SOOOOO. I need to figure out how to do a Yule dinner/celebration for just my 1-year-old and I. My husband will be working and I really want to start this year right.
Any ideas/tips?
Absolutely! I have a post on secular celebrations for the winter holidays here and some recipe suggestions for your special supper here.
I would advise keeping things simple, especially with a busy schedule to work around and a wee one to look after. A spruce-scented candle and your favorite holiday movie or playlist providing the ambience can be the loveliest and most festive thing in the world. If you feel up to it, maybe a craft-store garland of pine boughs or holly and a string of battery-operated lights around the main window. Always a sweet sight to come home to.
Tradition often seems to demand a ham or a roast bird of some sort, but if you'd rather have stirfry or pasta, go for it. You can always add in some holiday gingersnaps or shortbread for dessert. Maybe a glass of mulled cider or wassail for you and your sweetie later on once the munchkin is all tucked in. And yes, storebought everything is perfectly fine.
Decorate where you can and make a meal that brings warmth and conviviality to the table, but don't run yourself ragged trying to make everything perfect. It's far more important to celebrate together and enjoy each others' company in a meaningful way than to have the house and the table Just So.
Have a wonderful holiday and a joyous new year! 😊
