Christmas Days of Past (and Present)

Where did Christmas go?

The multiple spreadsheets of who was attending coupled with the corresponding ones of the meal of the day/ingredients/where to get the ingredients – have consumed my mind for the past two months.

Growing up, Christmas had been the epitome of family bonding, eating, and fun – with a massive addition of fabulous gifts that were “absolutely needed” or “dreamed of”.  My mama is Jewish, my Dad is Catholic – BUT I was brought up with an appreciation of both religions.  What has been ingrained into me, and stuck out the most, is the concept of being a morally upstanding person in today’s society.

As a child, I looked forward to Christmas Eve and Day, as when I would be able to connect with my extended family, get super cool gifts (that I would have previously detailed on a legal pad – including the items’ name, SKU number, and cost associated), and eat delicacies such as seafood salad, Sunday gravy, chicken parmigiana, eggplant, etc.

This year was no different.  At the ripe old age of 3X, I was once again surrounded by my family and friends, piles of wrapped presents, and insane amounts of food.  Christmas Eve dinner comprised of the seven fishes, and then some.  Eating and catching up with family, watching my boys play with their cousins – who could as for more!

Christmas Day didn’t start out as early as initially anticipated – the kids didn’t wake up until 7 AM!  Gift wrap went flying, coffee was made, bagels were eaten, and cooking began for our family and friends – two large antipasto trays with marinated everything (mushrooms, red peppers, olives, you name it…), ten pounds of chicken parmigiana, two trays of baked ziti, roasted veggies, meat gravy, stuffed bread, and a lot more that I can’t even remember.  Followed by an extremely large Oreo cheesecake, cookies, coffee, and cigars (not for me of course).

I loved spending time with my family and friends – new and old.  There was Julie – my friend since middle school, Yvonne and Michael – who I have known me “since before I was born”, Elesha – my new friend and coworker, and so many other people that are equally as special to me!  Although I am starting to get a bit antsy with the holiday decorations and would love to wiggle my nose a la I Dream of Jeannie and have everything packed up and in the garage, I can’t wait for Christmas next year!