In the Christmas Spirit…

Well, you know, living in Seattle for so long made me realize the grave importance of celebrating around the solstice, whatever religion you might follow, because the short short days, the absence of sunlight, absolutely demands that you throw yourself into a frenzy of sugar and caffeine and general merrymaking of some kind. I never went to one of those naked-dancing solstice party things, I’m more of a church-on-Christmas Eve-with candles-and-carols kind of girl, but you know, I’m happy I was invited to some. Yesterday there was snow in Seattle and I felt sad I missed it.

Yesterday was huge winds and driving rain for 24 hours here in SoCal; weirdly, it was warmer in Boston than San Diego. We could barely drive our little Honda CRV over the flooded highways. So we mostly stayed in and decorated our little three-foot tree (perfect size for a little apartment, by the way) and Glenn made homemade tamales with masa and pork slow-cooked in orange juice and apple cider. They took forever to make but were really good. Here tamales are a Christmas food; they show up at the fast-food Mexican restaurants around Thanksgiving. I’m down with this tradition.
So, I’m writing Christmas cards and putting together presents to ship out. I should also maybe put together some poetry subs to send out, but who is really reading this time of year? We’re also thinking of going out to see some of those holiday lights. It’s been too cloudy for several days in a row. I can even wear my coat!

I’m feeling very blessed and content this year. Thanks to all my friends and family and everyone for their encouragement, their love, and the little (and big) things.