#gratitude

It's that time of year again.

The time of mad dashes to the grocery store, Amazon boxes at the front door, itchy sweaters, wet weather, Starbucks holiday cups, Christmas music rolling out right after Veterans Day, crowded highways and airports, and trying to correct time/cook/serve all ten (or so) dishes for the meal.

It's that time of year again.

The time when friends and family have a socially-sanction period of possible extended travel so you can play broad games over punch and cookies after the grown ups go to bed. The time of decorating trees and singing along to Christmas carols. The time of savoring old family favorites and experimenting with new recipes. The time when everyone looks festive, down to the pups. The time when warm cider and hot cocoa are perfect in the blustery weather.

Here are a few of mine:

• a healthy dog

• traveling to see family

• enough kitchen skills to cook for my loved ones

• cozy fleece blankets

• loving the difference I make at work

What is on your gratitude list this year?