MPM--The Crowning of the Year

I have Percy Faith's "Happy Holidays" ringing through my head, and I am trying to get in the spirit of the season, but it is hard. Hard from last week, hard because my best friend's father died (on her birthday no less), but still: it is Christmas. We've made our house fair as we are able (and I thank my internet blogfriends for that); we made pretzel hugs, salted pecans, and the mac and cheese is next; other stuff is in the freezer, just awaiting defrosting and we'll be set.

And to be fair, we had an amazing, magical season. Both boys are still believers, which helps SO much. This is a good sweet spot of parenting, and I love being here.

This week:

Monday: Christmas Eve--our version of seven fishes, down to the traditional pizza for the boys. This year: smoked oysters (from a tin), scallops wrapped in bacon (from Trader Joe's), California rolls (from the Co-op), and from my seafood place: shrimp cocktail, lobster bisque, crabcakes, and salmon. Broccoli on the side; cannoli from the Reading Terminal Market for dessert. And of course--cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer!

Tuesday: Christmas dinner. My sisters-in-law insist that "everyone" likes appetizers and desserts better than a full sit down meal. I agree that the "sit down" part is a challenge with all of us (40ish?) together and I do love the snacks for dinner. We are bringing frozen cream puffs from BJs, hot pizza dip (see sidebar) and a new cranberry dip recipe that looked irresistible to me at least. I am also hoping to make the cannelini bean dip (heat some oil with rosemary; remove rosemary; add oil to beans and whir in food processor to creamy).

Wednesday: Boxing Day. Usually we have a very casual "from a box" Boxing Day brunch. This year, we have four grownups who have to work that day so it moved to dinner, and my mother in law is thrilled and making roast beef and ham and a proper Christmas dinner. I'm all for it. We'll bring mac and cheese and if I can get my full sized food processor going, carrot mousse.

Thursday: Collapse in a heap day. You don't think a week goes by without tacos, do you?

Friday: Oh, Friday. This is the night of the viewing. I will eat out; boys will be on their own. Fortunately they are having pizza for lunch so with any luck we will just order big and have extra.

Wishing you a week full of light and love and whatever makes this season one of comfort and joy for you. Thank you for reading. You inspire me to stay organized and to take good care of my family in a way that doesn't come naturally to me (planning ahead, for one, and cooking, for another). See you on New Year's Eve! And if you need other ideas for your next few days, try the astounding list at I'm an Organizing Junkie!