Dear Readers,

The Holiday Season is always a very special time for our family. My husband and I were both blessed by growing up in homes with strong holiday traditions, and we have loving memories of get-togethers around the Christmas table, the anticipation of discovering what Santa had put in our stockings, and the excitement of visits received and returned. The highlights were, of course, Christmas dinner, a feast usually shared with many relatives, and opening our gifts on Christmas morning. Neither of us came from wealthy families, but we were fortunate to be raised in homes where love prevailed, and even in the leanest years Santa never let us down.

When our own two boys came along, we tried to carry on the warm traditions we’d experienced as children, and we’re so proud that our grown sons have continued this with their own families. Our two youngest grandsons live in New Zealand, but we keep in touch often by Skype. This year, they will be flying to visit us over the Christmas holidays. It’s the only time our two little Kiwis get to see snow, so we’re getting out the winter gear and putting all of the snow equipment in top shape. We’ll be constructing huge snowmen (one lasted until March, a few years back), heading into the woods on ATV’s, and giving the boys supervised rides on Grandpa’s huge snow plow as he keeps our long, steep driveway cleared.

We have a vaulted ceiling in our living area, which satisfies my lifelong urge to bring into the house the biggest Christmas tree I can squeeze through the double doors. This year, I located a perfect prince of a tree, with big fluffy branches, a perfectly symmetrical shape with no “bad” side that needs to face the wall, and that intoxicating scent that a fresh green tree brings into the house. My patient husband and younger son eyed the tree doubtfully. I knew they were mentally picturing themselves getting it into the truck, out of the truck, through our front doors, and then into the Christmas tree stand and positioning it upright.

They were saved by the fact that our Kiwi daughter-in-law wishes to put the tree up after they arrive in the States on the 22nd. I am envisioning a fabulous family tree decorating party with mulled cider and lots of treats for the hard-working guys and decorators. We will play Christmas carols, sing along, and have the “most beautiful tree” ever, which is what we say every year.

Two years ago when our Kiwi part of the family was here, we got a tree out of our woods. The top stuck way out over the front of my husband’s huge pickup, the bottom hung over the back, undoubtedly obliterating any view of the license plate, and the branches cascaded down over the sides. We got into the truck with difficulty but determination, and headed home with my husband moving his head from side to side to get the best view through the branches. We probably looked like Sherwood Forest on the move.

We arrived home without mishap and somehow the guys got the tree into the house and set it up. I prepared the munchies while they were doing this, and then we got out the decorations. Sid Jr. and John began unraveling and testing the lights. And then the fun really began. They got the tree strung beautifully with colored lights, which promptly blinked out. Do you think those silly things would come back on? Nope. We had to settle for white fairy lights. This year, I am prepared with four brand new boxes of colored lights, which seem to be much preferred by the younger boys, and I’m looking forward to a trek over our ridge in deep snow, looking for that “perfect” tree. I am hoping it isn’t quite as large as the last one we all fell in love with.

We’re planning a lot of outdoor time with our little New Zealand grandsons this year, and will do as much exploring in the region as the snow permits. We never know if we will have two feet or ten feet at Christmas — only that it will definitely be a white Christmas. They look forward to snow forts and snowball fights and sledding and of course the rides into the woods. Their favorites seem to be the big snow plow (it makes wonderfully exciting noises), and rides on one of Uncle John’s horses in his indoor arena. I suspect Santa Claus will be very good to them this year.

I’m planning meals for their visit, using many of the wonderful recipes you have so generously shared on the website. I have discovered so many new dishes, both plain and fancy, that will embellish our holiday season. Thank you so very much.

I’m enjoying my new office with all of its innovations and conveniences. I’m allowed to move about freely so long as I don’t disturb Sissy’s perch on the windowsill where she likes to snooze in the afternoon sun. She is firmly convinced that it is her office...I am allowed in on sufferance only so long as I don’t make too much noise, and on the condition that my lap is always available if she wants a change of location. When she is on my lap, we have an understanding. One hand I may use as I choose. The other must stroke her head or rub her belly. I’m certain she thinks that I am writing a book about her. And believe me, she’s provided enough antics to fill one!

I’m wishing all of you a warm and wonderful holiday season filled with love, good company, good food, and good memories. I am so very grateful for your ongoing support and I wish I could tell every one of you so, in person. Since I can’t, please know that you are all in my prayers and, as always, in my heart. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us here at Cinnamon Ridge. For those of you who don’t celebrate Christmas, I send warm wishes and hope you find some fabulous novels to read over the month of December.

Catherine Anderson