I’d like to give a ‘shout out’ to all the moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, cousins, dear friends - all those who kept love in their hearts and the magic alive this holiday. 

It is what I’ve been privileged to witness in the midst of this pandemic way of life. 

My daughter’s and son’s family kept the spirit of Christmas alive for their children, despite lockdowns and restrictions.  Whether in London, where Santa had to visit my daughter’s family in the midst of a move and a complete lockdown, or in Arkansas, where my son’s family experienced a virtual chat with Santa this year, the reason and spirit of Christmas have been kept alive. Families all over the world have done what was needed to celebrate the season and make it special.

Grandmas, grandpas, relatives near and far, FaceTimed and Zoomed and captured pictures of the precious moments to share with their loved ones. Neighbors lit up and beautifully decorated their homes, and some were able to share a meal together while remembering the Faith, Hope and Love of Christ and connections among us all.

Traditional Christmas carols, the joy of getting Christmas cards, the fun of making special holiday foods, the memories rekindled by watching holiday movies and the warmth of giving - each activity ignites the flame of light within us.  Watching via FaceTime, my grand children playing with their special gifts from Santa - from roller blading around the kitchen to dressing up as the Hulk to playing Nintendo and eating special Gingerbread treats - I gained much inspiration by the children’s glowing faces and the pure joy they experienced on Christmas morning! 

A pandemic could not deter their joy.

So, while not being able to physically attend church was a disappointment and not having many hugs was sad, as my 88 year wise mother says…….”we all muddled through it.”

May we each experience good health, joy and prosperity, and May 2021 bring us closer together!
​
Mary

Ingredients:
2 very ripe medium to large avocados
4 oz bittersweet chocolate bar or chips melted (vegan chocolate chips also work well)
¼ cup cacao powder (no sugar - Navitas is a good brand)
1/4-1/2 cup almond milk (depends on texture - start with 1/4 cup and add as needed)
2 tablespoon maple syrup
​2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch sea salt
Coconut whipped cream for topping (optional)
Strawberries for topping (optional)
Chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions:
In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine avocados, melted chocolate, cacao powder, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes, stopping as needed to scrape down the sides.

Divide the mousse equally into four bowls or jars, and chill for at least one hour to get a more mousse-like consistency.

Serve mousse cold with coconut whipped cream, some chopped walnuts and strawberries, if desired.

Lasts for 4-5 days in the fridge