Peppermint Hot Chocolate Float & Feeling Normal
On Sunday evening, after having spent a lovely few days with my brother and his family who are visiting from Canada and with my parents who have snow-birded in, the hubs and I took the kids for a walk to see all of our neighbors’ homes glittering with lights. M loves little lights and delighted anew at each house we passed. J was a bit more anxious to get back home, partly because, as a nearly-five-year-old, he’s a bit less delighted with lights than his wee sister and partly because we’d promised him a post-walk treat.
As we walked our block I became conscious of how oddly I’d been acting. I would smile and laugh at something silly that one of my kids had done. Then I would get quiet, purse my lips, try to stop tears from welling up as I thought about all those sweet little kids, all their mourning parents, as I realized again how lucky I am and how quickly that luckiness could slip away. Then I’d set my shoulders back in place, ruffle the curls on my baby’s head and shout out a quick “J, you’re so awesome” before returning to the here-and-now and pointing out something twinkling for them to look at. And I would then be smiling and laughing at their antics again.
It’s like there are these hiccups of sadness that keep interrupting.
It feels wrong and weird to be celebrating and enjoying the holiday season given the very recent horrendous tragedy in Connecticut. And while I feel anything but normal right now, I do want things to be normal and fun for my kids.
It also feels wrong and weird to write a blog post and then plop in a tasty recipe with a pretty picture. But honestly, I don’t know what else to do. I’m not sure when things will feel like they’re back to normal again, or even if they should. But like going for walks with my kids, it seems that making food, taking and editing pictures and writing gives me long moments without any hiccups. And that makes it easier for me to act a bit more normally and, hopefully, to give my kids the kind of Christmas they’ve been looking forward to.
This is the treat J was looking forward to having after our walk Sunday night. You’ll need to make some of my Candy Cane Hot Chocolate Powder before you begin. Don’t worry, it’s easy. And the kids will like helping you bash the pieces of candy cane.
- 2 tbsp candy cane hot chocolate powder
- 8 ounces hot water
- a big scoop of chocolate ice cream (at least ⅓ of a cup)
- Measure the candy cane hot chocolate powder into a mug. Add the hot water. Stir until all or most of the candy cane pieces are dissolved. Top with the scoop of ice cream. Don’t stir. Just let it float on top and slowly melt in as you sip.
We have all been feeling it…it’s so odd and not fair. xoxo to you and your family, Christine!!
JulieD recently posted: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Bread Pudding
I think this was a post that we can all understand and relate to. It is best for you and your family, especially your children, that you keep on as normally as possible and give your kids the kind of Christmas they are looking forward too…with extra hugs for everyone.
Paula recently posted: Quick Snowman Face Cookies
Thanks for the supportive words, Paula. It’s good to know that I’m not alone in how I’m feeling about this sad tragedy.
Hiccups of sadness. That’s such an apt way to describe how I feel. It’s the same. One minute I’ll be laughing with the kids and the next fight back tears. Yummy recipe.
Thanks for the comment Susi. It’s good to know that others feel the same way. Best wishes for a safe, happy and healthy holiday season to you and your family.
Christine, I think we are in sync or something. I just published a post on candy cane hot chocolate this morning and was planning on sharing it tonight during the hangout. Also, I felt so strange sharing a cute holiday recipe with recent events going on. I had so much to say yet no words. Talk to you later tonight. :)
Samantha recently posted: Candy Cane Hot Chocolate
I know what you mean. It’s also hard to figure out what’s appropriate on a food blog. I mean, I get a touch political or personal sometimes but mostly people come here for the food and light conversation. Does that mean that we should ignore tragedies or big world/political events and stay focused on the food? Or do we stray. And if we stray, how often do we do it and how much? You know what? THAT would be a great topic for BlogHer Food. Lol. Loved talking with you on Tuesday night. Happy Holidays!