It’s that time of year – bundles of holiday cards are arriving in my mailbox. Each shiny photo card of friends I love reminds me that I didn’t send any this year. Not because I was too busy, or because I forgot, but because I didn’t have a card-worthy photo. How vain of me. I know. But if I’m going to send something to the masses, it better be good. And this year, I just didn’t get that perfect cover photo. Admit it – we all receive those photo cards that give us pause and leave us wondering why THAT photo was the one. I refuse to be that card. So I choose not to send any.
2006: Santa brings comfort and joy.
The obvious answer would be to send a regular holiday card that doesn’t have my kids’ sweet mugs plastered all over it, but let’s face it – that will just end up in someone’s recycling bin. And I don’t blame them. I’m risking getting myself kicked off of multiple mailing lists with this rant, but I find the act of sending holiday cards interesting. I love hearing from friends, and the thought is certainly genuine and appreciated, but shouldn’t I just tell you in person or through a phone call what I would say in card? If I’m sending a photoless card, then I might as well save a stamp and call you to say happy holidays. And it’s likely that the phone call would lead to a real conversation and a real reconnection. So I think I’m going to start a new tradition – a holiday call, not a holiday card.
And there are a subset of holiday cards that arrive with a motive tucked neatly into the envelope. Do you really think that my trash man gave me a card because he genuinely wants to wish me happy holidays? No way. He wants the case of beer I leave for him every year. It’s a little dance we have. He gives me a card, I leave beer, and he wheels my trash can back down the driveway for the rest of the year. Happy holidays wrapped in a gentle bribe with a bow on top.
Two holiday pies you must try
As the holidays ramp up, there are two pies that will absolutely be on my table. These are not new recipes to the blog, but ones I should remind everyone about because they are great winter pies. I’m in the process of experimenting with a new one, but it’s not ready for face time yet. Click on the links and they will take you to the posts with the full recipes.
This is such a great pie for the holidays. Pears tossed with fresh ginger and covered in an eggnog custard that is spiked with nutmeg and rum. Very easy and less time intensive then other pies.
This pie screams holidays with cranberries that are complimented by apple, cinnamon and orange zest. It’s so pretty once it’s topped with a lattice crust.
Can this count as my card to all of you? Happy Holidays!
Emily – I used to send a Holiday letter. But I know people are bored reading it. I received a two page letter and I did not know anyone my friend was talking about. Every year my list goes down. Why should we send cards to people to see every day. My card to your family will arrive soon.
Love,
Diana
Ha! I totally know what you mean. But I do love cards and will look forward to yours! xoxo
Those look incredible , don’t be surprised if you see them at the restaurant!
That’s so generous of you – thanks for entertaining my pie obsession. If you do end up trying them, let me know if you make any changes that make them even better! P.S. – I hear you might be coming to my hood out in Chagrin Falls… great news! Great to meet you and thanks for such a fun day yesterday.
Definitely going to try the apple cranberry recipe. I just made apple pies a couple weeks ago with Roma apples I picked up in North Carolina at Thanksgiving. The apples were actually from Pennsylvania and perfect pie apples. Merry Christmas and thanks for the card. Stephanie, Birch and the kids will be here Monday.
Ooh, nothing better than a pie with fresh picked apples! You will love the combination – it tastes like Christmas! Have a wonderful time with Stephanie and family!