And just like that, the holiday season is upon us. As they tend to do when we get older, the years really do tend to fly by. Wasn't it just a few weeks ago that we were in Florida for our cruise? Nope, that was last December. I've always loved Christmas, and in fact, it's my favorite holiday. Halloween is my second favorite but it still remains firmly in second place. Not only is the weather getting cooler, but the foodie in my loves all the different snacks, treats, munchies and goodies that appear in stores and from the kitchens of friends. Really, who doesn't enjoy some good holiday treats? I even shared my feelings about these wonderful morsels which you can find here. Go ahead and click that link. It'll open in a new window and you won't lose your place here. I'll wait. What did you think?
I'm glad Loren is hosting his annual Advent fiction event on his site. I missed doing it last year, as it's so much fun to do. It's a challenge, though, at least for me. For those who have stuck with me all these years, y'all know my blogs can be a bit.......wordy.....at times.
For my new readers, Loren's Advent Fiction event invites us to write a 100-word story, no more, no less, pertaining to Advent and the Christmas season. It can be funny, spooky, funny-spooky, contemplative, or any mood we see fit. Just make it exactly 100 words (title excluded) to meet the challenge, and you'll be good to know. Most of my stories have had a supernatural flavor, mainly due to how much fun it is to write such fiction. What will this year bring? Well, I'm glad you asked! Below are my submissions to this year's event. I sincerely hope you get as much enjoyment in reading them as I did in writing them.
Grandma's Recipe
“Are you sure it’s ok if I make your Christmas cookie recipe, Grandma?”
“Of course, I’m sure, silly! What an honor it’d be.”
“Thanks, Grandma; I really appreciate your trust in me to do this right.”
“Don’t sell yourself short, Teddy; you’re a wonderful cook!”
“But I don’t bake that much.”
“You’ll do fine; just follow my recipe exactly.”
25 minutes and 350 degrees later
“Wow, it came out better than I thought!”
“I knew you could do it. I’m so proud of you, sweetie!”
Teddy glanced at his grandmother’s photo. “I wish you were here to share them with.”
The first story, Grandma's Recipe, came to me after watching two different commercials this holiday season. The story pretty much wrote itself from there. I've long wanted to do something with the traditional Christmas song The Boar's Head Carol. I particularly love the mixture of English and Latin, and truly enjoy listening to it every Christmas season. My favorite version is by the Chieftains, and you can listen to it on this YouTube link by clicking here. Do yourself a favor and listen to it. I bet you'll like it. Probably much more than that poor vegetarian servant the King employed.
Growing up in South Texas, I enjoyed a different culinary use for a boar's head, especially around Christmas. A huge shoutout to the Hispanic culture for bringing such a culinary treasure into the world, and into my life. And yes, I'm totally going to enjoy this treasure on Christmas Eve....a dozen at a time.
So, from me to you, I wish every one of you the most joyous holiday, Merry Christmas, and the happiest of New Years. Thank you for spending some of your time with me. It means much more than you'll ever realize.
Until next time........
carpe cerevisi
