Season’s Greetings Peaches! Let me first say, wherever you are, in life and in the world, I hope you are having wonderful holiday season. No matter the religion or belief in these holidays, whether Santa or the seven principles of Kwanza, a Menorah or a Christmas tree, I hope you all can feel the magic and the joy in this time of year. I still try to look at the holidays with magic and wonder, as children do. The cold air, the possibility of snow, baking and decorating cookies with your mom, or wrapping presents; I love the magic in my holiday traditions.
It has been a minute since I have written anything. It has been the craziest time! We have had so much going on with work and the lodge and different events! We have done a toy run with the Widow Sons, a Masonic riding association (hubs doesn't like when i call it a biker gang hehe), that went through north Georgia and ended at Home of Hope, a non-profit group that helps homeless children and their mothers get back on their feet. We delivered tons of toys to these amazing kids. To say this ride was inspirational would be a drastic understatement. We went to bring gifts to these children and their love and appreciation was the true gift, given to us. They had prepared a wonderful lunch for us that we got to share with the children. When we were all done eating, they gathered around our “Santa” and a beautiful Christmas tree. Sitting in this room full of kids and burly, tattooed bikers, you would think it was some sort of joke, but this amazing group of people, have hearts of gold. I love this group of guys and their families. After tearing up several times watching these kids light up as they opened their presents, I found another joy, and hopefully, another tradition for this time of year.
On top of work and other holiday events, I was also planning the Christmas party for my dad’s company. Since that was a big event I usually planned while working for him, I offered to put it together. I also had the amazing opportunity to make the cakes for the party. I made 3 different cakes that came together to form a gingerbread village on top. I made these adorable mini gingerbread houses and even some mini vending machines. I wanted to do some of my favorite holiday flavors with these cakes. So, each cake was a different flavor, mint chocolate, apple spice and Christmas “funfetti” with blue and silver sprinkles and a champagne buttercream frosting. This is probably my favorite cake I have yet to make. Thankfully, the party went off without a hitch. Everyone enjoyed the food, the gifts and the cakes. We had the party at a cool local sports bar called Mazzy’s. So, I would say it was a success.
As if my Christmas joy wasn’t already through the roof, I decorated our home for the first time in almost a decade. I found a beautiful tree and some cute rustic decorations that I hope to use for next year as well. I made stockings for Igor and the pups as well. I was feeling very festive. Since we both worked through the holidays, I made dinner for us last night. A classic down home, ma-ma’s Christmas dinner. Complete with sweet potato soufflé, cornbread dressin’, green bean casserole and a baked ham. We got to enjoy a quiet little Christmas dinner at home together. Even if it wasn’t actually on Christmas, it was a wonderful celebration.
Well, Peaches, I’m off to sleep so Santa can come on by! Merry Christmas, and to all a good night - PP