Happy Christmas Eve
We’re nearing the end of the holiday parties, big meals, peppermint chocolate treats, traffic to and from Target, and exhausted looking delivery people. I’ve been making pies for Christmas at Food at First today, setting aside a few slices for our mail carrier who, I’m sure will be knocking on our door around 6 (he’s looking extra weary the past few days)
I’m also doing a bit of baking for the open houses we’re going to tonight
This year I’ve decided to take a week or so off from blogging – a chance to be fully present and enjoy the holidays. I’m hoping to spend time with friends and family (both near and far), and indulge in some festive fun.
Also, in the mix? Planning new blog content for the year, the world’s longest nap, and pots of something delicious simmering on the stovetop
The other night , as my husband threw a couple more logs into the fireplace, I chatted with my grandson via Facetime. Which means I asked him questions and he told me about Buzz and Woody. All the while, he gathered photos of their family from various parts of the house, and held them up for me to see
“Buzzzz”
“Wooody”
Sam – September 2017 – 21 months old
(Many of his favorites are mine as well)
I could help but think
“He’s watching. He’s watching them. He’s watching me. At the grocery, at the post office, at home, while we’re doing the laundry and taking photos of dinner. We’re shaping him, our words and reactions and behavior providing the wheel at which his clay spins“
And although these are the shots he ended up with, these are the ones that matter
Merry Christmas to you and yours, friends. May you enjoy many moments of peace, love, fuzzy slippers, and little ones who delight in your shadow ..
always
xo
ps: I’ll be back on January 2nd, ready for another year of healthy recipes, and a few stories to share along the way
(Photo Credit: Feature Image – Instagram @madeleinlumley)
32 Comments
Same to you! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Ali!! Thank you for another year of wonderful, meaningful, and timely writing. They are some of my favorite words to read, and I always read them, even if I have no intention of cooking whatever you’re teaching me to cook. I appreciate you. Have a great holiday, and I look forward to what you bring to the world next year. xo
Merry, Merry Ali! Wishes for a wonderful time with your family.
BTW … I brought your Festive Holiday Balls to my Christmas party at work and everybody loved them! Such a nice break from the standard sugary treats.
Merry Christmas, Ali!
Thanks for another great year of stories and recipes. x
Thank YOU for everything.
The stories,
The blog,
The recipes,
and
Taking for us on your adventure
Happy, Merry to you all too. (I just love your dogs, Harry and Sally)
A Merry Christmas to you to. It has been wonderful to share your journey from the sides. All the best and looking forward to hearing more in the New Year.
I’ve become a regular reader just this year and wanted to thank you for making me smile with the wonderful stories that you weave into your posts, and for giving me the courage to cook and bake things I didn’t think possible. Merry Christmas and I hope you have a healthy and happy 2018!
True confessions? My husband and I are addicted to your wedding cake (shame on us!).
I love it that you’re finding more time to blog again. You were missed out here in blogland!! Wishing you a joy-filled and healthy 2018. x
Happy Christmas Ali! I very much appreciate you taking the time to write this for us this – it’s not at all taken for granted.
For tomorrow morning I’m hesitating between making your oat and blueberry muffins or greek yogurt pancakes… tough call!
Love from Lyon (France)
Enjoy the holidays with your family and have a wonderful Christmas! x
Your thoughts are always so spot on. Thanks for this reminder. Happy New Year to you and your family. Thanks for always being so uplifting 🙂
Thank you! Following your blog and cooking along with you have brought many simple pleasures… and amazing chocolate and ginger cookies to my life! xox
Ali – Thank you for the joys you bring – your blog, wonderful recipes, and engaging stories. Many blessings at the holidays and throughout the new year!
Ali, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your lovely family. Thank you for taking us on life’s journey with you. I’m searching your site for my New Year’s celebration assignment for our family gathering: desserts.
Merry Christmas, Ali. Thank-you for the gifts you’ve given us all year long. Have a good one with your family and we’ll see you on the flip side.
Merry Christmas Ali! Wishing all of you a wonderful New Year filled with many more fabulous, new adventures!
Merry Christmas to you all. Thank you for this blog, and how much a wonderful pleasure it is to sit down at my computer with cup of coffee in the morning and to see I have a post to read! xo
Merry Christmas, Ali. Thanks for writing all through this very busy year – it’s been inspiring! xx
Thank YOU for the bloggy goodness of 2017 ?
Happy and Merry Christmas to you too, Ali! I’m going to make your frozen pink cheesecake for my golden birthday tomorrow because I think the year ahead holds incredible potential (and because it’s sooooo good). Thanks for letting us all into your world.
back @ you all!
You’ve given us a wonderful perspective on perseverance, determination, love, joy and strength.
May 2018 bring you much joy & happiness … and please continue fueling us with your posts.
Ali,
I agree with all the commenters before me, you have given your readers more than you know.
Keep doing what you enjoy and enjoy what you are doing in 2018!
Bestest!
It is such a good resolution of yours to take a week off! Focusing on friends & family is important indeed. How nice that you saved a slice of your cakes for the mail carrier! That’s the Christmas Spirit 😉
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to you as well! May the indulging in Christmas fun be a blast!
That is a good to decision to spend holidays with your family. A good chat with your grandson 🙂 Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!!!
I think it’s wise to take a break from blogging every once in awhile especially around the holidays!
Ooo I do love a real log fire place, so cosy and winter feeling. I did alot of baking at Christmas and will be doing throughout the festive season and the new year lol. Merry Christmas x
I don’t celebrate Christmas but it’s always interesting to hear about other cultures and religions and how they celebrate their special days. I’ve also taken some time off of blogging these two weeks, and I guess we ssometimes just need it when there’s a lot going on. Marry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Ali!
And Have year-end holidays fun party your family.
I am also very happy with my parties and recipes.
Thanks for sharing!
Merry Christmas!!
Have a great time with your family. Your grandson looks cute.
I not only like your recipes, but also the way you write your blog posts, and the design of your blog.
We did so much this Christmas I feel like I need a holiday from the holidays. I am glad I had a lot of time away from the computer and from Social Media too. Loved it!
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, and are enjoying the crimbo limbo between Christmas and new year! I also decided to ease of this week and relax, but am also using the time to refresh and brainstorm for a productive and bright new year!
I think that taking a break from blogging is a great way to recharge your batteries, especially over the festive season. I hope that you had a wonderful season of festivities, I took a few days off which was really nice. I never take breaks and I know you rarely do too! How was your new year, hope you had a lovely night of celebrations? x