[jyl]

We don't have much planned this year.

XMas eve - we always have cracked crab, it is a family tradition for wife. Will have 6 others over. Trying to decide on side dishes and an alternate main for those who don't like crab.

Last week I made a nice veg side of carrots braised in beer, sugar, and butter, then glazed w/ the reduced liquid, but the glazing was a bit too thin, so may re-do it to get it right this time. I also have an escargot craving so may do that for appetizer. May do a carbonara for the alternate main.

XMas day - going to sister's for dinner. I'm to bring something but have not decided what. There is another dish I'd like to re-do to make it better, peeled chestnuts braised in port, then candied, so may do that one.

We have been late on everything this Xmas - got the tree later than usual, got decorations up very late, still doing shopping. For whatever reason our usual "schedule" slipped. Including figuring out menus.