Cecile and I Boarded American Cruise Line’s New Catamaran Called the American Liberty with our Travel Partners

After our stay in South Carolina, our dear friends and travel partners, Nelson and Susan Bye boarded the American Liberty heading to Amelia Island, FL., with exciting stops planned along the way. Catamaran ships, or “Coastal Cats” as they are called are innovative watercraft that enhances stability, speed, and maneuverability on the water. The design reduces water resistance, allowing them to glided smoothly through the waves. After lunch and checking out the ship, and getting settled in our room, our Cruise Director introduced us to his staff and the Captain of the ship who had a tattoo on his forearm that read: “What a Life."

We had a relaxing afternoon as the boat began passage on the Intracoastal Waterway, a sanctuary of serenity weaving through captivating landscapes of bays, rivers, and picturesque canals to our first stop in Beaufort, SC. Just before dinner we had the most spectacular sunset that Susan captured with her new iPhone 16 with a red sun dropping below the horizon line.

We had a wonderful dinner served to us by the same waitress, Claudia who took care of us during lunchtime. It so happens, the Peruvian, Mexican-American mother of two is a comedian of sorts which made it more pleasurable.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by Cyndi Wheeler who appeared on three Grammy-nominated albums. An older crowd means nostalgic songs from the 50s and 60s, and a more current song by Adele.

A Charleston Shabbat: Gathering with Family & Friends before our Upcoming Riverboat Cruise

The warm gentle breeze of a Charleston evening in Cecile’s sister Sherry's backyard as Brian worked the hot grill with practiced ease. He flipped the slices of yellow and green zucchini, their edges caramelizing to perfection, while the broccoli sizzled in a heated pan. The piece de resistance—seared Ahi tuna—glistened under the fading sun, its outer layer crisp while the center remained a perfect ruby red on some, and a little more cooked portions for others.

Sherry, ever the gracious host, had spent the afternoon kneading and braiding a golden challah, now resting on a crystal plate, then covered with a Star of David cloth. A hush fell over the gathering as she lit the Shabbat candles before the sun dipped below the horizon, the soft glow reflecting in everyone's eyes. We recited the blessing over the challah together, our voices blending in reverence and harmony.

Our friends, Nelson and Susan Bye who will be setting sail on a riverboat cruise with us to Amelia Island, Florida, had never met Brian or Sherry before, yet within minutes, the warmth of the table made it feel as though we had all been gathering like this for years. The bottle of wine that Nelson and Susan brought was uncorked and we raised our glasses in gratitude for good food, for good company, and for the journey ahead.

Brian, who had spent years as cook in kitchens from Lake Tahoe to Vietnam, plated the grilled vegetables alongside the seared tuna. The first bite was met with nods of appreciation, a quiet acknowledgment of his skill. As the evening lingered, Brian brought out a simple yet refreshing dessert, chunks of juicy watermelon and fragrant summer melons, their sweetness a perfect end to the meal.

Laughter, Brian regaling us with stories, and the clinking of glasses carried into the night. In that moment, the coming voyage and our separate paths ahead felt secondary. Here, in the embrace of candlelight and tradition, we were exactly where we were meant to be.

Lunch at the Vibrant Health-Conscious Basic Kitchen in Charleston: They Even Have a "Naughty Burger” Described Below

Cecile, her sister Sherry and I had lunch at Basic Kitchen. They offer light, energizing, nourishing meals, from colorful grain bowls and turmeric-hued wellness lattes to fresh juices and sustainable seafood dishes, in a laid-back setting.

For starters we shared tempura style Cauliflower Wings with a spicy buffalo sauce reminiscent of the Veggie Grill in San Jose, CA. Cecile and Sherry had the Basic Bowl (roasted sweet potato, chimichurri broccoli, citrus kale, Aleppo tomato, chickpeas, quinoa, magic green sauce; and I had a Naughty Burger: Brass town farm grass-fed, double patty smash, aged white cheddar, griddle onions, bread and butter pickle, sweet potato fries.

Basic Kitchen's design embodies a casual, beachy aesthetic with a modern yet relaxed touch. The space is filled with natural light, thanks to large windows and airy white walls that create an open, welcoming feel. We ate al fresco in the restaurant's courtyard, a charming outdoor space framed by lush greenery.

Maison: A Taste of Paris in Charleston—French Cuisine with an Elegant Ambiance

Cecile’s sister Sherry and son Brian were our guests for dinner at Maison, a French Bistro located at King Street in Charleston, South Carolina. The ambiance was welcoming and unfussy yet elevated, providing a lovely setting to diner.

