Merry Christmas!
AND THE BEAT GOES ON
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around the Brady house. I finally had a few hours to get some decorations “up” and get ready for upcoming festivities. I’m hosting the family on Christmas Eve day and am in the midst of food preparations. I have a variety of dietary restrictions, from vegetarian to fish and nut allergies, so the menu is varied, which is actually fun for those of us who don’t have to be concerned about what we eat. I always have too much food but there are never complaints when the to-go boxes come out. My nephews are in from Washington, D.C., Las Vegas and NYC, so the whole Detroit gang will be together. Mom will be here too, a gift in itself. She’s really looking forward to “the party.”
The last 6 weeks have been a whirlwind of presentations, book-signings, cooking class demos and I even attended a book club meeting that had picked Looking Back, Cooking Forward as their December book of the month. It was so fun to be in a smaller group and share some great conversations. I’m done for the year and can’t wait to spend more time around the house with projects that have been put off. The pups will be happy to have me here more too! I’ve made it a priority to ride at least 4 times a week—my beautiful Galant is such a lovely horse partner. He’ll have been here 7 months on Christmas Day, and what a fun 7 months it has been. I’m so grateful for him, Maddie and Sophia.
Happily, the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year and the first day of Winter is here and gone. We’re on our way to Spring. It is also the time when the Sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky and a gradual cooling process will continue for the next two months sending temperatures to their lowest. Hopefully not too low…
Christmas Eve is widely observed as a holiday in anticipation of Christmas Day. Both days are considered to be the most significant celebrations in Christendom and Western society. And ending today is the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Gift giving is a part of both and I always like to remind myself that there are many ways to share other than a physical present. The gift of listening, really listening is so valuable. Put away the phones and have a conversation. Pay attention…you may just learn something new. The gifts of laughter, giving a well meant compliment, being generous with your hugs and having a cheerful spirit mean so much to those on the receiving end. They also have a boomerang effect. It is in giving that we receive!!! Remember that the best gifts we can give don’t cost a dime.
WE WISH YOU MANY MILLION DOLLAR DAYS!!!
XO,
Mary, Maddie, Sophie, and Galant