Tied neatly with a bow.

For the sake of my own sanity, I like to think that everyone’s family gatherings involve the level of chaos and  absurdity that I observe on holidays —

* Dad taking us back to the days before calculators and imploring the younger generation if “you even use pencils anymore.”

* Multiple parents pleading me not to sell my kidney for cash (note to self: need to be more careful about subject of jokes), but please try for safer alternatives, like selling my eggs.

* My younger sister vowing to marry before me, because the first wedding will be “more special for everyone.” Fair enough; I did get the privilege of being born first, and enjoyed three special years of undivided attention. I will give her the first wedding.

* Say parents, hands clasped tightly forming a united front: “We will write her out of our will if she gets a tattoo.”

This is my Christmas Day. And Thanksgiving, and Fourth of July, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way: full of crazy & full of love.

Our family dog, Chelsey: 8 years old and acts like a lazy cat.

I turned to Smitten Kitchen’s Garlic Butter Roasted Mushrooms for the big dinner. It’s so good!

On the morning of Christmas Eve, alone in my Los Angeles apartment, embracing the calm before the storm.
I remember feeling supremely blessed in this moment, surrounded by gifts for and from the people I love.