December 17,
2007Cinnamon stars are a tricky recipe (the dough is sticky and hard to roll), but worth every effort. Light and spicy and nutty — they are dairy- and gluten-free.
Even without a white Christmas, you can still build a snowman. And you won't get cold and wet, but can still enjoy some hot cocoa.
Half the fun of presents is wondering what's inside those mysterious boxes. Like my father, I'll give a little shake while unwrapping and try to guess the contents. Actually, he would just give a shake and say, "It doesn't slosh!" as if his teenage daughters could buy bourbon.
Children always open the big one first (or leave it for last), assuming it's the "best," but I leave the small ones for last, hoping they have the best surprise. Also because it's easy to guess my presents as an adult: book, book, department store box — must be clothes —, Sudafed (it's the rattle), hacksaw — Dad didn't forgive me for guessing that one.
Then I would ask for hints in the weeks before Christmas. "Just one!" I'd say.
One year, my boyfriend (now husband) arranged a special date for us as my present. He gave me one hint: "rainforest." As he lived in Philadelphia, how could I guess what that could mean?
The first thing that popped into my mind: The Franklin Institute. They were featuring a movie of Amazon rainforest at the then-new Tuttleman iMax Theater.
Since then, he refused to give hints, saying he'll just tell me instead.
Copyright 2007 Susan J. Talbutt; all rights reserved.
Last updated December 2007