I started this morning by engaging in a half an hour long argument with the sales person at FedEx. The self serve photo printing machine ate my credit card and he insisted that it was because the card was the "wrong size". Then I stood in line at the post office for an hour and a half to send a single package. Happy upcoming holidays, people. Everyone's feeling the cheer.

It's no secret the week before the end of the year is the most stressful. All obvious reasons aside, every loose end which felt tied up last week somehow ended up unraveling. I've spent the last few days running around New York like a madwoman, checking items off 2016's last list. Hanukkah candles? Shipped directly to SC. Dog bones? Purchased and packed. Wedding prints for family? Duane Reade self service to the rescue. Holiday cards? Ordered with a 20% last minute discount! DayQuil and NyQuil for the pesky cold I've managed to pass onto Ian? Purchased.

Despite the insanity, I was able to take in how gorgeous this city can be during the Christmas season. New York has this amazing quality- it shocks you with grandeur in moments when you feel like you're about to be consumed by its madness. I walked out of the store yesterday with my last gift in hand and was rewarded with these views. Even when bitter cold and miserable, New York just brings it. Every time.

It's evening now and everything is packed and ready for our journey tomorrow. We leave at 6AM for a 15 hour drive in a tightly packed car. Two dogs on my lap (because it's obviously the best seat in the house) and a trunk full of gifts. Every year it feels a bit like we're Santa and his elves rushing down South in time for the holiday. I am excited for quality time with our family and so very ready to check out of normal life for a few weeks. Taking a much needed break from screens and keyboards for a bit, there's no WiFi where we're going! I won't be writing on the site again until we return in the New Year.

Happy Holidays dear friends! Thank you for coming back time and again to read and contribute. This year has been full of ups and downs and it's been wonderful to share it all here. I appreciate your support and am excited for what's on the horizon for this blog. I wish you and your families lots of joy, happiness, and good food in the New Year! I honestly hope to break bread with all of you soon.

Last tip for the outgoing year: If you haven't already, add bourbon to your hot cocoa. Otherwise, you're doing it wrong. See you in 2017!