Knock on wood, cross your fingers, press your thumbs, but don’t jinx us! It looks like we are going to visit family late March/early April. That’s already Easter, but we will be a holiday behind, as we never sent Christmas presents last year.

We will be in Florida, with daily highs near 90 (30). At night, it might get into the 60s (upper teens). I’d like to set a Christmas mood one morning. We won’t have a tree, but I think I’ll set up a little train similar to this one, on the lanai by the pool. I’m making lunches, so here is my request: I need things that “taste like Christmas” but are not warming. Hot cocoa is *the* winter beverage to me, but it’s out. Because it’s our whole family, all the food sensitivities come into play—lactose, gluten, and the chemical in brassicas & spinach all need to be avoided. I eat eggs and some fish, but not other meats.

On other days, I’ll make a salad Nicoise and a sort of Asian-influenced bowl with noodles (vermicelli for the gluten-intolerant), tofu, leeks, carrots, and soy sauce/sambal oelek dressing. For a Christmas brunch though, I’m stumped. I’d love to do a collection of finger foods, but what?

What decor and food suggestions do you have? I’m thinking lots of sparkly lights, but am honestly a little stumped about the meal, would appreciate any ideas, please & thank you!