It seems that every year around this time, people of all creeds seem to reflect on "their" traditions. We all have our "holidays" that we wish we could repeat over and over again. Mine will forever be a day that I will never, ever forget. If there is one thing that my parents have taught me is that never let your partner forget the day you were married and your birthday. My mother, being one of the brightest persons on our glorious earth, has somehow managed to squeeze not only her day of birth into Christmas day but she also convinced her, then, fiancé to marry on her birthday. I know what you’re thinking. It's kind of unreal, but true. Christmas day for me has always been a hodgepodge. A day to celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus while singing "What Child is this?" one moment and in the next breathe singing "Happy Birthday." Having such an eclectic array of celebrations on one day, each and every year, became a way for my family to realize just how good we have it. As young boys and men, my brother and I were witnesses to my parent’s eternal love for each other. Always expressed with the best that a father of two spoiled boys could provide, for a wife that wanted nothing more than for everyone to be happy. Gold and Amethyst were the bling of choice for Mom each year. Dad asked for nothing but was always surprised to unwrap the Anniversary/Christmas gift that always helped him with work in his shed. Christmas morning was full of piping hot coffee and warm, gooey monkey bread that I somehow managed to eat way too much of, each and every year.

What is your Holiday season about? I've come to understand that mine is about the time spent making sure that the ones I love, know that I love them. My parents made sure that we boys were sent into the "REAL" world knowing at least that one thing.

Make sure to create eternal memories with the ones you love this year. So, since you'll be so busy with spreading the holiday cheer in piping hot mugs of warmth, love and cheer, treat yourself to a night without dishes. Check out one of these restaurants this holiday season. See my list for Holiday Dining options at restaurants around town. May you and yours have a wonderful Holiday Season. However you decide Eat well, take care and Love non-stop.

Yours,
Andy