Friday, December 23, 2011

I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas...




I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten,
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white...

Monday, December 19, 2011

Happy Holidays!

It’s my day off…a cold, nasty, rainy day. Traffic is horrible…accidents everywhere. The crowds are at the Mall finishing up their Christmas shopping. But not me. I don’t Christmas shop. My family decided a long time ago that, instead of spending money we don’t have on things we don’t need, we would just get together and enjoy each other’s company at Christmas. Of course, the kids get presents. But for the adults, our gift to each other is a stress-free day of good food and great conversation. We dig through boxes of old photos, reminisce, laugh, play games, watch Christmas movies on TV, and talk about what’s going on in our lives now. It’s a great way to spend Christmas…

I’ve learned many lessons in my life, and this is one of the most significant things I’ve gleaned…“Don’t make life any more difficult than it has to be…because when it’s all said and done, the things we remember and cherish the most are the good times together….not the presents.

So today, while everyone else is fighting the crowds and the traffic, I’m at the Argentina Bakery around the corner, eating “lenguas”…puff pastries filled with dulce de leches and sprinkled with powdered sugar and drinking a giant latte. The room is dark, warm and cozy, with bittersweet orange walls, chunky wooden tables and deep, leather armchairs. The display cases are glistening with artfully beautiful cakes, pastries, and empanadas. My latte is hot with a thin layer of froth…perfect! I’m sitting by the window in one of those comfy leather chairs watching the rain come down, and looking forward to spending time with my family. It’s a great way to spend the Monday before Christmas...!

I hope you’re all having a Joyous Holiday Season! Love and Best Wishes for a Fabulous New Year!

C