Last year, I wrote a Holiday Manifesto to vent my frustrations about the premature holiday advertising and shopping. At the time, the presidential election was just around the corner and we were in the middle of an economic freefall. Things went from bad to worse and then some, and in the middle of it all, people were confused, fearful, and angry.
Since then, we have seen some recovery and some set backs. No longer are there daily reports of stocks crashing, but there are not-so-quiet reminders that things are still bleak: unemployment numbers continue to rise, foreclosures are increasing, and companies are still going under. The reports, however, do not have the urgency and anxiety of last year. Rather, it is more like we have accepted the situation and are prepared to continue onward with our lives.
In reading my manifesto from last year, I was struck by the forcefulness of my words. At the time, I did not have the Bitter/Sweet blog, so this posting went on the main page. It was uncommon for me to share such opinions on the website, and it marked a turning point in the type of posts I write and allowed me the freedom to explore other topics. Most things tend to circle back to food and cooking, but every so often I allow myself to wander off subject.
After reviewing the manifesto with the intentions of revising it for this year, I am left with a very different feeling. Almost, I dare say, a celebratory feeling. I am happy to see the signs of the season approaching: fresh cranberries and pomegranates, the crunch of dry leaves on the sidewalk, the scent of muffins baking in an oven, the warmth of lit candles, and festive twinkling lights.
All of this serves as a reminder about the simple things in life and how these subtle things can make a house feel like a home. Perhaps this is because I am a homeowner this year, and spending my first holiday season in my new house with my new husband. This year, I look forward to celebrating the season with family and good food. As I have said many times before, food is a source of comfort, a product of love, and a means of sustenance.
So here’s to the Sweetness of family, good food and holiday cheer!
