Eating My Way Through The Holidays

When I was a child all big eyed over anticipated gifts from Santa, it really was all about the gift getting.  I know we were supposed to be celebrating the baby Jesus' birthday, but I was admittedly all caught up in my own birthday on Dec. 26th!
As an adult with a family of my own it turned into the worst time of year for me.  At that time I was working 9-5 for the "man", climbing that career ladder, trying to balance that with the demands of friends and family. Everyone expecting 100% attendance, 100% participation, 100% all of the time. I just couldn't keep up with the math! I wanted out, but that liberation without guilt literally took years to achieve.
Now all grown up and an empty nester, I no longer suffer that kind of holiday stress. Gift shopping is now something I do throughout the year whenever I happen upon something that makes me think of someone else. I don't mind buying something I know a loved one needs or would appreciate and I don't need to wait for a holiday or birthday to give it to them.
I took myself out of that last minute race to buy as many senseless gifts for as many people as I can name along with their children and pets. Sorry, but I've given myself a new meaning for Christmas; to me it's a time to express my appreciation and love.  It's a time for sharing what I have with some who may have less. I do this primarily with food.  Bringing food, preparing food, cooking food, sharing food and eating food is a real expression of love. The holidays, for me, should be a love fest.
Over the years I have expanded this hedonistic approach and now it's grown to include the weeks before and after Christmas right through the New Year. That's right, I am eating my way through the holidays and loving it.  Fruity, Fun and Fabulous get togethers where everyone brings something fun to eat, drink or whatever.Fun, Food and Spirits for all, just remember to be responsible. Don't drink & drive, don't over eat and don't over stay your welcome.

Did U notice the high cost of fruit, our basket prices & quality remain intact. A well spent $35 goes a long way-Still time 2 order yurs.

A Special Xmas Card Just 4 You!

Just received this really cool xmas card I thought I would share with everyone, hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.

Here's your card! http://bit.ly/6kzdbP  Merry Xmas y'all.

Remembering December...

Remembering December was always easy for me; not because of Christmas, my birthday is the day after Christmas!  I remember as a child I used to feel a little cheated, the day after Christmas was always a little anti-climatic.  My mom was a single mom doing the best she could, so money was always a consideration. At Christmas my mom would try to get me my one "big" gift and whatever socks or underwear or shoes, etc. I needed.  On my birthday, I got my favorite, an ice cream cake and my mom's undivided attention, she could make me feel so special by making a big fuss over how much I had grown, how smart I was and how much she loved me.

Looking back, I really appreciate those days now.  Seems like everyone is so stressed over making sure their children get everything they want.  Personally, I feel like we are a nation of spoiled, over indulged adolescents.  In this economy how is it that people are still spending what they don't have.  Are we trying to buy our children's love or what?  I'm just as guilty.  When my son was younger I remember how I felt when I couldn't afford to stuff his stocking with all those gameboys and the games that went with them.  Anyone with kids knows how expensive those games are!  There were times when I couldn't afford the things he needed for school, so, it was very hard on me as a parent. 

This year I've told my family and friends that I would rather not exchange gifts but would rather enjoy spending time with them.  I want to make bread and cookies and pies with them in the kitchen. I want us to talk to each other, recount stories while bumping into each other in the kitchen while cooking Christmas dinner, break bread together and lift our glasses to our mutual health, happiiness and prosperity.  I want memories for Christmas, that's all.

I've heard that the holidays provide the highest statistics for depression, suicides and death.  This December is already proving that to be true.  I've already heard from an old friend battling cancer, another one is somberly awaiting the demise of her mentor, my best friend is filing for bankruptcy, a family member is recuperating from surgery and so many I know are still out of work and struggling.

I just want to celebrate what we do have.  If you are lucky enough to have family, celebrate them.  If you have friends, you are blessed.  If you have your health and a job you are one lucky s.o.b.  If you can, reach out to those without, it's not always about money, adopt a friend or a family to invite to dinner, offer a ride to a senior citizen, offer to help your neighbor string lights or put up decorations. 

Now is all we have, what's past is past and what's ahead is never guaranteed.  The time I spend in gratitude with those I care the most about is what I'll remember through the new year, not who gave me the sweater I'll never wear. 

PS  I will be bringing fruit baskets wherever I am invited, I can say a lot with one of my fruit gift baskets, the recepients have always been very appreciative, knowing that it was made with love.