Christmas Reflections

It isn't the tree, or the presents.

It isn't the food (even though I love ham gravy).

It isn't the music or the parties or the snow on the ground.

It's the Savior.  And even though December 25th is most likely not His birthday, it is a day set aside to commemorate His birth. 

It's no secret to those who know me that I don't do well with the stress of the holiday season.  The rushing and buying and wrapping and baking and worrying about how many gifts we bought for each person and trying to make sure everything is "even and fair" gives me a hole in the pit of my stomach.

That's why I'm so very glad to have this week off, to relax with my family away from home, away from the tree, the gifts, the bills, the stress. 

We were able to truly focus, if only for a moment, on Jesus and His birthday.  Not the other garbage that normally surrounds Christmas.

And it has been very good.

New York Pizzeria and Restaurant

On our way home from a concert in Edmeston today we stopped at a little Italian place in New Berlin, New York. 

From the moment our family walked in the door, we felt welcome to such a degree as I have not felt in a long, long time.  A table was prepared for us and we were seated without delay.  The staff was friendly, the atmosphere was warm, and the food was superb.

About the food:

As we are on a limited budget (my wife and I have 5 children), we generally order simple food without many frills.  Today was no exception.  Our family enjoyed 2 large cheese pizzas and a round of root beers.  Also, my wife and I split an order of bruschetta.

The bruschetta was prepared on a split loaf of small Italian bread.  The bread was toasted and seasoned.  Sweet cherry tomatoes, garlic and onion with fresh basil topped the bread.  It was delightful and fresh - very different from other recipes I've tried.

The pizza - the crust was hand-tossed.  Not even all the way around, but rustic and light nonetheless.  The sauce was extraordinary - fresh and chunky with just the right amount of oregano to make it pop.  The cheese (I don't remember what kind of cheese it was - I did ask) was creamy and soft without being overly greasy or gooey. 


All this at a price that makes me want to take my family back again and again. 

Thank you, New York Pizzeria and Restaurant!  You get two thumbs up!