my 96-year-old godmother, to Mass on Christmas Eve and to have her with us Christmas Day, along with our neighbor Jamie, who pitched in to help the kids with dinner. Here’s un petit gout* of our holiday.
Our souvenir ornament from the Omni Mt. Washington, which you can read about in my previous post.
Emily and I both love the Christmas cookie recipes in this article from many moons ago, written by my dear friend Maureen, who was for some time the food editor of a daily paper in Scranton, PA. Those sweet little girls are long grown up now, of course, and the newsprint is nearly crumbling. I typed the recipes but still love re-reading the actual article.We ordered treats (for ourselves and to share) from Red Kite Candy in Thetford, VT. Oh my, oh my, oh my—I really don’t need to taste any other caramel or toffee, ever. For info, see my previous post. Emily’s magnificent latkes, brisket done on the Traeger and applesauce on December 23, her birthday. A delightful birthday/Chanukah celebration, with plenty of entertainment provided by the grands. Christmas Eve morning early, over my coffee, I completed my second annual gingerbread house. From a kit, of course. Horribly executed (just not good at this stuff!) but lots of fun. Much deliberation on whether to make the gnocchi with an egg or not. Son Chris decided to leave the egg out, and they were melt-in-your-mouth tender. That’s an olive wood tool that Emily found in Southern Italy. Gnocchi are Angie’s favorite.And there it is. My mother (and probably my father) would have been proud. I can’t take credit for much beyond the meatballs and the table setting, but collaboration always produces the best holidays.
*A little taste… one of my favorite French expressions.
as always your writing is lovely. Let’s talk about that table cloth…it’s gorgeous. You are so blessed to have family still with you. A very happy healthy New Year Angela
Thank you, Timerey dear. Yes, blessed indeed. It was a gigantic family once. Williams Sonoma about 11 years ago. Made in Poland. Adore it. It’s soft and irons easily.
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Dorothy's New Vintage Kitchen
What lovely new memories!
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restlessjo
It looks warm and inviting. Christmas is always great when you have someone to share it. 🙂 🙂 Wishing good health and happiness in 2020, Angela.
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Ron
Lovely Angela, thats for sharing your family Christmas.
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Angela
You are very welcome!
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Timerey Bush
as always your writing is lovely. Let’s talk about that table cloth…it’s gorgeous. You are so blessed to have family still with you. A very happy healthy New Year Angela
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Angela
Thank you, Timerey dear. Yes, blessed indeed. It was a gigantic family once. Williams Sonoma about 11 years ago. Made in Poland. Adore it. It’s soft and irons easily.
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