1. Sit at the breakfast table at dawn, still bleary-eyed, and be suddenly mesmerized by the magic of hearing the gorgeous "A Winter Talisman" that comes on the radio (from "A Winter Talisman" CD by Johnny Cunningham and Susan McKeown). Slowly mix in the awe of the moment that suspends there, luminous, infinite, fired by beautiful words drenched in a rich Scottish voice.
2. Stir in the restoration of electricity to the rock garden in front of your home that has been cloaked in darkness at nightfall for the past few months. Spread multicolored fairy lights in the bushes and along the secret stairs where the faeries live. Sift in repeated gazes out the windows to breathe in the enchantment of lights twinkling the winter darkness. (If you are out of these ingredients, substitute any form of light. Same for step 3).
3. Mix in a candle lit for the whole day to keep you company while you bake. Bake.
4. Fold in the sound of drums and trombones and remixes of music created by your musician children. (Any music that inspires may be substituted).
5. Sprinkle with dancing.
6. Add smiles at everyone you see. Season with wearing your Santa Hat (or some other happy garment :)).
7. Bake for one hour or one lifetime with Edith Wharton's reminder: "There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."
8. ENJOY
