A Simpler Holiday Season

Tags

Christmas, holiday, holiday season, seasonal, simple, Thanksgiving, traditional

In the past, I have been a self-described Grinch when it comes to Christmas. In fact, the Grinch in me says “No posts about Christmas before Thanksgiving, dummy! Celebrate one holiday at a time!” But there are only four weeks before the big day and I am trying my best to get in the spirit.

Christmas seems so overly commercialized these days.  Nothing like the Christmases of my memory. And all the hype on TV just seems so much like a Pottery Barn catalog that there is no way my somewhat dysfunctional family could ever live up to its cheerful, glittery perfection. Though we sit around a food covered table every Christmas, it is not beautifully appointed with amaryllis blossoms, seasonal evergreen boughs, and brightly burning candles. Nor are we as gorgeous as the people featured in those advertisements.

Instead, we eat off dishes my grandmother uses every day (as has for the last 30+ years). None of the food is transferred from their cook pots to serving bowls or platters. We do not own a gravy boat or placemats. Or silver. Or crystal. And, you know what, there is nothing wrong with that!

It took me a few years but I have figured out how I can have a happy Christmas, knowing that it will never be “perfect.” It starts by going back to the basics. What does Christmas mean to YOU?

Christmas means…

Fun– Decorating sugar cookies and gingerbread houses. Playing in the snow. Making paper snowflakes. Decorating the tree and the house. Going see a live nativity scene. Walking around the neighborhood to check out the neighborhood lights, taking a hike, playing pool or ping pong. Cut your own tree. Make a new wreath for your front door.

Food– Homemade candies and cookies. Comfort food like your grandmother’s mashed potatoes, your aunt’s cranberry sauce, your favorite ham recipe, the macaroni and cheese that your family has always made. Perhaps a seasonal cocktail.

Family– Get together. Play games. Talk (maybe not about politics or religion, though). Take pictures of each other and the fun.  Honor the memories of those who have already passed away. Embrace your faith’s Christmas traditions like the advent wreath or Midnight Mass.

Regardless of how you celebrate, if you concentrate on the simple things in life, you will have a happy holiday season. Now start making your list of things to do this season that will celebrate what Christmas means to you!

Photos credits: Here, here, here, here, and here

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5 Things I’m Thankful For and A Simple Salad

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bacon, blue cheese, food, life, pear, salad, simple, spinach, thankful, Thanksgiving

Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that make it awesome. Inspired by my friend Liz, I am going to list fivethings that I am thankful for. A reminder never hurts.

1. Some awesome people – without them I would not be who I am.
   1. My husband James
   2. My brother Charlie
   3. My best friend Jamie
   4. My grandparents.
2. My blogging family that has given me so much love, inspiration, and a creative outlet.
3. My job. Love it some days. Hate it other days. Being a nurse is a damn good occupation. I am thankful for it.
4. My garden. Nothing is more satisfying that digging in the rich dirt and enjoying foods I grew myself.
5. Books. I love books. They give me so much joy. See what books I enjoy and friend me at goodreads.com

A Simple Salad

• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 slices of bacon, fried and chopped
• Blue cheese
• 1 pear, thinly sliced
• Appalachian Naturals’ Pomegranate Vinaigrette
  

Combine the ingredients and top with the dressing. Enjoy!

What are you thankful for?

Fall is Potato Season!

Tags

butter, food, garlic, new, potatoes, sides, simple, Southern

Most people don’t know you can plant potatoes twice in a year. Once in spring for those gorgeous “new potatoes” that everyone covets and again in fall. There is nothing better than fresh potatoes with their sweet flesh and papery thin skins. Simplicity really is the spice of life.

Buttery and Garlicy New Potatoes

• 1 lb new baby potatoes, about the size of a pingpong ball or slightly larger
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 3 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Wash potatoes well in salted water. Boil until tender when poked with a fork. Drain and return to their pan. Add butter and garlic. Toss to coat the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

 

Lemon Garlic Tilapia

Tags

Dinner, easy, fish, lemon, quick, simple, Supper, tilapia

It seems like we don’t have enough fish in diets. I am trying to work on that. This recipe is a good addition because it is so simple and tasty.

Lemon Garlic Tilapia

• 4 tilapia fillets
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 2 clove garlic, finely chopped
• salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Rinse tilapia fillets under cool water, and pat dry with paper towels. Place fillets in baking dish. Pour lemon juice over fillets, then drizzle butter on top. Sprinkle with garlic, parsley, and pepper. Bake in preheated oven until the fish is white and flakes when pulled apart with a fork, about 20 minutes.