(…)
Well, it is.
I’m announcing 36×37 Assignment #23 Eve rather than Christmas Eve because you already know Christmas is on the horizon. Why would I tell you something you know I know you already know? One of these events is obviously more important than the other, and we both know which one that is.
Even so. Here’s what’s going to happen today:
- Make giant grocery list
- Drive to Market District and fill said grocery list
- Start cooking, and keep cooking—taking breaks only for church and Aunt Kathy’s Giant Christmas Eve Feast—straight through to Christmas Dinner
I’m doing the whole thing myself. Not a single other pair of feet is welcome in my kitchen.
That’s the assignment. Cook Christmas Dinner, ’60s style.
(courtesy of AMC Studios)
Here’s the thing: As a Mad Men fan, I tend to romanticize the 60s. It might have everything something to do with Don Draper. Or Joan and her fabulous sass, or Betty and her fabulous wardrobe. It might. Because that’s the pretty surface of things.
But here’s the other thing: Do you think Don Draper ever did the laundry? Or cleaned the bathrooms? Or sat on the floor for hours playing Legos with his kids? Or did any of the really incredible things my husband does to make sure we’re equal partners in our marriage?
If you answered “yes” it’s clear you’ve never seen the show. Because Don Draper would instead be out wooing some tripped out artist or foxy elementary school teacher or under-aged niece of the woman whose husband’s identity he stole.
At any rate. I don’t like to take things for granted. And since I’ve never tackled The Feast of the Year on my own before, I want to give it a try to remind myself how good I have it. Because maybe I’m a little bit spoiled. And maybe I’m looking for a way to say thank you to the people I love most. Just as importantly, my epicurean parents with their incredible cooking talents deserve a year off.
Come back Tuesday, when all the sordid details will await you. In the meantime, Happy Holidays to you and yours. May the greatness of the season bring joy to your heart, comfort to your spirit—and warm deliciousness to your belly.
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