As far as the decor, Maison features elements that evoke a Parisian atmosphere, including artwork and design touches reminiscent of France.

For starters, we all shared a Caramelized Onion Tart; Mussels Mariniere with parsley gnocchetti pasta; and Citrus and Fennel Salad with pistachio. For our entree Cecile and I shared Monkfish Chopped Almandine, broccolini, with lemon butter sauce, and Sherry and Brian shared Spiced Duck Confit, lentils, and foie gras.

For dessert we shared Fresh warm Madeleines and Chocolate Mouse with raspberries.

Harbor Tour Photos Added From the Carolina Belle

Cecile, her sister Sherry and I did the Charleston Harbor Tour. It showcased the rich history and scenic beauty of Charleston, South Carolina. Their flagship tour is a 90-minute narrated cruise aboard the Carolina Belle, where guests can view over 75 landmarks, including Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Captain Ron was absolutely terrific. He was smart, knowledgeable and very entertaining

A Historic Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour & A Late Italian Lunch & Evening Comedy Show at Theatre 99

Cecile sister Sherry treated us to a comfortable one hour carriage ride tour with 14 other people exploring downtown Charleston with a friendly, engaging top-tear Palmetto Guild certified guide named Josh from Honduras of the Old South Carriage Company. The beautiful Belgian horse’s name was Cypress.

After the Carriage tour we went to “The Porchetta Shop da Toscano” for a late take-out lunch and ate it at Sherry’s home. The eatery is an homage to the sandwich stalls and carts found on the streets of Tuscany. I had Mozzarella da Buffalo with Prosciutto, tomato and basil and Cecile and Sherry shared an Eggplant Scapace: Marinated eggplant, arugula, dried tomatoes, whipped ricotta on house-made focaccia with some side dishes (Marinated Farro Salad and Marinated Chickpeas. I also had a Cannoli.

We ended the evening on a funny note. Our fun-loving nephew Brian (Sherry’s son) treated us to an 8pm improv Comedy Show at Theatre 99 & Drinks.

A Day at Charleston Tea Garden & The Sanctuary: A Spectacular Oceanfront Resort at Kiawah

Sherry took Cecile and to visit the historic Wadmalaw Island for a visit to America’s Tea Garden, in the beautiful South Carolina countryside, which is referred to as “Truly a Miracle of Nature." It is home to 320 acres of tea plants, making it the largest commercial tea plantation in North America. After sampling some teas, taking a factory tour, walking along the gallery onto the production floor, to see all the equipment it takes to make tea, we took a Trolley tour with our driver Steve, for a fun and educational tour through acres of Tea plants. The fields stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a serene, green landscape that’s perfect for photos. It is a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy nature.

We had lunch at Cantina 76, a vibrant Mexican-inspired restaurant in Freshfields Village, in Kiawah Island, where we ate a roasted chicken taco salad.

After lunch we headed to The Sanctuary, at Kiawah Island, a South Carolina luxury resort hotel and golf course and beach.

We were mainly went to check out the beach. The resort offers access to 10 miles of pristine, private beach along the Atlantic coastline. It is wide and flat, making it perfect for leisurely strolls. For dinner we had a takeout barbecue turkey and brisket dinner with Sherry and her son Brian.

Postscript: Kiawah is named after the Kiawah people, a Native American Tribe that originally inhabited the coastal regions of what is now South Carolina. In the 17th century they helped English settlers establish the colony of Charleston.

Witnessing the Majestic & Breathtaking Angel Live Oak Tree: One of the Largest in the United States

Cecile's sister Sherry took us to see the ancient Live Oak located on John's Island, a short drive from downtown Charleston, SC., is like stepping into a living piece of history. This Southern live oak, estimated to be around 400-500 years old, stretches its massive limbs in every direction, creating a canopy that spans over 17,000 square feet, presenting an aura like an angel. Its gnarled branches twist and turn, some even dipping down to touch the ground before curving back skyward, giving the tree an almost otherworldly, sculptural presence.

Standing beneath the Angel Oak, I felt enveloped by the dappled light filtering through its dense, evergreen leaves. The sheer size of the tree is 65 feet tall with a trunk circumference of 28 feet is awe-inspiring, but it's the quiet, almost reverent atmosphere that really leaves an impression. The moss-draped branches and the surrounding serene woodland make it feel like a sacred space, rich with stories from centuries past.

