Wow! Christmas is here! I cleaned the house good over the weekend, but I still have so much to do! You know, those things you can’t do until last minute: pick up a pork pie from Lebreque’s Bakery and pork chops from Mikey’s Meat Market, because, as Mikey says and I have to agree with him, “You can’t have too much pork!”
Our big deal is Christmas Eve. I’m doing dinner this time, and my sister Irene is bringing
the appetizers and dessert. Each year we rotate, which is a good way to do it. So, here’s the plan: we’re having our center cut, boneless pork chops broiled and served with homemade apple sauce, new potatoes and maple roasted carrots. Dad’s not much on vegetables, so basically our choices are carrots or peas. Green beans, too, but only if they’re in a casserole, swimming in cream of mushroom soup and topped with fried onion rings from the can. It’s a classic, but we had that on Thanksgiving, and we’re trying to mix it up.
I used to do “big meat,” you know, a roast pork or rib roast. But it’s hard to time that sort of thing out, and I found it kind of stressful. Listen, anything I can do to keeo stress out of the equation, I’m doing. Let’s face it: this time of year, there’s plenty of stress as is. I don’t need to add to it by attempting big meat or a fancy schmancy side dish that some folks only pick at. (No need to name names.)
All the special parties are behind us (thank God), so I can retire my Spankie for now. Just in the knick of time, too. I’m practically at the point where I’d need the jaws of life to get out of it. It’s hard to feel sexy when in reality, you feel like a sausage.
Charlie’s work Christmas party was up to the Sky Lodge again. We went to that on Saturday. I got all dolled up, per usual, which I love to do. That’s why I get into the holidays so much. You can wear sparkles and glitter day or night and not look tacky. No, you look festive!
That’s what the holiday season is all about: being festive and generous. The world would be a better place if we were all more festive and generous, don’t you think? Not just now, but all year round.
Have a wonderful holiday, folks! And here’s a little tip. While you’re doing nice things for others, please include yourself on the list. That means not sweating the small stuff. Try making this season about spending quality time (not money) with friends and family. Anything else is just window dressing.
That’s it for now. Catch you on the flip side!
Hear Ida Tell It: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Featured Holiday Video
2020
February 29: Makin’ Whoopie!, Franklin Opera House, 7:30pm, Franklin, NH
May 13: Book Reading, Windham Public Library, 6:00pm, Windham, ME
May 14, Book Reading, Wiggin Memorial Library, 6:00pm, Stratham, NH