Merry Christmas...I hope all your Christmas wishes come true.

This year is different for me, it's the first time in many years that I'll be spending it here in Halifax and without family. And that may be a good thing, lol. At home we always did the same things year to year to celebrate, and I'm still sticking to a couple of those traditions. On Christmas eve I'll be going for a drive to enjoy the Christmas lights. After that we"d come home for a Christmas drink with friends & family, open one present then off to bed to await Santa.....Although I won't be opening any gifts. This year in I asked those who give to me to instead donate to a charity of their choice. I did request they choose an animal shelter, since it was to be my gift......I will be going for a drive to see the lights here. There are so many to see in Halifax. Particularly the 2 homes in the south end, which are owned by a couple of doctors, who each year put on a light show that has to be seen in person to be appreciated. It's amazing!! This year they've also made it easy for those visiting to swipe a phone to make a donation to the Salvation army. After the light show, I'll be spending a couple of hours with a lovely gentleman, enjoying him, and some rum and egg nog. Then it'll be off to bed to wait for Santa Claus, lol.

At home on Christmas morning, we rise early, open gifts, enjoy a large breakfast, then out for a long walk, then off to visit friends and family.Then home to cook the turkey with all the fixings...This year the weather will put a damper on going for a walk, as it's supposed to rain, and be 12c. Not very Christmasy feeling. Well.. I'll be cooking most of the day so that will be fine. I will cook a meal just as my mother would. Turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberries, potatoes, squash, turnip, peas, carrots, and corn and some rolls, speaking of rolls after these few days of eating, I'm sure to add a few too, lol. Then it'll be pumpkin pie and whipped cream for dessert. And no I'm not making soup out of the turkey bones. I've been asked that question by quite a few already, lol. Making a turkey dinner, and cleaning up afterwards is a lot of work, and as much as I love homemade turkey soup, dealing with the turkey for a couple/three days is all I want. After that I need a change. After that, Christmas is done for me and I'm seeking to do and too eat things unrelated to Christmas.....

So....... no matter if you're away from home, alone, with family and friends. I hope you are able to find some joy in the season and celebrate it in a way the brings you peace and happiness.

I hope Santa finds you too......:-)