Favorite holiday story to read?
O. Henry’s short, “The Gift of the Magi.” A true love story.
Snow on holiday eve, day or just a chill in the air?
As a Wisconsinite transplanted to California, I yearn for snow on Christmas Eve. So much so that I’ve been known to put on a Snowfall DVD for atmosphere.
Most memorable holiday memory?
As a child, my favorite memory was the year Santa delivered my first two-wheel bike, blue, with a basket. I couldn’t contain myself, rode the bike in the attic until the weather got warm enough to ride outside. As an adult, the New Year’s Eve I celebrated in Times Square with thousands of people huddled in the cold to watch the ball drop. Thrilling!
Did you eat popcorn balls as a kid? If you did, do you still?
I did, but every one I remember was stale. So no, thank you, I’ll pass.
Real tree or artificial? Green or white?
Real and green. And every year I cut off one branch to save. This year before I decorate my new tree, I’ll burn last year’s branch in the fireplace with gratitude, to symbolize continuity.
What do you do holiday eve?
Depends on what the evening has in store. If I’m going out, I spend the day cooking or baking, then I put on something red and sparkly as TV news anchors update Santa’s progress. (Hey, it could happen.) I always end my evening with cookies and an old movie.
What are your holiday plans this year?
Do you mean besides writing like crazy to catch up? This year should be a lot of fun. On the 24th, one of my friends is having a Hanukkah party (and I love homemade latke so I can’t miss that) and another couple is having their annual Christmas Eve party (and I love eggnog so I can’t miss that.) Christmas Day I’ll be on the phone all morning with family, and then to the movies and dinner with another group of friends—a yearly tradition.
What's the one holiday dish your family can't go without?
The holiday dish that defines holiday memories for our family is my Mom’s red-white-green Jello mold. A layer of lime Jello on the bottom, a creamy white mixture in the middle, and cherry Jello on top. I get nostalgic just thinking about it.
Article comments
1 - Dru
That was fun!
2 - Diane Morasco
Hi Dru,
Thank you so much for stopping by. Rochelle is a charming woman.