Daley - Ashton Falls cozy cookbook

This book is a compilation of recipes created by the author or given to her by family or friends. Any resemblance to other recipes is entirely coincidental. Copyright 2014 by Katherine Daley Version 1.0 All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Christmas Eve in Ashton Falls December 24 Christmas in Ashton Falls is a special time of year, when the entire community comes together to decorate and enjoy everything the town has to offer. The snow is falling gently on the busy sidewalk as holiday shoppers scurry from one brightly lit store to the next. I know this may seem odd, but while I like to complete the bulk of my shopping early, every Christmas Eve I make a solitary trip into town to shop for people I have never met and will most likely never meet.

The tradition began when I was just a small child. My grandmother and I attended morning services on Christmas Eve at the Ashton Falls Community Church. After the service ended the pastor mentioned to my grandmother that hed just been informed about a family in need. My grandmother, who was the type to help anyone anytime, immediately volunteered to provide what she could for the family. I had plans of my own with my best friends, Levi and Ellie, but Grandma insisted that Christmas was about giving to those who crossed our paths. I wasnt happy about it, but I canceled my plans and the two of us went into town.

Neither Grandma nor I had ever met this family, but we had a handwritten note letting us know what type of gifts theyd requested. Most of the items were practical, such as a warm winter coat and heavy wool socks. I hadnt wanted to be bothered with the errand, but as we shopped for people we would never meet, I found a deep joy that I didnt even know I was missing. That special shopping trip turned into an annual event for the two of us, and now that Im an adult, I continue the tradition in memory of the special woman who taught a little girl the true meaning of Christmas.