Christmas 2019 has arrived. No fanfare, no giggly children anxious to open packages, no pre-made Christmas casserole ready for the oven. We slept in…at least I did, and after a fresh cup of coffee spiked with Amarula, I prepared a sausage and egg casserole for a late breakfast. The trees are lite, the music is playing and a relaxed day is planned.
Our Christmas Eve dinner was a huge success. In fact it may be one of the all time favorite meals out of our kitchen. Amy’s salad and halibut recipes were phenomenal. I posted the recipes on my Christmas Eve blog, but have since modified the blog to include the salsa and sauce recipes, which complimented the fish beautifully. The new vegetable recipes proved to be keepers as well. We never ate dessert. We were so full and satisfied. The only unfortunate occurrence, we took absolutely no photos.
The plan for today is to enjoy snacks and appetizers followed by dinner composed of veal piccata and carbonara. Rachael Ray’s carbonara recipe is an all time family favorite, which we haven’t had in quite some time. It is totally noncompliant with the eating plan we are following. Which brings me to my eating plan. I have loosely followed the THM plan for several years. It allowed me to loose 35 pounds initially, but I have been rather stagnant for the past year or so. I blame that partially on veering from the plan especially when we travel, which we often do. During the holidays there are so many foods and meals that I totally enjoy. As a result, I have made the decision to fully enjoy eating and return to a more healthy regime in the new year.
As I relax and enjoy the day with minimal time in the kitchen I will reflect on the holiday. It brings back memories of Christmases past with my parents, sisters, and grandparents…always over the top with gifts and food. I will think of the many Christmases with my own children and their grandparents who spoiled them royally. I will reflect on my Christmas today…quiet and relatively uneventful when compared to a full house and lots of laughter. That will happen in 3 days when my family celebrates together.
This year our belated celebration will begin with brunch and mimosas, followed by a myriad of appetizers and ending with a smoked turkey and lots of sides. There will be games, laughter, food, and fun…oh yes and LOTS of football. The Buckeyes play at 8, so the day will be a long one.
Things change over the years, but one thing remains the same. Family. Whether if is just the two of us or all 7 of us, we love and enjoy each other, support each other and are each others’ biggest cheerleaders.
Christmas 2019 will be remembered just as every other Christmas. We will reflect on the Christ child’s birth. I only wish for everyone that this and every Christmas no matter how it is celebrated, is surrounded with love and is meaningful in every way.
Merry Christmas 2019.
Lovely. Merry Christmas.