and a very merry christmas to you

I arrived home in Vancouver five days ago and am still catching my breath.

The past week has been a blur of good food, old friends, hugs, kisses, cookies, drinks and dancing until the early morning. I broke my three drink rule and partied like I did in high school, because even Santa knows I've been a little too good this year.

Last night I made dinner for my family, and we exchanged gifts on Christmas eve in the company of my brother. We scratched lottery tickets, shared our simple presents, and had some close family friends drop by to share a bottle of wine.

We kept it simple this year. I received a large stack of books and couldn't be happier. I made my dad a homemade cookbook, gave my mom two books from her wish list, and bought my brother an exclusive magazine and a guidebook to Las Vegas. On the more extravagant side of gifts, my brother is taking me to Las Vegas for New Years. Now that's a gift I won't refuse.

This morning I made my parents breakfast and now we're taking it easy.

It has been an amazing year. I've worked hard, laughed hard, and loved openly.

I hope you are all having a great Christmas, eating well, and finding yourselves in good company.



CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER
Halibut with balsamic reduction, grilled polenta cakes, white asparagus, and a blue cheese, pear, walnut and arugula salad (not in photograph)



CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST
smoked salmon baked eggs with aged cheddar and chives, hash browns and toast