The air is a chilly 39 degrees and snow blankets every grassland. It's a beautiful wintery, Christmas in Maryland. Inside the wood crackles under the flames and the living room glows from the tree lights in a heartily adorned Christmas tree.

My little girl, Ma Cherie is with me and we cozy up in front of the fireplace. Sipping eggnog, a knock at the door signals that guests have arrived.

It's a perfect Christmas with family, extended family and new friends. Tis the best way to spend Christmas.

Lolita and Ma Cherie

Then while on the computer, my sister asks me to lend her a hand with creating the printed menu. I find an elegant red poinsetta and green border, add the menu items and insert it into a large, gold picture frame. The presentation is now complete. Below are the menu items equal to that of any five star restaurant. My sister is quite the cook and hostess. Feeding thirteen people is no easy task. But for this Senior Project Manager, she has planned and orchestrated a seamless Christmas dinner.

THE MENU

Appetizers
Beef empanadas, shrimp cocktail and chips with spicy sausage dip

Starters
Caesar Salad

Entrees
Petit Filet Mignon (bacon wrap optional)
Broiled Maryland Crab Cakes

Sides
Creamed Spinach, Twice Baked Potato, Roasted Cauliflower, Vidalia Onion Casserole

Desserts
Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake
Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate Pecan Pie


Christmas tablesetting at my sister's home

We are truly grateful for the fabulous feast and the warmth of friends and family. Twas a Christmas to remember.