Holidays

Tis the time of year to pace myself. Because I’m going to blow up like a blimp if I keep indulging the way the last few days have been. Last night was oil fondue. For lunch today, dim sum. Tonight, pre-Nutcracker drinks and dinner at Stone Face Dolly’s. Tomorrow is brunch. And two more Christmas parties are coming up this week, which means more rich, decadent food. Add to that my mother just phoned, wanting to confer over what to make for Christmas dinner. And I’m finding that shortbread and Christmas cookies are everywhere. It’s all wonderful stuff (especially a puff pastry appetizer I had last night with olives and capers – I need to get the recipe from Holly) but I’m starting to feel like the poster child for gluttoney. And you feel weird when you don’t take part in the same level of merriment as everyone else. For instance I was not hungry heading into dinner tonight. I was still feeling last night’s beef fondue, layered with the dim sum from lunch. So I decided keep supper light by ordering a house salad. I felt like the odd person out when the server brought out gorgeous plates of pasta and chicken for everyone else, and I got served a some tossed greens. I didn’t feel like I was bonding on the same level with everyone else at the table. I guess it’s part of the idea that one celebrates with family and friends by breaking bread together. Or in most cases today, celebrating by munching on President’s Choice hors d’oeuvres.