New Year's Eve holiday recap

For the last several days I've meant to sit down and recap Christmas, and now here it is New Year's Eve already! 

It was a pretty quiet holiday, mostly focused on friends, neighbors, and home. I can't remember ever having such a relaxed holiday. I baked and gave away dozens of cookies, but I took it at a slow pace. On Christmas Day I cooked a turkey breast I'd pulled from the freezer several days before along with several sides from the pantry and freezer. I've spent very little time shopping and navigating crowds, and that's a relief. Crowded stores and long lines this time of year make me break out in hives.

 Here's a plate of food I took to our neighbor Heather on Christmas Day. She was home alone (she's single without family) recovering from shingles. Turkey, mashed potatoes, baked dressing, gravy, roasted carrots, collard greens, and cranberry sauce.

I also took her a large cup of ambrosia I'd made with delicious fresh navel oranges and coconut.

Martina came by for a few hours on Christmas Eve afternoon, and we had our customary book exchange. She also gave me this pretty apple shaped basket! It was nice to see her. 

 Later that night Marla's husband, Toyo, dropped by with Carsen to give me an ornament Carsen had made for me. (Marla was at home finishing a cake to take to her in-laws that night). I gave Carsen a gift of a book and sent Toyo home with plenty of cookies for the family. I finally got to spend time with Marla herself yesterday--she picked up a pizza and came over for a few hours. 

Christmas Day was so warm it felt like spring. We took the dogs out to walk several times and the weather was just gorgeous. As I said to one neighbor who stepped out to wish us a Merry Christmas when we walked past, "I'm not normally a fan of warm weather at Christmas, but today is so beautiful I won't complain!" and he agreed with me.

 It was a good and relaxing day. Here's one of the squirrels we feed enjoying a double handful of walnuts we put out for their holiday feast!

As usual, we have no plans for New Year's Eve that extend beyond the couch. I had to go out for groceries and Gregg insisted I should pick up a bottle of champagne for myself. (He doesn't drink). As I'm typing this, I'm having an early small glass to celebrate my last blog post of 2025...

and I raise my glass to each and every one of you with my very best wishes for the New Year! Thank you for being here. Thank you for being a friend. Thank you. 

Happy New Year! 

Love,

Jennifer