All through the year, we’ve waited,
Waited through spring and fall,
To hear silver bells ringing,
See wintertime bringing the happiest season of all.

Karen Carpenter sang it best with the opening of her version of The Christmas Song. The season is finally here! Christmas season, and I couldn’t be more excited! My favorite time of year. The older I get, the more it’s honestly still magical. I think it’s because it’s the one time of year I feel like a kid again, but also because no one ever tells us how fun it is once we have our own children. Watching my kids this time of year and seeing them look forward to our family traditions makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. This month brings so many fun things we have planned.

But you know what else this month brings? Joy. And you know who is creating some of that joy? Our son Tyler. He turned sixteen this year and bought a Subaru Outback. He decided to go chop down a real Christmas tree, load it with lots of colored lights, and strap that puppy to the top of his car. Yes, it looks like the car from the movie, “Christmas Vacation.” We love that movie and always watch it as a family every Christmas, multiple times. You can’t miss his car, though. It’s so bright and beautiful, especially at night. He has had people beep, wave, give him a thumbs-up, ask to take pictures, and get video of him driving down the highway, and he has already brought so many smiles. I said, “Ty, do you know how much joy and smiles you are bringing to people this Christmas season?” It’s been so neat to see. People point and smile, and it makes me smile because I know the joy it brings me to see Christmas lights where you least expect them. I have fun driving it too, but I give Ty all the credit. When you see it, you’ll know it’s Tyler’s car. You can’t miss it! I hope you get to see it this season, and it brings a smile to your face.

We actually just got home from visiting Candy Cane Lane. Even though their opening night was tonight, I’ve already been over there five times before it was even fully lit. I get excited just knowing they are getting things ready. Being over there tonight in Ty’s car, my hubby said the car was getting as much attention as the houses! People were just loving the tree, and by gosh by golly, it’s gonna be over there A LOT this year. Our cars are standard, so it’s not as enjoyable to go up Summer Street on busy nights. But Ty’s car? Oh, that’s gonna be my ride this year. Now they will know every time I am over there and how many times I go up and down, HA! So if you visit Candy Cane Lane and see a car with a Christmas tree on top, there is a very, very good chance it’s me.

You know what else? I’d love for you to stop by and see me next week. I am planning to be at Rust and Shine in Williamsport for the premiere of my brand-new volume two, “The Grateful Table,” cookbook! Ahhhh! I am so excited!! Now, I placed my order, and my cookbooks are supposed to be here by the second week of December. So I planned to be there in person with the wonderful owners of Rust and Shine to sell my cookbooks on Friday, December 12, from 3-7 p.m., and Sunday, December 14, from 1-5 p.m. I had considered bringing some of my family with me so you could meet them.

I mean, they are practically Webb Weekly famous as much as I talk about them! I thought it would be fun to have one of them at the table with me during those times, but I haven’t figured out the details yet. All I know for sure is I will be there to greet you, meet you, and also sign your cookbook if you would like it signed. These will be the only cookbooks available before Christmas, so don’t miss out! My first ones are hot off the old press. It’s so exciting! I can’t wait for you to see it. I will give you more details next week, but for now, these are the ATTENTIVE dates and times, so save the date! *insert my super big, excited, cheesy smile here*

Let’s chat more next week!

Until then, enjoy the joys of the Christmas season!

Christmas Tortellini Salad

Dressing:
Ingredients:
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp onion
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1/2 tsp celery seed
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1/3 cup vinegar
Directions: Mix together and set aside in the refrigerator for 15- 20 minutes….

Tortellini Salad:
Ingredients:
• 20 oz. cheese filled tortellini (cooked and ready to go)
• Pepperoni or Ham (chopped)
• Sharp or Pepper Jack Cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
Directions:

In a big bowl add the cooked tortellini. Add the meats, cheese and veggies next. Then pour on the dressing. Mix well and let chill for a few hours. The longer it sits the better it gets!

Serve in a gold, red or green bowl to make it extra festive for the holidays!!