Merry Merry.

Hark!  I do believe I hear herald angels singing or reindeer hooves on the roof or is that the sound of the fire alarm because my pancetta is burning?  Not that the pancetta actually caught fire, let's just say there will be some crispy nuggets of hammy goodness in tomorrow's breakfast casserole.  I hope no one breaks a tooth.

It's go time.  Here is our tree.  The lights are still off at the top and will remain so for the duration of the holiday.  Alas.

Tonight we start a two-day holiday fest at our house.  One of our favorite activities on Christmas Eve is a reading circle featuring a dramatic rendition of T'was The Night Before Christmas or The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.  Everyone gets to read a page wearing a Santa hat.  Our family is so full of performers it really takes on quite a competitive air.  There are pages read in accents, real tears are shed, sound effects used, etc.  Who knows where it will take us this year?  No one has called to ask about the possibility of a pyrotechnic display, so it still feels manageable.

We'll eat, drink and be merry.  We'll also play a lot of competitive ping pong.  We'll wear paper crowns too.  So much to enjoy.  I wish you all the very best holiday.  Be safe.  Be happy.  And thanks for reading my little blog.

gratitude:  holiday snow storms, make ahead mashed potatoes, the fact I haven't eaten the mashed potatoes, togetherness

thanks and love.