Time for Holiday Cheer with Food

Christopher and I hosted a holiday open house a few weeks ago. Having people over really helped me get excited for the holidays. I spent the day shopping and cooking for the festivities. We had a great time. See the photos to see the aftermath!

I cooked an amazing dinner for Christopher's family today. We are doing Christmas with the Forrester's tonight. Scheduling conflicts, busy lives and people spread too thin forced us to host Christmas a few days early. I didn't want to do the traditional Christmas dinner items because it's not really Christmas.

The Menu:
Meatballs in red sauce
Baked Ziti
Salad
Pies by Christopher's mother

I will post the ziti and meatball recipe at some point this weekend. So yummy!

By the way, so far no holiday breakdown!

Three Inches from My Annual Holiday Breakdown

Those who know me well know Christmas is not my favorite of holiday. It started the Christmas I was 12 and received a spoon rack. First, who gives this to a 12 year-old? Second, who still collects spoons? And, finally, why did I need to get a spoon rack? I wasn't travelling the world at that point and needed a souvenier from everywhere I visited.

From that year on, I would find myself in a fit of tears at some point each holiday season. I am trying not to get there this year. I have found myself close on several occasions in the past two weeks.

I need to remind myself I have so much to be thankful for this year. I have my health, my husband is healthy and my parent's are healthy. I have the best friends anyone could ask for. I have a lovely new sister-in-law.

I have watched two dear friends go through hell this fall while they deal with sick parents. I can't imagine being in their shoes. My temptation to cry over expectations not met or frustrations over work has to be put in prospective. I am trying hard, though it is not easy.

I hope this is the year I break streak of holiday breakdown. I will let you know after the holidays.