I’ve been dreading the holidays. For Thanksgiving and Christmas, John and I had a tradition of cooking huge meals for just the two of us. We preferred to have our “dinner for two.” It was our choice but maybe we were wrong.

There were some years when Shelly and Richard Brooks had a large Thanksgiving gathering and some years, we volunteered at our church, but most years we had our own dinner.

This year is my first year without John. I’ve been concerned about the holidays. As Thanksgiving approached, I realized I had NO plans. Everyone had families coming or they were heading north.

A few days ago, friends asked what I’d be doing and realized I’d be alone. They had planned a dinner with another couple but now they’re setting a place for me. Nick and Pauline, I appreciate your generous gift to me.

Why am I posting this??? Because I’ve just figured out a solution.

For Christmas I’d like to open my doors to anyone who wants to share dinner with me. Singles or couples will get priority. I’ll put the turkey in my new oven and have others bring a dish to pass. I just know I don’t want to be alone. For Thanksgiving (especially since I badly sprained my ankle), it sounded like too much work, but I am walking better and maybe I can do it!!!

I’m not positive I’ll be able to handle it, but before December 25th, please make your tentative reservation at Sharon Skaryd’s. I figure I can crowd quite a few, but it’ll help to know how many to plan for. If it gets too big, I may have to cut off reservations but there’s always room for another person or two. Or maybe we’ll go out to dinner at a restaurant.

And if I don’t get any folks who want to come, I’ll figure out something else.

Or maybe folks who truly want to do cooking at their house can do what Nick and Pauline are doing and invite others.