With just three short weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, immersing myself into the holiday spirit has been an awkward transition. Although, I must admit I’m not one that handles transitions very gracefully. I need time to ease into any new situation, including the holiday season. This year in particular, I feel I’ve barely digested my Thanksgiving meal before I feel inundated with the responsibilities of the holidays.
In an attempt to better acclimate myself, I put on Christmas music and open a bottle of wine. However, this time the wine is poured into a pot on the stove with some orange zest, a little brown sugar, cloves, allspice and a cinnamon stick or two. A star anise gets thrown in as much for its fragrance as for its shape, which perfectly reflects the elegance of the season. A mug of mulled wine will provide the spirit I need to get it all done.
The brew simmers on lowest heat for about 30 minutes then ladled into a mug. Its heady scent embraces me before a drop reaches my lips. The citrus intermingles with the earthy spices. One sip encapsulates everything holiday.
Having a pot of warm brew makes it time to share with a few of our favorite people. Together we grumble about family and long to-do lists and laugh at how silly it is. We soon find ourselves awash in gratitude from the warmth of good company and, of course, the mulled wine. It’s nice to have to time for our impromptu evening full of good spirits in the room and in our glass.
Feeling fortified, I finally embrace the holiday season and all it entails. Or perhaps the season has embraced me. Glass in hand, we gain strength to handle it all. We savor our mulled wine and being together in the true spirit of Christmas, which I know will be here too soon and over before we know it.
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