The experience was humbling, feeling both the weight of time and the enduring strength of nature. Whether you are there for a quiet moment of reflection, to snap some photos, or to simply marvel at its grandeur, the Angel Oak offers a powerful connection to the natural and historical heart of the Lowcountry (Coastal Carolina's).

Touring Mount Pleasant St. Carolina with Cecile's Sister Sherry: Historic Boone Hall Plantation, Mount Pleasant Pier & Shem Creek Park

Cecile and I checked into the Hyatt Hotel and are spending several days days visiting her sister Sherry and our nephew Brian who reside in the charming community of Mt Pleasant.

This morning Sherry drove us to the Boone Hall Plantation, that is listed on the Historic Register of Historic Places. Hollywood Movies: "The Notebook," "North South," & "Queen were filmed there." We entered a 3/4 mile dirt road bounded by a canopy of enormous and majestic live oaks. We passed by small brick buildings before seeing and touring the mansion. The brick buildings are former slave cabins, preserved for insight into Black American history. In fact, February happens to be Black History Month. Admission to the plantation includes the Gullah Theater, compliments of Sherry.

One of highlights of the day, even more than the tour of the Mansion, was Ms. Veronica Gaillard, our designated story teller, a true descendant of the Gullah people whose roots date back to West Africa. She presented the history of this culture, sang and spoke about the “spirituals" that had code words telling the otherwise carefully-watched enslaved people that an imminent escape for freedom was about to occur, or that it was cancelled. Veronica was at times educational, at times entertaining and at times.., very moving and emotional, sharing uplifting spiritual messages of love and understanding of how through overcoming the hardships of the past have brought them to a better place today.

One of the songs Veronica sang with such heart and soul when she just walked out of the cabin to greet us was “Wading in the Water.”

Happy Chinese New Year: Embracing The Year of the Snake

The first day of the Chinese New Year began yesterday, January 29, and it ushered in the Year of the Snake. In Chinese culture, the same is the symbol of wisdom, intuition, adaptability, transformation, and new beginnings. The Lunar New Year culminates in a parade and festival on Sunday February 16. Though the snake gets a bad rap in many Western cultures, the animal is celebrated and revered across the Eastern hemisphere. Just as a snake sheds its skin, people have the opportunity to slither into new beginnings by letting go of the past, releasing unrealistic expectations of loved ones and getting rid of bad habits. It’s no wonder why the snake in medicine represents healing.

Cecile and I have experienced Lunar New Year celebrations both here and in Southeast Asia, and witnessed firsthand how welcoming and vibrant the festivities are. The spirit of the holiday—renewal, family, and wisdom—is universal, making it something anyone can appreciated and take part in.

Postscript: Lunar New Year is also celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam, Thai-Chinese community, especially in Bangkok’s Chinatown and other countries.

The San Pedro Market Square Lunch Ride to Downtown San Jose

It began like all legendary midday escapes—under the golden California sun to offset the brisk winter air, with just enough ambition to justify extra carbs at lunch. The plan? Bill and I would begin our 23-mile round trip journey to San Pedro Square Market, fueled by friendship, adrenaline, and collective craving for Vietnamese food. We hooked up with Bill’s cousin Deli in Willow Glen, for the last leg of the ride to San Jose.

Our small squad—each of us pretending we were on a Tour de France breakaway—cruised down the blissfully car-free trails, dodging the occasional jogger, rogue squirrels, and cars on the few miles of off trail street traffic. The promise of San Pedro Market’s Vietnamese eats kept us pedaling.

By the time we rolled into the bustling square, we were ravenous. Helmets off, gloves shoved into pockets, we descended upon the numerous and varied food stalls like a pack of sophisticated, cycling wolves. The orders came fast: pho so steamy it could double as a post-ride sauna, chicken salad so fresh it probably did yoga that morning, and a chicken banh mi sandwich from "On a Roll,” with a crunch so satisfying we momentarily forgot about our burning quads.

Fueled by carbs, and just the right amount of hubris, we eventually saddled up for the ride back; another successful Lunch Ride in the books, just the right mix of speed, good eats, and a touch of mischief, and a lot of joyful laughter.

Birthday Celebration Dinner in Honor of Al Chien at Aldo’s Ristorante & Bar

Cecile and I had a delightful dinner at Aldo’s with our son-in-law Kyle’s mom, Kim Chien, and her husband, the birthday boy himself, Al Chien.

