DEC’ 20

12

For those of us who are counting, tonight will be the third night of Hanukkah. And, I have to say, I am enjoying it so much more this year. To be honest, it's because I don't have to cook for big dinner parties. On the first night of Hanukkah, we ordered take out from the Post- a local fried chicken joint. Last night, I made short ribs, steamed kale, and fried latkes which were served with my very last jar of homemade apple butter and sour cream. It was so good. I doubled the recipe- not to feed a host of folks- but, for leftovers. I'll be tucking them into a luscious breakfast sando tomorrow morning. Per our family tradition, we do one gift and it is presented on the first Shabbat of Hanukkah. Willa received some new pajamas (just like in Hoppy Hanukkah). I have some willy-nilly plans to make sufganiyot, rugelach, and a babka in subsequent days. If I get to it, great but, if not, there's always LATER.

I've been thinking quite seriously about stretching out the merry-making instead of trying to jam it all in before Christmas. Gingerbread house-making sometime after New Year’s. British Christmas cake for Boxing Day. Tamales for New Year's Day. I love making plans but I am trying to loosen my grip on them. I want to participate in ALL the holiday things but in the right spirit and state of mind- relaxed, loving, excited.