Christmas is quite literally around the corner and I still have a few gifts to buy and holiday cookies to bake, but I’m already starting to feel more relaxed.

After a 24-hour drive through Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio, Stephen, Baloo and I, finally arrived in Jackson, Michigan at Stephen’s family’s house yesterday. Today we plan to trim the White Fir that Stephen’s parents have mounted, watered and ready to go. Trimming the tree is one of my favorite holiday activities. There is something about looking through the ornaments, remembering when and where you got them, or who made them. Memories and colorful stories seem to follow, and a good time is had by all. And if you’re spending the holidays with a loved one’s family, rather than your own, like I am, it’s a great opportunity to learn more, share more, and feel closer to everyone around you – which is really one of the most wonderful things about any holiday.

I hope that all of you are enjoying time with your friends and family! I wish all of you a very healthy, happy and peaceful holiday, and the very best of the New Year. Thank you so much for being such a terrific audience, and for sharing your thoughts and ideas with me! I’ll be giving some tips for last minute wrapping on the Rachael Ray Show tomorrow, in case you are feeling overwhelmed with tape and paper, and I hope you all stay in touch in the future. You can always find me at www.evetterios.com.

Love and Peace,

Evette