menu: tree lighting

'Shout-out' to May - who helped me make our own
'Christmas Tree' crudites platter, inspired by a recent 'pin' on Pinterest. 

The first Thursday of December means one thing in Winchester - Tree Lighting on the Town Common.  Our sometimes sleepy town comes alive with students singing carols, lighting of the trees and the arrival of Santa on the Fire Department's ladder truck. DFs (dear friends) will join me with their kids for a little nourishment before the excitement - brought together by the shared circumstance of husbands with business commitments elsewhere. Check out our menu below -  I'll share my recipe for black bean soup this weekend!
  

heavy on the kid-friendly foods!

What traditions will you share with friends this season?

friday field trip: tree hunt

Once we finish a round of open-face turkey sandwiches (and perhaps a post turkey nap?) we move enthusiastically into the next stage of our holidays, 'crankin' out' Christmas.  The kick-off event is our annual tree hunt with the Hogan family.  In recent years, we take this tradition to Mountain Star Farm in northern New Hampshire.  I must say, it feels magical to hike through rows of Balsam & Frasier Firs, cousins running to and fro, adults searching for their version of the perfect tree. Our stories often take a farcical turn but the fun makes it all the more memorable.  Even if you can't cut your own tree this year, make your outing fun with a stop for hot cider or cocoa ... we made our pitstop in Bath, at their wonderful General Store.

 Enjoy these pics from today's field trip - made more beautiful by the recent snowfall.  Happy Tree Hunting to you!