Puzzles & Prosecco

I have had several years since my kids left home to be functioning adults where I've found myself alone on Christmas with no plans. The first year it happened, quite some time ago, I (somewhat predictably) had me a good old-fashioned pity-party-for-one.

Since pity parties aren't really all that much fun, especially on repeat, the next time I found myself staring at a blank space on the calendar, I took a step back. I wasn't going to be alone because I was not loved. I was going to have a chance to celebrate the holiday with my people, just not on THAT day. So, I thought, 'what can I do to celebrate? What would I like to do with my free day?'

Well, I do enjoy putting together a jigsaw puzzle, so I started there. I don't often pull them out because I find them addictive. NOTHING else gets done until the picture is complete. When I'm working on one, the time passes quickly as I ponder and place pieces. Since I was going to be alone, I wouldn't have to share; no one else would be finding MY piece before I had a chance to spy it on the table. I wouldn't have to take breaks to take care of others or to socialize. Hmmm. The idea had merit.

Next, a good party has good food, and I decided to assemble an array of easy-to-fix and not overly messy finger foods, so I wouldn't need to stop puzzling for long.

And I do enjoy a glass of sparkling wine when I'm celebrating. I mean, I don't normally day-drink, but once in a while I figure it's an OK thing to do.

When Christmas Day came around that year, it found me unboxing my puzzle shortly after breakfast. I popped the Prosecco with lunch, then spent the rest of the day sipping and puzzling, stopping for snacks whenever I wanted. I had Christmas carols on repeat, lights on the tree. I was snug as a bug in a rug, not a shred of pity to be found.

It was a lovely day. So much so that these days, when I do have Christmas plans, I look at my calendar to find a substitute day for Puzzles & Prosecco. (When I come up with a good tradition, I do like to carry it on...)

This year I spent Christmas Day with friends, who gathered a small group of Christmas orphans. We had a lovely dinner and a warm fire, good conversation and much laughter. And there were presents! I couldn't have asked for more.

I scheduled Puzzles & Prosecco for this past Sunday. The day started warm, but shortly after breakfast, the wind started blowing and the temps plummeted. I didn't have to care. I was snug in my dining room, busy sipping Prosecco while assembling a snow field.  

Lucky me, this year I got to have my Christmas, and Puzzles & Prosecco, too! 

Happy Holidays!