The Family Table: Don’t forget to laugh
About a month ago, Josie came to me and Mike with an idea for Christmas presents she wanted to make for the family and friends who come to our home to celebrate the holiday.
Her list of requested items was lengthy and literally would’ve required us to rent a helium tank.
The 9-year-old craft princess hoped to attach her gift to a balloon. Her thought was that we would inflate the balloons, put them in a box and wrap them. Then, she could watch as folks unwrapped their gifts and the balloons lifted the gift up, revealing her handmade present.
After much discussion — including a vetoed suggestion about mixing baking soda and vinegar to achieve the same result as helium — Josie agreed (a bit begrudgingly) to forego the balloons.
Admittedly, it was a very cool idea.
It just wasn’t a doable one for the dozen or so people with whom we’ll share Christmas day.
She labored over her gifts (I’m intentionally not saying what they are here because I don’t want to ruin the surprise), personalizing them, making sure they were just right and special to each recipient.
Earlier this week, she completed the final step — getting them wrapped and put under the tree.
As she carried the last one down, she smiled, her single dimple making an appearance.
“Make sure no one opens these until I’m here. I want to see their faces,” she told us.
Her excitement is a nice reminder for those of us who stress getting ready for the holidays.
Everything doesn’t have to be exactly as we’d envisioned it on the Hallmark Card in our minds. Holidays shouldn’t be stressful; they should be fun.
They should be about the people with whom you spend them, and about laughter and love. In the hustle and bustle, it’s too easy to forget that not everything needs to be perfect.
This year, as for the last several, we’re lucky enough to host Christmas at our home.
Our kids and families will gather in the late morning for a brunch of Crème Brulee French toast, ham, smoked salmon and other deliciousness.
We’ll open gifts and eat, and do what we do best — make memories.
And that’s really my wish to you: I hope that your holidays are full of love and laughter, and memories that lift you up … even without a helium tank.
Make Ahead Crème Brulee French Toast
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
6 eggs
1 ½ cups of heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon Grand Marnier or Triple Sec
Pinch of salt
1 loaf of Brioche bread, torn into pieces
Melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat until smooth. Pour into a 13×9 baking dish. Toss the torn bread into the butter/sugar mixture, squeezing the pieces in to fit. Whisk together the eggs, cream, vanilla, salt and Grand Marnier, and pour evenly over the bread.
Cover the mixture and chill for at least 8 hours, or up to 24 hours. Before baking, let the pan come up to room temperature. Bake it uncovered in a 350 oven for 35-40 minutes.