This morning as I sloshed through the puddles and held tightly to my umbrella, I made the decision to laugh instead of curse my “misfortune.” If having wet pants for an hour and a head full of frizzy hair are the greatest of my worries today, then I’d say I’m doing pretty well.

Each time I hear or watch a news clip on the Sandy Hook massacre (strong word, but that’s ultimately what it was), I get chills. I can’t begin to imagine the horror felt by the children and adults as they scrambled to safety or the sorrow, disbelief, and anger felt by the families of the victims. As superficial as it sounds, the image I can’t get out of my head is of the parents who have closets full of toys and gifts— purchased weeks and months ago—who will never see their smiling children open those gifts this, or any other, Christmas. In the end, most gifts are just objects. They will inevitably be worn, forgotten, and thrown away, yet the joy we feel when sharing gifts with our loved ones is irreplaceable. I can only hope and pray these heartbroken families somehow find strength and comfort within themselves and one another. I just can’t fathom it…

Shortly after hearing about the Newtown tragedy, we gathered for our holiday luncheon at work. The cheer and lightheartedness didn’t come quite as easily as usual, but I personally enjoyed the catered lunch (Honey-Baked Ham) and mingling with coworkers. After receiving my Christmas bonus and 5-year service award, I realized how blessed I am this—and every—year.

Friday night, Mark and I tried Ollie’s Mediterranean Grill in Midtown for the first time. While the décor was fun (I felt like I was inside a genie’s bottle), the service and food were less than stellar. Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods are some of our favorites, so we had high hopes, despite the mostly-negative reviews we read online. Though our hummus was overloaded with garlic and entrées were very one-dimensional, we still enjoyed ourselves. We will, however, choose the Mediterranean Sandwich Company or Jerusalem Café—two of our favorites—next time around.

After a Saturday lunch at Panera Bread and a bit of shopping, we went over to my parents’ house for our extended family Christmas party. My mother has hosted since I was a young child; originally, they were held on Christmas Eve, but after my grandmother’s passing and a few years’ hiatus, she began holding them a couple weeks before Christmas. While far fewer relatives attended than last year and the previous year, it was nice to visit with family I sadly see only once or twice a year.

My contribution to the spread was this foolproof dish: grape tomatoes, fresh basil, goat cheese, and decorative toothpicks. It’s simple, festive, and delicious—with just a bit of assembly required.

We had a relaxing Sunday: lunch at The Compleat Angler (it was ok), grocery shopping, laundry, dinner, and the season finales of two of our favorite TV shows, Dexter and Homeland(!!!). Mark prepared a fantastic and perfectly cooked fillet and mashed potatoes, while I roasted some Brussels sprouts. I’m already anticipating the series finale of Dexter and, I swear, any time I just know what’s going to happen on Homeland the complete opposite happens. They get me every time.

Hope everybody has a productive week. As you wrap the last of your Christmas gifts or make last minute travel arrangements, remember to hug your loved ones a little tighter this week.

And on a light-hearted note, I leave you this.