Christmas party time!!!
So I am getting ready our 4th annual Christmas party. There are around 40 people coming to my house after 5pm. A bunch a musicians jamming, and epic amount of food and drink, and traditional Yankee Swap. I made my mulled cider again (with a handle of Cap'n Morgan on the side. In addition I baked my "brownaroonies". They are ghiradelli dark chocolate brownies packed with a bag of butterscotch chips, semisweet chocolate chips, a bag of flaked coconut and a helping of chopped hazelnuts.
Tomorrow I make a broccoli casserole (with rice and cheese and such) and my Linguica (Portuguese sausage) and cheese croissants. I am still debating cookies. We'll see if time permits.
I'm still mid-cleaning spree, but things are going well. We finished decorating and wrapping the other night. The tree is beautiful and full of memories and traditions. I wanted to do right by my late grandparents, whose home I now call my own. My favorite Christmas albums are playing (Charlie Brown Xmas, Bing Crosby, Mannheim Steamroller, Harry Connick, Jr.) and it finally feels like the holidays!
Today's events here in New England bring a somber shadow to the joy of the season. And though I am melancholy and reflective, I won't be deterred from reveling in the spirit of Christmas. My heart goes out to those families for which Christmas will forever be marred by the loss of their children and loved ones.
Enough sadness for one day, onto the festivities.