The evening was a joyful celebration filled with great food, laughter, and tradition. We shared a fabulous meal, sang “Happy Birthday” (or rather, “Buon Compleanno” in Italian), and watched as Al made his wish, blew out the candle on the restaurant's complimentary dessert, and opened the gift from Cecile and me.

Aldo’s provides a relaxed, welcoming setting that always reminds us of “Little Italy” in NYC, a place we’ve visited many times. The ambiance is charmingly Mediterranean, featuring terra cotta floors, light-colored walls adorned with tasteful artwork, and an open, airy layout.

The restaurant is owned and operated by the husband-and-wife team, Aldo Maresca and Barbara Lansbury. Aldo, a talented chef from Sorrento, Italy, immigrated to America in 1993, bringing with him the flavors and traditions of his homeland.

Years ago, during one of Aldo's rounds visiting customers at their tables, I discovered something extraordinary—we shared a special connection. Aldo revealed that he had grown up in Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi, a quaint town on the Sorrento Peninsula. Coincidentally, I had spent part of my childhood there, staying at the villa of Rosa and Mimi, close friends of my mother, Maria. Mimi, a pastry chef in Positano and later on the Isle of Capri, even invited me to meet his team and lent me a pastry chef’s cap to wear (see photo), leaving me with life long cherished memories.

Sant’Agata, perched on a ridge above the Bay of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and sea.

Celebration of Life: In Loving Memory of our Neighbor & Friend Howard E. Green the Beloved Son of Holocaust Survivors

by Dr. Dennis Augustine

Howard or Howie, as he was known to his friends, was Cecile’s and my next door neighbor. He died peacefully in his sleep, with his beloved golden lab, Cassie by his side on Friday, October 18, at the age of 70.

This was one of the most heartwarming "Celebration of Life" ceremonies Cecile and I have ever attended. Howie loved to cheer on the Yankees as a kid growing up in the Bronx, NY, and rooting for the SF Giants with his son Michael when he moved to California. It was also said, that "music filled Howie’s heart, books sustained his brain, and great wine soothed his soul." And boy did he have a collection of them all. In line with the generosity Howie showed in life, we were encouraged to consider helping ourselves with any of the books, record albums, and wine displayed in the room as a memento. Howie would be so happy to know we enjoyed it.

It’s often been said that in our day-to-day interactions, we see only parts of someone's life, the roles they play with us directly, like being a friend, neighbor, mentor, or colleague. We rarely have a full picture of their entire journey, accomplishments, and the depth of their relationships with others. These gatherings often reveal layers of their personality, the scope of their kindness, and the impact they had on the world that we might not have witnessed directly.

Born on March 28, 1954, in the Bronx, NY, Howard came from humble beginnings. His parents, Adele and Bernie Green, were Holocaust survivors who immigrated from Poland. They instilled in him a strong appreciation for the freedoms and opportunities America had to offer. His brush with death as a young adult encouraged him to live each day like it was his last. He was a proud graduate of Cornel University where he would forge friendships that would last a lifetime.

After graduating from Cornell in 1975, Howard attended the UCLA Anderson School of Management where he got his MBA in Marketing and Budget. In the early 1980s, Howard moved to Silicon Valley at the start of the high tech wave. He spent 10 of his 40-year career at Apple where he spearheaded initiatives that led to explosive growth in accounting software, videoconferencing, and speech recognition. Notably, he helped lead the launch of Apple’s FaceTime, as well as Apple Speech.

Howard is survived by his wonderful son, Michael, whom he adored, and daughter-in-law Jules, his beloved granddaughter Ayla, and his dog Cassie. May he RIP! He will be missed.

A Whimsical New Year’s Tale about the First Sunset of 2025

As the first day of the year began to fade, the trails winding around our home in our gated community beckoned with a quiet, enchanting charm. The air carried a crisp freshness, the kind that nipped at your nose and cheeks—a reminder that winter still held the season in its grasp. But Cecile and were dressed for it, wrapped in cozy layers that kept the cold at bay, allowing us to fully savor the beauty of the moment.

As we walked, the sunset began its magical performance. Soft whispers of pink spilled across the blue horizon, blending with bold strokes of orange and gold, as though an unseen artist was painting the sky just for us. Floating clouds drifted lazily, tinged with the softest blush of color, while the backdrop of the Santa Cruz Mountains stood steadfast, their peaks cradling the vibrant display.

