It’s finally over.  The cooking is done; the leftovers are packed; gifts have been exchanged and 3 days of nonstop food and festivities with family and friends have come to an end.  Here I am, once again, with jammies on, feet up, fire in the fireplace and kittens in my lap, contentedly exhausted!

So many people feel overwhelmed with cooking and shopping and decorating, and the to-do list gets longer and longer.  I love Christmas!  I’ll admit I didn’t get everything done on my list this year either.  No Pizzelles due to an iron malfunction and no Christmas Village due to one little foster kitten.  They are 2 of my favorite Christmas traditions, but I decided to adopt the same philosophy as with the cookies this year – simplicity.  If it was complicated, or if it felt like a chore instead of a pleasure, I was going to just relax and let it go.  Guess what?  The world did not end because people did not receive my Pizzelle (great for my stress level but maybe not so good for my ego!)  No one noticed that the Christmas Village was not in the picture window this year.  I missed it but it gave me an opportunity to showcase the ceramic Christmas tree my mother-in-law gave me many years ago.  It is one of my cherished decorations and it looked beautiful in the living room window instead.

Letting go worked so well for me that my early 2010 Christmas gift to you is the same.  If the thought of having to send cards raises your blood pressure…don’t do it!  I love sending Christmas cards.  My friend Sam makes her own cards.  Isn’t this one beautiful?  Gabe and I usually pick a night to sit down and go through the old address book (yes, a real address book with paper and alphabetical tabs).  I always take a moment to think about each person and the times we have shared.  Unfortunately Christmas cards were something I had to let go this year, so Gabe took on the entire list.  He’s the best!  I also like take a short walk down memory lane whenever I receive a card.  I even like the annual update letters!  I’ll miss your card and I hope you will still take a minute to think of me, but I only want a card next year if it puts a smile on your face when you pick up your pen to send one.

If making me cookies (or cake or bread) gives you hives…don’t do it!  I love making cookies and I love getting cookies.  I enjoy tasting all the different kinds if cookies and exchanging cookie recipes.  I think the nicest compliment someone can give me is to make one of my recipes. I will miss your delicious treat next year but I want you to enjoy making it as much as I enjoy eating it!  You can always bake for me after the holidays.

If the thought of hosting me makes you burst into tears…don’t do it!  I love to cook and to play hostess.  My house is very small so I don’t get to do it often.  I like the menu prep.  I like the shopping.  I love to make the food.  I even like getting the house sparkly clean before guests arrive!  Just spending time with you is enough for me.  We can go out, we can stay in; we can have caviar and crackers, or Cheese Whiz and crackers.  I don’t care if you are in sweat pants or if there’s dust bunnies on the floor.  You, in my life, to whatever degree you feel most comfortable, is truly enough for me.  Let's get together when we can really let loose and have a good time!

I hope you had a holiday full of love and good cheer…and not too much stress!