It’s that time of year. Can you feel it? The hustle and bustle of the holidays. Every year I look forward to the arrival of the holiday season. For our family and probably many others, it begins with Thanksgiving Day and carries through to New Year’s Day. Where did the time go this year?

We’re eight days away from Christmas, and I am tired! Except for some stocking stuffers, the shopping is finished, but not wrapped. I have downsized the amount of holiday baking I usually do, and the cookies are ready. I’ve finalized our Christmas Day menu. It sounds like there’s plenty of time to do what is left. Oh, I forgot — I have to work four of those eight nights before Christmas.

This year I have felt disconnected from my immediate family. The work schedules we keep are the culprit. However, we all need our jobs. As a child, I thought family gatherings just happened. Boy, was I wrong! Through the years I have learned it takes effort for these affairs to become a reality.

If any of you can relate, perhaps it is a time issue for you as well and not lack of effort. Luckily, I am not working the nights of December 22-25 (I’m a night shift RN). I plan to make good use of my time. Cooking for my family, with Christmas music playing in the background (of course), watch a movie or two in front of a roaring fire with Christmas tree lights twinkling and maybe finish the Christmas novella I’m reading. How about you?

My wish for everyone this year is that you make the time to be merry. Create some great memories as you spread some holiday cheer. Merry Christmas!

December Recipe – better than fruitcake!
Fruitcake Cookies 
1 box vanilla wafers, crushed
1/2 pound red candied cherries, chopped
1/2 pound green candied cherries, chopped
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 can condensed milk
coconut

Combine ingredients and mold into logs.
Roll each log in coconut. Wrap with waxed paper, then foil.
Place in freezer until ready to use. Thaw for 30 minutes, cut and serve.