Last Minute Gift Idea: Menu for Hope II

It is Christmas Eve. I'm sitting enjoying a cup of very hot and steaming cafe' au lait and watching Harvard Square come to life. People are popping in and out of Dammits; scurrying here and there with looks of resignation, determination and wonder on their faces. Funny, I can tell the people who are all done with their holiday shopping because they stay and linger to wish us all a "Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays". Our friend, Ned has come and gone off to pick up one last thing from Bob Slate Stationer. Another friend has come and sat down with a sigh of relief to "be out of the house before the madness begins". Even though there isn't a chill in the air this morning, you can tell the season.

I had intended to write about my wish for an all carol Christmas service at church tonight vs the hour and half mass where we will sing only three or four. I've often thought that I would enjoy a very special mass where, with the exception of the story of the manger, we all join in the community of singing the carols, including "Cantique de Noel (Oh Holy Night)". {Why is it that only the choir gets to sing this, the most moving and beautiful of the carols?} But, that will have to wait for next year because of a more pressing matter, The Menu of Hope II.

I've been meaning to post on this for the last few days but in the hustle and bustle of the days had forgotten until this morning when reading Chez Pim's posting, I remembered to not only give put to remind all you kind, good, and gentle readers to take a few seconds out of your busy day and give a small gift that will mean so much to so many. Menu of Hope II is supporting the Unicef drive for funds to help the children who are victims of the earthquake in North India and Pakistan. Chez Pim has organised a raffle for fine food related products offered by food bloggers where for a teeny, tiny donation of $5.00 you will be entered for a chance to win some really fabulous prizes (see her menu here). The fund drive ends tonight at midnight P.S.T.

Thanks and Merry Christmas.