This year I am reminded of the true spirit of the season in many ways.

I am overjoyed to welcome Alessandra to the world. My dear friend’s daughter is already a girl after my own heart. Determined not to miss the holiday festivities, she arrived very early in the morning on December 24th. Congratulations to her family. She is certainly the best present ever.

Big brother Andrew wishes she could talk and insisted on wearing a tie to meet his baby sister.
Dressed and ready to go leave the hospital and enjoy her first Christmas, she’s lucky her extended family is in town to welcome her home.

Seeing Santa in action was as exciting for the adults as it was for the kids. I believe!

My brother and sister in-law have been delayed due to weather and while postponing our immediate family fun was disappointing, it allowed for a lovely celebration with my aunts, uncles, cousins and cousin-ettes. My aunt hosted her traditional Christmas Eve open house serving chicken wings, chips, dips, cookies, grasshoppers and more. Relatives hovered around the oven waiting for Nina Pitcl’s *Cupa, Cupa, Cupa, Wisconsin cuisine at it’s finest! Nina gets a shout out for being a faithful follower of my blog, thanks cuz! Remember: I want your cranberry, cream cheese jello recipe, please!

I hope your holiday included delicious food, quality time with loved ones and special treasures far beyond the gifts under your tree.

Warmest Christmas wishes to you and your family

With my love,

Tammy
.

*Cup of grated swiss cheese, cup of chopped onions, cup of Hellman’s mayo: mix and put into hollowed out sourdough loaf, bake until golden brown and serve with the sour dough center that has been ripped into bite size pieces.