Every year, since my first year of offering cooking lessons (close to 10 years now!) I have not taught a lesson in December, but instead had a Christmas party with my students.

This years party was a simple affair and the menu included vegetable soup, freshly baked bread, deep-fried fish served with vegetables in a vinaigrette, roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, and for dessert cinnamon apple cupcakes with frosting and sprinkles.

The food was great but more than the food I found happiness in the conversation and company. And this, to me is one of the things the holiday of Christmas is about, spending time with people you love and having the connection with each other.

I was sated, nutritionally and spiritually. I give thanks.