Holiday Serenity

Yes, the holiday train has left the station and there’s no turning back! In the interest of wellness (perhaps sanity), it’s a good time to do a little reflecting. Sure, it’s smart to start your planning, but it’s equally important to look back on holidays of the past. What stands out as significant? The gifts, cookies, and shopping may be memories, but are they like nightmares that creep up on you somewhere the night before Thanksgiving?

I still remember the year I waited in lines to get the Batman Cave for our son, only to be disappointed each time. Finally a relative in Kansas City who had a friend that managed a toy store found one for me and saved Christmas. (Yes, I actually thought the day would be ruined without a Bat Cave under the tree.) I was exhausted and frustrated most of that season, and the Bat Cave became insignificant when the next adventure movie came out.

Although we laugh now about my obsession, it’s hard to believe I literally and figuratively bought into the commercialism that robbed my family and me of relaxation during the holidays. I vowed never to risk holiday health on a toy hunt again.

So, sit back with a cup of tea on one of these chilly evenings, and make a list of the things that have been lasting memories, and those that you vow not to repeat. This year, if Aunt Martha asks if you baked those cookies from scratch, tell her no, but it left you time to read Twas the Night before Christmas in front of a fire. And browse the pasta, sandwich, and salad recipes on our website for fast, healthy meals that give you time to do the things worth remembering.