The first sunset of the year unfolded in full glory, a masterpiece of fleeting beauty. Yet, I couldn’t help but think of how often we let our minds wander—caught up in to-do lists, memories, or daydreams. How many sunsets had we missed?

The sky’s colors deepened into royal blue and violet, the transition as smooth as the turning of a page. The trees stood like guardians, as their dark silhouette etched the brightening hues of the sky, and the mountains stood silent, as if to say, “This is just the beginning.”

As the last rays of sunlight dipped behind the mountains, we turned back home, our hearts full. The cold air nipped a bit harder now, but it didn’t matter. The trails, alive with nature’s gifts, seemed to carry the colors of the sunset with us—a vivid reminder to cherish the beauty waiting just above, if only we remember to look up.

A Festive New Year's Eve Dinner with Friends at ASA Restaurant & Rockin' the Night with Ryan Seacrest

Cecile and I had a wonderful dinner with our good friends, Susie and Nelson Bye and Dianna Martin-Orloff and husband Norm

at Asa Restaurant in Los Gatos, an American restaurant with influences derived from generations of Spanish and Italian heritage. This cool eatery was established to celebrate the birth of the owner’s son, Asa, whose portrait proudly hangs on the back wall. The restaurant also honors the entrepreneurial spirit of Silicon Valley, emphasizing invention and creativity.

We started with cocktails, and Nelson generously provided a bottle of Montagu Cabernet Sauvignon for the table from his collection. Collectively, we enjoyed Rainbow Beet Salad, A bowl of Veggie Soup, Fresh House Burrata; Baja Striped Sea Bass; Hokkaido Scallops atop mashed potatoes, cabbage risotto, sautéed mustard greens; Asa’s Exotic Mushroom Pasta; Hand Cut New York Steak with organic broccoli and a side Truffle Fries; and Eggplant Parmigiano with Burrata.

Asa Restaurant features an airy, chic, and contemporary decor that creates a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for diners. The open and clean design contributes to an ambiance that makes it possible to have a conversation, even though the restaurant was filled to capacity. The interior is thoughtfully arranged with comfortable seating and a series of wine collection racks strategically placed like furniture to enhance the overall dining experience. For dessert, each couple shared an awesome Banana Bread Pudding with rum, vanilla, cinnamon, brandy caramel glaze and whip cream on the side.

After dinner, we all headed back to our home and had some bite-sized desserts and relaxed in our den to watch Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest and an array of guest singers and dancers. It was a perfect mix of a festive celebration and enjoyable conversation. Of course living out in California, where it is three hours earlier than NYC or 9pm, we call it celebrating New Year’s Eve on NY City time.

Happy 1st Birthday to our Handsome Grandson Gus

It’s your first birthday

A milestone year,

A moment for smiles,

And a bundle of cheers.

It’s hard to believe

How fast time has flown.

You started out small,

But how quickly you’ve grown.

From rolling to sitting,

To a speedy little crawl,

To your first teetering steps,

You have conquered it all.

Peekaboo laughter,

Bright giggles of joy,

You’ve filled every moment

You handsome little boy,

You’ve had a big year,

And it’s time to celebrate,

So let’s gather around

Your first birthday cake.

Let's sing happy birthday,

We know you’ll have fun,

The candle will sparkle,

And we'll clap when we’re done!

Nonnie & Papa

Happy Heavenly Birthday: Chasing Away the Monsters for Dad While He Was at Death's Door

It was November 18, 2017, my wife Cecile and I flew in from California to New Jersey to visit dad. At a 100-years old his life was beginning to slip away. He was lying on the living room sofa which is where he slept since our mama Maria died on Mother's Day 2013. All the family were present, including my nephews from Texas. Some were taking turns sitting by his side. At one point dad’s hand was gripping my wrist tightly, almost as if he feared letting go would mean slipping into the unknown. His eyes, once so steady and reassuring appeared dim and vulnerable.

It reminded me of my childhood, when I’d had nightmares, convinced the boogeyman or monsters were hiding in the closet or under my bed. The monsters weren’t imaginary anymore—they were real, and they loomed over him like shadows. I sensed it in the way he clung to my wrist, the way his breaths became shallow and uneven, as if he was holding on to life with all he had left. “It’s okay,” I whispered softly, adding “You don’t have to be afraid. You can let go.”

