Holidays!

That time of year is just about upon us. Here in Toronto its going to be a white Christmas, something I haven't seen for a good decade or more. I couldn't be happier. The snow storm this weekend did not keep me in, in fact, I spent more time outside than I usually do in the summer! The snow brings back a lot of good memories of growing up and spending time with family.

I have many memories of getting that perfect tree. On the second Sunday of December we would go for a "drive" to the Codroy Valley in Newfoundland outside of of my hometown where I grew up. One year we saw the perfect tree to cut down after searching for hours in vain. Unfortunately it was on someones front yard. It was absolutely perfect all around as it was growing in solitude with no other tress near it. The fact it was in someone's front yard made no difference to my dad who jumped the fence and chopped it down. It was the fastest time I saw him take an axe to a tree. It was probably not the proper thing to do but thats what makes it so memorable. I like to think that whoever owned that tree would have been happy that we thoroughly enjoyed it and we still draw on that experience at this time of the year.

Today I have a fake plastic tree only because of fire regulations. Kind of takes the fun and nostalgia out of it. No freshly cut tree smell but its better than no tree at all. The picture to the right is my tree for 2007. Nothing spectacular but what do you expect from two guys!

I ordered my Christmas ham from the butcher on Sunday. Can't wait for that smell to permeate my home. I am having a group of friends together who are all away from home and their families. My "Night of the Misfit Boys" as I usually call it. The ham well be heavily spiced and flavoured with anise, fennel seeds, onion, garlic, fennel, red wine, cinnamon, cardamom and clove. The glaze will be based on red currants. Yum! Of course their well be eggnog, mulled cider, and tons of appetizers from all over the world reflecting the different cultural backgrounds of my friends and partner.

I would love to hear what you are doing or any memories you would like to share.