The Italian Christmas Donkey

Cinquecento

(Uno) 1. This delightful video posted by a Facebook friend whose son’s name is Domenic. That explains why she likes it. “Hee haw, hee haw” explains why I like it. Careful, this is one that gets stuck in your head.

(Due) 2. Any mention of my holiday favorites. For me, Christmas is about sharing feelings with family, and nothing helps me share like Home Alone, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (animated version, fool!), The Sound of Music, White Christmas, and the thought of a thick white snow blanketing the world outside my cozy nook on the couch.

(Tre) 3. Funny headlines by Michael K – “Your Boyfriend Ryan Gosling Is Still Cheating On You With That Homewrecking Whore Eva Mendes.” Thanks for posting, Claire! p.s. I love both Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes.

(Quattro) 4. Shrimp. Shrimp are the “chicken of the sea” in my book. They are small and plentiful, like chicken, and they have flavor profiles in relation to their diet and environment. Also, for me, just like I do not eat chicken, I do not eat shrimp.

(Cinque) 5. Getting back into my running shoes after the long holiday weekend. Refreshing!

Cento

Visiting Geneva over Thanksgiving was a silver lining of spending holidays away from family. After the silver lining fades, my nostalgia for my family Thanksgiving remains: food! (stuffing, cranberries, dinner rolls and butter, pecan pie), long-winded & rambling stories (sort of a family trait, you know, one I’m foolishly trying to rise above), watching a movie after dinner (either Home Alone in the dvd player or going to the theater together), and sharing, cajoling and laughing together as we create that special family buzz, the warm, squishy feeling in your full belly when you’ve been surrounded by laughter and love.