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BUTTERSCOTCH CHRISTMAS

The holidays are here and for some, it's a season of joy and spending. For others, it can be a season of loneliness and unreachable dreams. Coming up with the money to buy gifts can be a burden to many people, especially in this dour economy.

Look, gift giving during the holidays is a wonderful thing if you can afford it, but what if you can't? What do you do? How do you make the holiday a memorable one? A few years ago I told my sister Mary that I was seriously questioning this ritual of gift buying because it was getting very expensive, very out-of-hand, and Christmas was becoming more and more of a burden financially (we have a very large family). Mary agreed with me and after much thought, we made a decision not to buy gifts again for anybody simply because it's Christmas or the holiday season. Of course, in a cherished setting, there is always a person or two who you want to buy a particular gift for (like my sister Mary) to show an even deeper appreciation of your friendship and love. That's okay and giving gifts in that true spirit of love is honorable. Gift buying under pressure is not okay and people shouldn't be made to feel they must spend their money on gift giving, especially in a financially dire economy.

We decided that Christmas Eve night would now become an opportunity to share an evening of great food, superb wine, and wonderful conversation with people we love and desire spending our time with. These are the greatest gifts - food, wine, and conversation with fascinating people - those we love. Now, the gifts become love and sharing and a true literal breaking of the bread. Since I love to bake and cook, my talent with food helps grant a fabulous supper and dessert for the people who have enriched my life.

On Christmas Eve, the dining room lights will be dimmed and we'll stand around the table whereupon will burn beautiful candles. One by one, we'll each speak what is on our minds, and if somebody chooses to say nothing, that is quite all right. The topic is whatever is in the heart of the orator but typically, it is heartfelt and emotional and telling of the person's trials, tribulations, joys, and successes over the last year, and the hope for the new year.

A stunning loaf of home baked bread and a large goblet of a very memorable wine will be at center and each person will sip from the goblet of wine, then break the bread and eat it. In silence, we will pass the bread and the goblet around the table until they rest in

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