Merry Christmas, Everyone!

A winter wonderland (taken in 2008).

Merry Christmas everyone!  I hope you are all exactly where you want to be and if not, then you are treating yourselves appropriately.  I love Christmas and even though I won't be with family today, I plan to enjoy it with friends.  I think there is too much pressure put on people to have the "perfect" day - check out any tv Christmas special and you will know what I mean.  Enjoy what you have, call up or email people you haven't written in awhile. Indulge in a glass of wine, relax by eating out, whatever makes you happy, but be grateful for what you have and don't be stressed because you aren't having a large meal with Santa Claus as the surprise guest.  

As I said, I won't be with family this Christmas.  My family knows that the feelings of generosity and familial love can happen on other days so we enjoy the time we have together when it happens and we don't force the issue.  I will never fly during the winter again because the stress of "will I make it there in time" detracts from the happiness of "I get to see the family again."  Today, I am making pasta sauce.  When I was a kid, my mom always made pasta sauce on Christmas Eve.  Sometimes we all made homemade ravioli to go with it and got the kitchen properly coated in flour and sticky dough.  For me, a pot of boiling water, steaming windows, and the smell of garlic will always be home.  I'm recreating that today.

Merry Christmas!  Oh, and one more thing -  Thank you, each and every one of you who stop and read my blog.  I so enjoy this on-line community and I am so happy to have had the opportunity to meet new and creative people.  I am amazed by your talent, your thoughtfulness and your support.  Thank you and enjoy this day - however you see fit to enjoy it!