A Bittersweet Holiday, a Fresh Start

Although it is the most bittersweet of holidays, New Year's remains my favorite.

My memory is long, and I recall a New Year's Eve when I was 3 or perhaps 4 years old. We were living with Grandma Annie and Memere in the old house in Frenchtown, and my father was at work. My mother and Aunt made chip dip with cream cheese and catsup, a taste I still adore, and another favorite that we now call "Chex Mix," but they called beer junk. Later, when there were more of us kids, the snacks grew more sophisticated and were - more often than not - store bought. After my mother was widowed, she began hosting small New Year's Eve gatherings for other women who were alone, and I looked forward to those when I was home from school or work for the holidays.

My husband and I alternate quiet dinners at home with dinners out, usually at a 100-year-old house that is now an inn, located in our 19th century neighborhood. It is a short drive along the river, and when we enter the art nouveaux interior, we are greeted by a warm hostess and a blazing fire. We'll see friends at the other tables, and it will be a gala but not rowdy affair.

There are resolutions to begin tomorrow, some of which will be broken by February. But I like the notion of a fresh start, and often my resolve is strong and I actually stick to my goals.

This year, I want to (1) visit other blogs more often, (2) eat more whole grains and vegetables, (3) drink more green tea, (4) prepare more Asian meals, (5) find ways to cut the fat from French classics, (6) organize my kitchen, and (7) organize my entire house.

I am looking forward to several months of cold weekends spent inside, long Saturdays in the kitchen, and cozy Saturday night dinners (and not just finger foods!)

What about you?