I’m too full to make up a new post for today, so I’m recycling last year’s.  Going to lie down now.

As I scour my wardrobe looking for a pair of pants with an elasticized waist, I reminisce about Christmas Eves past at my parents’ house and the many family members who have gathered around their table enjoying my mother’s most favorite holiday ever (I can actually hear her snort-laughing over that right now).  Per the tradition of our province of L’Aquila in Abruzzo, Italy (and the tradition of many other parts of Italy), Christmas Eve means my mother will have spent an entire month shopping and poring over recipes for what is known as La Festa dei Sette Pesci (The Feast of the Seven Fishes) as part of the celebration of La Vigilia (The Vigil).  For me, it means I will have to ask politely for everyone at the table to please move the plate of eel far, far away from me.

Today also means about sixteen pounds worth of assorted holiday treats. By tomorrow, I believe I will be officially made out of chocolate…not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Wishing my friends, family, and fellow bloggers a very safe and happy holiday!