Started a new tradition with my very dear friend. Last year we got together for brunch and planned on hitting a few craft sales for fun. We ended up doing christmas shopping, and got most of it done. Decided that was the best way to do it.
This year we hit the mall and she shared a gift certificate she had at Williams Sonoma (I got a medium microplane grater) just because she wanted to, got a little of the christmas shopping done, and then we went to another friend’s Holiday Open House. That was all about good friends good food.
It is different. For so many years my holidays were defined by my wanting to provide the best experience for my kids. I decorate to create the atmosphere, I cook to provide the foods they love best, I gift to add to their worlds or make them smile. When you have little, you make the most of little things…I have many, many little things. I have finally begun scaling back, not putting out everything, altho its a tough decision as I rewrap some old favorites.
I am trying to find ways of filling my needs without making my kids feel obligated to participate, as they seem to be going through a stage where they want to do things in their own families. And I do understand that…I did it myself. But it means I have to change my purpose. Luckily, the food I make is the food I love, and this year I hope to make some different kinds of cookies.
I had hoped to set my table this year, because we were going to be a small group…but the group keeps growing. Weather will make an impact on who actually shows up, but if its a big group, there wont be enough room to really set the table. But….
It is all about making the best of what I have.
