Each week my wife Tamar and I have the same discussion; whose parents should we have dinner with on Friday evening, hers or mine? Often the answer is neither, because we’re too busy carpooling to our son Jonah’s hockey game, or driving and picking up our daughter Jamie from gymnastics. But we’re always well intentioned. I swear mom!
Since moving into our new house two years ago, we’ve also enjoyed entertaining our circle of family and friends at home. We’re surrounded by a village of amazing people, who are here often, drinking a little tequila, eating good food, and having a great time! We’re also fortunate that a lot of those relationships have translated into amazing friendships between our children.
Family member birthdays are often celebrated together; cousins, uncles, aunts, grandparents and friends. Whether we combine two or three birthdays into one celebration or it’s a celebration for one, we always try to make the birthday boy or girl feel special.
Last weekend, Tamar and I had friends over, and while it wasn’t a special occasion, they were special people. They were our camp friends, and if you know me or have been following my weekly blog, you know how important my camp family is to me.
My friends and family are over often, and we encourage our kids to entertain at home too. We love to be surrounded by love.
That’s why I love the holidays. I love spending time with Tamar and the kids, and my extended family and friends. I love all the great food and, when the moment(s) arise, a good tequila too! And if I’m lucky, I might receive a gift or two.
But the holiday season is also a time of reflection. I look back on the year gone by, at the challenges and accomplishments, and I look forward to the New Year and what’s to come.
I’ve also noticed something has definitely changed these last few years. I’m in love with being happy and making others happy too. I no longer wait to give back to my community – I choose to give back throughout the year and the feeling I receive is unlike any other.
So, during this holiday season, I wish for you and your family what I wish for mine 365 days a year; health, time with those you love, a car full of your children and their friends, the opportunity to give back to your community, and the chance to enjoy great food (without refined sugar, dairy and gluten).
Here’s to health and happiness!
– Chef JW
