Celebrate the New Year with a Feast and Relaxation: A Foodie’s Guide
As the New Year holiday approaches, many of us are planning how to celebrate and relax. Whether you're thinking of spending quality time with loved ones or taking a well-deserved break, let's explore some delicious options for your New Year's feast. After all, isn't it the season of joy and indulgence?
New Year's Eve: A Sensory Feast
For New Year's Eve, you may opt for a spread of charcuterie that includes cheeses, olives, breads, and crackers. Consider hosting your guests by offering a variety of these tasty snacks with a mixer to keep the atmosphere lively as you cheer on your favorite sports team, like the UC Bearcats. This can be a delightful way to see the year off with good cheer and good food.
Or, if you're more inclined to cook, a traditional New Year's Eve meal might feature pork, sauerkraut, dumplings, and mashed potatoes. This hearty and flavorful combination can provide the perfect balance for a celebration that will last into the night.
New Year's Day: A Family and Friend’s Gathering
The next day, you might choose to meet with family and friends for a casual gathering. Grabbing drinks and watching fireworks can be a memorable way to welcome the new year. If you're fortunate enough to have your grandmother and cousins joining you, it's the perfect way to spend the holiday together.
Alternatively, you can find the comfort of a familiar home-cooked meal. I look forward to indulging in pork dishes with sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, and maybe a big meaty cut like hogmaw. Why not take it a step further with black-eyed peas, green bell peppers, onions, and that special Louisiana hot sauce, served with a generous helping of cornbread and a sweet finish with sweet potatoes drizzled with Truvia sweetener? A feast fit for the holidays!
Eighteen and Relax: A Time for Self-Care
At 88 years old, I might not be working over the New Year's holiday. Despite my active lifestyle, filled with two jobs that I have managed for over a decade, it’s time to take a break. This isn’t just about taking the day off; it's about focusing on me and my well-being. Why not enjoy Netflix shows with your fluffy kitty nearby, savoring a meal like pork accompanied by sauerkraut and mashed potatoes?
The Power of the 80/20 Rule
Finally, let's talk about the 80/20 rule, a principle based on the Pareto Principle. This rule states that 20% of your activities can generate 80% of your satisfaction. Applying this to your life, you can identify which activities bring you the most joy and happiness. For me, this means spending time with loved ones and enjoying the delicious food that makes me happy.
So, this New Year, make sure to give yourself a moment of grace – enjoy a feast, spend time with those who matter, and take the time to care for yourself. As the old Gaelic tradition of Hogmanay reminds us, sometimes it's the simple pleasures, like a glass of malt whisky and a hearty ale, that make the day.
Happy New Year to all, and may your meals be delicious and your spirits high!