Dear Santa....thank you!

This Christmas Eve I had the good fortune to host a small group of people whose company I really enjoy! We were six at the table. The menu was simple, but rich with flavor and tradition. The table was set, white damask table cloth, moss green cloth napkins, green and white china, green glass water tumblers, broad-bowled wine glasses; narrow, hand-painted green white with a touch of pink champagne flutes. Votive candles flickered from silver and cherry red (like Santa's nose)holders. The Christmas tree stood in the corner of the dining room and shared its gaiety with the room. Lights danced and reflected on the smiles of my guests and my home. As my cat Peter moved from chair to chair to get a better look at the change that had overtaken his normally tranquil domain, he sensed this was not just any ordinary dinner, but was filled with sensations of a more visceral nature. My home was humming. There were red wines with the main course and a bottle of Spanish sparkling wine with dessert. The tourtiere pies filled the air with the scents of meat, pastry and cinnamon...the creme brulee and berries, to finish, left a silky caress on the tongue. The sparkling wine tickled the palate and the nose.

My guests included my son, Philip, home from graduate school in Vancouver, BC; his friend Peter from England; my boyfriend, David, who decided to stay up north rather than going south to his brother's for the holiday; my former mother-in-law, Kathleen, who also decided that travel in the Christmas season wasn't in her best interest this year and my friend Fahimeh, who doesn't hold Christmas traditions so was able to join ours this year. A motley crew perhaps and all could have celebrated in other fashions in other homes or places, but accepted an invitation to a Christmas Eve dinnner at my home and I am thankful. My delight in the season revolves around loved ones, new friends, and cherished traditions that flicker and dance like candlelight.

So, Santa, I got my wish this year...thank you!