Christmas Celebrations

Spending Christmas away from my family has made me reflect on what elements of the Christmas festivities are meaningful to me. I think the most important element is being with loved ones. Gifts and Santa might be symbols of that love, but they ultimately don't really matter all that much. What matters are the thoughtful and loving behaviors, gestures, and expressions of our connections with others.

Paul and Jeremy invited Johnnie and I over for Christmas dinner. They live in a charming mint green house atop a hill overlooking Athens, Ohio. Jeremy's a blogger, too, and it was interesting to hear how he feels his blog is a collaboration with Paul. They talk over subjects for entries and Paul often will edit Jeremy's writing after he's done.

I suppose collaboration could be the theme of our meal, as well, since everyone made something. Johnnie got up early to make his pumpkin pecan pie with homemade crust. I made a salad with baby greens, raspberries, pecans, pear, and raspberry vinaigrette as well as green beans with tarragon. Paul made delicious sweet potatoes and Jeremy made a wild rice dressing and gravy. I think they both helped with the turkey and cookies. Our meal was quite delicious, as well as lovely to look at. Although I took pictures of my own plate, I found Paul's plate more aesthetically pleasing.

Here's a picture of Johnnie's pie.

Underneath the pecan layer was a base of pumpkin pie. We ate our pie in the living room looking at the lovely view and the sophisticated tree decorated with white and blue ornaments. I enjoyed our discussion as we watched the wintry day become a peaceful night.

Thanks to Paul and Jeremy for the good food, friendly conversation, and great generosity to us.