‘Tis the day before Christmas, and good news abounds. My husband Clif’s broken wrist is healing nicely—no surgery necessary. Because of his wrist, I’ve had to scale back. Nevertheless, there is cooking and cleaning to be done, and I’m right on schedule.

The ice cream pies, made with homemade chocolate ice cream, are in the freezer.

For special little treats, I’ve made ginger snaps, chocolate-covered pretzels, and peanut butter balls.

Our daughter Dee, from New York, is with us, and today will be a day of wrapping presents, making stuffed shells and cheddar cheese soup, and doing the last bit of cleaning before Christmas, when our daughter Shannon and her husband, Mike, will join us in the morning. Then, in the afternoon, my brother, Steve, his wife, Rose, and their son, Patrick, will be coming as well.

A busy time but a joyous time on these dark days of the year, when the air is cold and the stars shine so brightly. I’ll probably bundle up after our dinner and take the dog up the road for a walk. All will be quiet and still. As I pass houses, Christmas lights will sparkle in the night. The dog will bark at noises only he can hear, and my little flashlight will guide us up the road.

Happy holidays to all! I’ll be on vacation next week and will resume blogging in the new year. May your season be filled with merriment and mirth as well as family, friends, and food.