I don’t really begin to think about Christmas ’til December.
Whilst the retail shops have been in full Christmas regalia since the day after Halloween, I don’t see any need to rush the holiday along.
The first step is hanging the wreath. It’s not an overtly Christmas decoration anyway. Or perhaps that’s just my opinion due to the fact that we are surrounded by towering evergreens, so a circle of pine boughs and acorns doesn’t signify the same way. However, it does evoke a welcoming presence at the entrance on these grey, early-dark days, and jazzes up a very dull door.
I’ve also begun thinking about holiday baking.
This is the year I am finally going to attempt Panettone. I adore this Italian sweet bread, but the price in the bakeries has become prohibitively expensive. The Bread Baker’s Apprentice has a recipe that looks appealing—albeit time-consuming—and other than Fiori di Sicilia ( Flower of Sicily), it seems pretty straightforward. If you have made panettone, send me a comment with advice.
In years past, I’ve gone Christmas cookie crazy. This year, I’m sticking to two traditional confections: shortbread and gingerbread.
I’m already stocking up on butter.
It’s our first Christmas in this new house, so we are pondering a good location for the tree in the living room, and this Sunday, the community hosts a Santa Claus parade with a lighted boat sail by.
Magic is in the air.
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