Most of you will read this and think, “Oh God no! Fran had to spend a Christmas alone?!!!” I didn’t have to, I chose to, and actually, it was pretty wonderful. (Especially since hazelnut thumbprints were involved.)The kids and I celebrated on the 23rd with dinner out and gift giving, so when they left on the 24th, I was OK. (If they hadn’t celebrated with me first, I don’t think I’d have felt as magnanimous.) I had a party to attend and new pajamas to sleep in on Christmas Eve, a DVD waiting with eight – yes eight, English movies to watch, so I was set.
This was after a week of maniacal shopping, sending packages, and a little baking, but not nearly as much as I usually do. Even so, I was really ready to relax.
I went to the party, came home, slipped into my new PJ’s and woke up Christmas morning perfectly happy. I had nowhere to go and nothing to do, so I had a leisurely morning latte, read the paper for the first time in over a month, walked Topper, went through receipts, then ordered a pizza with exactly what I like (pepperoni and mushrooms) had a salad, ate a See’s pecan turtle and a lemon cheesecake bar, and a hazelnut thumbprint or two, listened to Christmas music, basked in the beauty of my not-dead-yet-tree, watched a movie, and relaxed.
Honestly, I think some people can be lonely in a crowd, and some are perfectly content at home alone, even on Christmas Day. Not that I want to do it every year, but it was comforting, relaxing and felt good.
As for the hazelnut thumbprints I tried in my last post. they turned out wonderfully. I would have eaten more of them if my daughter hadn’t beaten me to them.
I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and that 2017 brings each of us the fortitude to accept and embrace everything that comes our way — even a Christmas alone…and the energy to try even more cookie recipes.
As you may have noticed, I’ve not been able to put out a blog a week lately. I’m still regrouping and will figure out a rhythm as soon as the holidays are over. Thanks, as always, for reading! You are the best! Happy 2017!
7 Comments
daedae51
December 31, 2016 at 6:38 pmHappy New Year Fran, I so enjoy your blogs, may there be many more to come.
Rob Sprogell
December 28, 2016 at 8:21 amI’m sure the cookie was delicious, but (and I am certain I’m not speaking for just myself) what your readers were hoping to see was a photo of the author in her new pajamas!
Nicol
December 28, 2016 at 8:07 amI know how much you were looking forward to relaxing. I’m so glad it all turned out to be just what you needed. We were in exactly the same place, and it was just perfect. And nothing beats a new pair of pajamas for Christmas Eve!!
Irene
December 28, 2016 at 8:01 amYou’re the best Fran! You obviousely have a full heart. One that is full of love – with that – life is grand!
Cathy Fishburn
December 28, 2016 at 7:31 amHappy New Year Fran!!
Jane Deutschmann
December 28, 2016 at 6:22 amHi Fran, Sometimes we need time to rewind even if it is Christmas Day.
Duke & I were alone on Christmas Eve as the three sisters were together with the kiddies in Ft Myers so the cousins could all jump, shout & knock themselves out by 6:00AM. One of the youngest said he didn’t know if he could get to sleep knowing”a big man in a red suit might be standing over him!” When your in your 60’s sleep deprivation makes for a crabby old person. We got up Christmas morning refreshed & headed down their way. The jump, shout, knock yourself out repeated when our gifts arrived.
I will try your hazelnut cookies as Nutella is part of my food group.
Love and good health to all and as we start another year. Xxoo. Cousin Jane & the Duke
JoAnn Jones
December 28, 2016 at 4:39 amGood Morning, Fran !
I know what you mean about enjoying some time by yourself and just relaxing. Your cookies look yummy 😋 Wishing you a wonderful New Year, always enjoy reading your blogs ! Sending our love to you & your family, Bill & JoAnn