A Christmas Eve Toast
A time to pause.
The house finally grows quiet on Christmas Eve.
Stockings hang just a little crooked from being checked one last time. Wrapping paper has been smoothed and tucked away. Outside, the stars seem brighter than usual, as if they know something special is coming.
Upstairs, the children are snug in their beds, bundled beneath quilts that smell of home and comfort. Their breathing settles into that deep, steady rhythm that tells you the magic has officially begun. Sugarplums have taken over now.
Downstairs, the lights are low. The tree glows softly in the corner, reflecting off ornaments collected over a lifetime—first Christmases, handmade treasures, stories you can still tell by heart. This is the moment when the rush falls away, and the joy sinks in.
A White Christmas Margarita is poured slowly, ice clinking gently in the glass. Creamy and bright, with a sugared rim that sparkles like fresh snow, it feels festive without trying too hard. A sprig of rosemary, a few cranberries floating like tiny ornaments—it’s simple, beautiful, and just right for the night.
This drink isn’t about indulgence. It’s about pausing. About standing in the kitchen together, shoulder to shoulder, remembering all the Christmas Eves that came before and quietly hoping for many more to come. It’s a toast to family, to traditions lovingly kept, and to the rare, sacred stillness that only arrives once a year.
Outside, the night is calm and starry. Inside, hearts are full.
As the year winds down and the lights glow a little softer,
I want to thank you for being here—
for reading, cooking, remembering, and sharing this season with me.
May your Christmas be filled with good food,
full hearts, and moments worth savoring.
May your kitchen be warm, your table welcoming,
and your days be touched with peace and joy.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas,
and all the simple blessings of the season.
With gratitude and love,
Pat
White Christmas Margarita
1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk
2 Tablespoons cream of coconut
12 ounces of silver tequila
8 ounces triple sec
1/4 cup lime juice
4 cups ice
You will need a lime wedge for rimming the glass and sanding sugar for rimming the glass. Combine coconut milk, cream of coconut, tequila, triple sec, lime juice and ice in a blender. Blend until smooth.
Rim glasses with a lime wedge and dip in sanding sugar. Pour into a glass and garnish with lime and cranberries.