It’s quiet. Lights are twinkling on the tree, the fireplace is managing to keep the outdoor chill at bay, and for a few moments absolutely nothing is happening. Ahh. A small break in the excitement of having everyone together when I wonder if I’ll ever eat again.
I have this week off work and so far, I’ve been to the grocery about 17 times, marveling at how quickly the milk, bread and eggs disappear with the threat of a winter storm. One trip was at 6am among the employees restocking the shelves and filling online orders. Whole butternut squash was nowhere to be found until after I’d already bought it in frozen chunks and contemplated sweet potatoes instead.
Frequent readers may be relieved to know that we have a new refrigerator! This one neither wheezes nor maintains a sub-optimal internal temperature that spoils milk. We’ve been testing its capacity with the makings of multiples feasts. Cooking for more than our usual “two” is an exciting affair. Chopping, simmering, blending, rolling, baking, plus a steady stream of dishes to wash. All the while, the fridge never seems to empty out. In fact, I’m convinced the cheeses are multiplying.
By now, in some households, small children have long since torn into the gifts and are playing with their new toys. This, however, is an adult Christmas where we might start at noon, enjoying coffee and panettone. Of course, once we all assemble it will be fun to discover what is inside the whimsical and wonky boxes under the tree. The stockings are an event in themselves with contents overflowing to the mantle and on the floor.
The day can unfold without urgency. We don’t have to go anywhere, or shop, or wrap. The biggest decision will be which version of A Christmas Carol to watch. Mr. Magoo? Muppets? Will and Ryan? We will be surprised to feel hungry again in time to enjoy the big meal our kids have planned, paired with interesting cocktails.
Tomorrow we can contemplate how long to leave the tree up, when we need to do an airport run, and how we can slip leftovers into the luggage. For now, I’m soaking up the quiet before all the fun begins.