Welcome to one of my favourite times of the year – the holiday season! It can be the most fun and inviting time, where we create lasting memories with friends and family.
It’s also a time to conjure up recipes handed down through generations or newly created ones. Check Giada DeLaurentiis’ recipes in this month’s Food Feature that can be enjoyed during the holidays or any time of year. You’ll find decorating advice and displays in the home pages that will help you make this time more special, however less demanding.
I feel the warmth in family traditions by celebrating at home with my daughter, Kaya, and family and friends. I host an annual Christmas Eve party for my whole family and some close friends who are like family. It’s such a wonderful way for all of us to reconnect, laughing, telling stories and just eating a delicious meal.
My favourite holiday dishes are stuffing and mashed potatoes with gravy. The turkey is just the conduit to the starches I love so much. On Christmas Day we go to one of my aunt’s homes to see extended family.
Okay, so between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, I join the average woman and gain about five pounds. One trick I use around this time of year with all the celebratory occasions is I eat before I go to a party so I am not hungry. If I am hungry, I will eat everything.
Yes, the stress level rises around this time of year, but I carve out the time to do my meditating first thing in the morning so I set myself up for the day. Seems I’m in good company as Viva’s cover story is on Giada DeLaurentiis who also tries to set up her days this way.
To honour the spiritual meaning of the holidays, I remind myself what I am thankful for. I’m thankful for the love around me – my daughter’s love, my family’s love and my friends’ love.
Holiday get-togethers give me an excuse to get out of my jeans and tee, and emerge from my bedroom a stylish working mom. This year, I created a new bracelet for my jewellery line sold on The Shopping Channel. It’s called the Star Cuff Bracelet – an affordable diamond cuff silver bracelet that is perfect to throw on for holiday parties.
Thank you Viva for letting me share my thoughts this special time of year. Enjoy this issue of Viva.
Viva magazine Natural Health