Suddenly his breathing grew softer, more peaceful, and the tension in his face melted away. In that moment, I understood what James Blunt meant in the song “Monsters, he wrote when his dad was dying." The fear of dying, of letting go, was like the monsters from childhood—terrifying. Fast forward to 2024, James Blunt’s song “Monsters" sung by American Idol contestant and season 21 winner, 18-year old Hawaiian-born Iam Tongi whose dad died months earlier. It had brought me back to that day my dad firmly held my wrist, its lyrics echoing in this moment that brought the judges, and American viewers like myself to tears:

“I’m not your son, you’re not my father. We’re just two grown men saying goodbye. No need to forgive, no need to forget, I know your mistakes and you know mine…So daddy, won’t you just close your eyes, don’t be afraid, it’s my turn to chase the monsters away.”

Dad passed away on December 18, 2017 almost three weeks shy of his January 5, 2018 birthday with my sister Josie Augustine-Mcallister by his side. The following week he was honored by the Elks Club #74 at Failla-McKnight Memorial Home In Hoboken, NJ, and as a veteran he was honored at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, NJ with a solo Taps American bugle call and Flag Folding Ceremony with the folded flag presented to Josie. Happy Heavenly Birthday Dad. We were blessed to have you so long.

A Spark of Light: Vibrant Chanukah Grand Menorah Lighting & Concert at Santana Row

“A little light dispels much darkness.”

—Jewish Proverb

On Sunday my wife, Cecile, and I had the honor of joining the vibrant celebration of the fifth night of Hanukkah at Santana Row, thanks to our dear friend Rabbi Mendel Weinfeld. The San Jose Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony brought together a heartwarming crowd of several hundred Jews and non-Jews alike, unified by the spirit of light, hope, and miracles.

Weinfeld, Brooklyn-born and the Chief Executive Director of Chabad House in San Jose, played a central role in organizing the event alongside other Chabad leaders, Santana Row, and the City of San Jose.

The ceremony was graced by city leaders, including Mayor Matt Mahan and District Attorney Jeff Rosen. Mayor Mahan shared his daily connection with Chabad House and pledged unwavering support to Rabbi Weinfeld and the Jewish community. The City of San Jose, in collaboration with SJPD, ensured that everyone could celebrate in safety and joy.

The highlight of the evening was a soul-stirring, high-energy Israeli-style concert featuring Barak Grossberg, Izik Lerner, and Moshiko Fogel. Their electrifying performances had everyone on their feet, including the rabbis! A guitarist from Haifa amazed the crowd with a solo played behind his back, leaving the audience in awe.

The menorah lighting itself was a moment of profound beauty. One rabbi transformed the act into an art form, performing acrobatic movements with a double-lit torch that captivated children and adults alike. The event was a true celebration of unity, resilience, and the power of shared light.

Hot Pot for Christmas Day Dinner & Lighting the Candle of the Menorah for Hanukkah

“Blending Christmas and Hanukkah shows us that the heart of every celebration is love, family, and light. This year, as Christmas and Hanukkah overlap, we embrace a harmony of traditions, creating a tapestry of warmth and joy.”

We all expressed our gratitude to Kyle’s mom, Kim and Al Chien not only for making us a wonderful brunch, but for preparing a Chinese “hot pot”!dinner with meat, fish, shrimp, bok choy, broccoli, and tofu. Before eating dinner, the menorah lighting was led by Cecile, with Lyla and Emmy at by her side that created a warm, communal celebration.

This year is especially meaningful with Christmas and Hanukkah overlapping for the first time since 2006. It was a perfect opportunity to celebrate both traditions in a unique and memorable way. The kids opened more presents, including Hanukkah gifts. The desserts were awesome and in my opinion we were blessed to enjoy one of the best holiday celebration as a family.

Happy Chrismukkah

Happy Chrismukkah to those who celebrate either one or both holidays like our family does emanating from Cecile’s ancestral heritage. “This year, for the first time since 2005, Christmas and Hanukkah fall on the same day. We figured, there’s no better way to celebrate ‘Chrismukkah’ than with a tribute to the Jewish Americans like Irving Berlin.

“Berlin drew on Yiddish and the rhythms and chords of traditional cantorial music to create our most beloved Christmas tunes. His melancholic masterpiece, of course, is ‘White Christmas,’ and he didn’t write it until he was in his 50s, when his career might have been winding down. The original was recorded in 1942 by Bing Crosby with the Ken Darby singers,” and Frank Sinatra two years later. White Christmas is still thought to be the biggest-selling single in the history of recorded music, bigger than ‘Billie Jean,’ I Want to Hold Your Hand,’ or anything Elvis.”

Attributed to Eli Lake, of The Freepress