It's that time of the year.
Christmas carolers, chestnuts roasting on an open fire and all that.
If you have ever walked around New York City at this time of the year, both are on every street corner.
I love them but with no open fire, the toaster oven also works. Maybe this year I will try them in our fireplace.
Our tree is up. We put it outside our door-height living room window on our deck all lit up. It looks as if it is inside. A bit of snow on the branches, a fire burning in our fireplace and there is no place like home.
Of course, our cat doesn't understand why it isn't in the living room. For a change we have outsmarted him. No mess this way, either. Ron Davis gave this idea to us a few years ago and it works well.
As a child, my sister had the task of picking out the perfect Christmas tree. That drove most of us nuts. Millie and grampa would go from place to place looking for that perfect tree. Decorating was another big ordeal. I must admit that she did a beautiful tree.
My Jo, being the artsy one, also did an amazing job when we used to have the tree in our living room. One German tradition that he has brought to our holidays is the Advent wreath which starts the season four weeks earlier.
He does a lovely job with that.
One of my favourite Christmases was when grampa announced that it was time to go to Wally's Ski Shop and get outfitted for my first pair of skis, poles, boots and royal blue parka with matching ski hat.
Such a thrill. I did a fair amount of skiing back east but eventually injured my knee.
I never got to try Blackcomb, although I have seen the view from the top. I can dream though.
My mother was an amazing baker and cook.
From the potato pancakes for Hanukkah to the Christmas goose, not to mention the wonderful sweets. The smells from our home were incredible.
My mother didn't play well with others. She never shared any of her recipes with me. I was forbidden in the kitchen. I turned out to be a pretty decent baker/cook, but no thanks to her.
Christmas Eve at our home will be like the Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes. Ours will include mussels, shrimp, maybe even a lobster or two.
I will also make a pot of real Boston Clam "Chowda."
On Christmas Day, we will have a big antipasto platter with dry cured meats, European cheeses, olives, artichokes and baguettes. We will keep it nice and simple and quiet.
This year we are starting a new tradition. Like many European Catholics, the Icelanders celebrate on Christmas eve and give their gifts that night instead of Christmas Day.
But the folks from Iceland have a unique way to celebrate Christmas eve. The tradition is that everyone receives at least one book for Christmas to take to bed on the 24th along with some chocolates. The books must be real books and not e-books.
Iceland has more writers, more books published, and more books read, per person, than anywhere else in the world. One in 10 Icelanders will publish a book. That is outstanding. It comes as no surprise that by some measure, Iceland is the third most literate country in the world. With a hot cup of hot chocolate and a glowing fireplace and a good book, what could be better?
Santa came to our home a bit early this year. My Jo was unexpectedly hospitalized for a week and is now home and almost back to normal.
The doctors at UHNBC were outstanding. The gal in the wound clinic was the real star, calling in the big guns when she had deep concerns.
This has been a good year and being able to share my opinion with Citizen readers is a non-stop gift.
We may not always agree but I do appreciate your thoughts and comments.
I enjoy the coffee times with several of you.
From our home to yours, Jo and I, and our pets Holli & Oliver, wish you and yours a very healthy Merry Christmas.
