Christmas Eve was a blast. It is the one time of the year that I get down and dirty in the kitchen and make everything from scratch. I went all out for my nieces and nephews. Apple salad, surf and turf, creamy potatoes, asparagus, shrimp scampi, and a coconut bundt cake. I borrowed recipes from restaurants I visited and the all purpose food network. I must say the biggest hit was the shrimp scampi – recipe from Barefoot Contessa. Yesterday I was especially thankful for two things: (1) my youngest niece came in the kitchen and acted as my sous chef helping me prepare all the dishes; and (2) a friend did my dishes for me.
Today, I spent the holiday having dinner with a dear friend who is like a brother/guardian angel to me. It was grown ups only (love the nieces and nephews but it’s nice to have grown up time). The food was delicious. The table setting beautiful and the conversation ecclectic and enjoyable.
I have Christmas Eve at my place for selfish reasons. It’s my time with my nieces and nephews and it frees me up on Christmas Day. I know alot of people hate the holidays because of the inevitable drama that ensues. I enjoy being single if only for that fact that during holidays I don’t have the in-law run-around. If I want to do a drop-by (or in my case drive by), so be it. If not, I can curl up with a book, a good black and white movie or hang out with friends who are similarly minded. Because it is my favorite holiday, I try to keep the Christmas spirit and not let outside influences ruin it.
We can’t control people or family members that seemingly live only to drive us crazy. However, we can control how we react and respond to them. Don’t allow petty things or petty people to ruin your holiday spirit. If they want to be miserable, let them have a pity party of one.
I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it…We are in charge of our attitudes. – Charles Swindoll
Ronda is an attorney, writer, and entrepreneur. She is a contributing writer for the Huffington Post. Originally from Chicago, she has lived in Los Angeles and New York. She loves to travel and is passionate about education equity, especially for first generation college students.