CONNECTIONS | by  VALERIE GRIFFITH

©  VALERIE GRIFFITH/Rick Steves’ European Christmas/Back Door Productions

THE FRENCH FAMILY (at right) prepares for le réveillon de Noël, the Christmas Eve feast. This segment, for a PBS Christmas program in Europe featuring a well-known travel writer, was filmed in Burgundy, where Christmas turns on simple rituals. You’ll meet Delphine and Emanuel, a postcard-perfect French couple, shopping at the winter market and decorating at home with their boys.

What you won’t see is this story.

It’s been a long day. We’re in Delphine’s kitchen. Emma, my eight-year-old daughter who is traveling with me, is tired and needs attention. The crew is tired and needs direction. At that moment I feel like neither a great mom nor a great producer.

Hiding with Delphine, so as not to be in the shot, I’m distracted by photos of a child that hang on her kitchen wall. A beautiful little girl, no more than five, swinging in one picture and puddle stomping in her big gum boots in another. I make the clumsy mistake of asking Delphine about the girl in my broken French. It takes a beat before she can respond.

Her daughter, she quietly explains, died a few months earlier from an aneurysm. But it’s okay, she tells me, gently smoothing over my faux pas.

In my story we both look at Emma. Delphine’s eyes are sad, but immensely kind. Mine are flooded with gratitude for the daughter I can reach out and hold.

In a split second, two mothers are brought together for a few moments in a kitchen in Burgundy.

STORYTELLING | by SHERRY STRIPLING

AS A RURAL MAIL CARRIER IN SNOWY MONTANA, MY GRANDFATHER greatly disliked Christmas.

Almost everyone was away from home on the frontier, and almost all got mail. That intensified at Christmas ― and so did my grandfather’s gruff and fretful demeanor, which made his family tiptoe through holiday preparations.

© iSTOCKPHOTO

On freezing mornings, my grandfather draped himself in a buffalo robe with a lantern between his knees for warmth, urging his horse to pull the sleigh over unplowed roads. In the afternoons, he’d sort mail in town, sell stamps and, to his great consternation, fix sloppy packages.

Another thing he hated about Christmas: Women insisted he eat their holiday baking, something my grandfather, who had a queasy stomach, did his best to avoid.

My grandfather knew every resident and the names of their children. He tried to stay all business but found himself deeply involved in their lives: rescuing livestock or hurrying back after his route to take people to the doctor.

By 1934, he had switched to a Ford Model ‘A’, keeping his horses Bess and Ginger for backup in case of deep snow. That year, after my mother and her sister opened their presents and enjoyed their Christmas orange, my grandfather surprised them by proposing a car trip, the last thing he’d want to do on his holiday.

A mail-order package for a farm family had come in late Christmas Eve, he said sternly. “We’d better take it to them or they won’t have a Christmas.”

He must have gotten satisfaction from the delivery because he talked later of seeing the children playing with their new toys. But he did not accept his kind act gracefully.

“They should have sent in their order sooner,” he grumbled ― all the way out there, and all the way back.

CELEBRATIONS | by JEAN GALTON

WHO KNEW THAT BISCOTTI, NOW A HOLIDAY FAVORITE, was once a legendary road food? Named “bis” (Latin for twice) and “cotto” (for cooked), the Romans baked biscotti to take on journeys, something that could be kept in toga pockets while they conquered empires and journeyed to foreign lands. Baked once to cook the dough and a second time to dry the biscuits out resulted in a flavorful, dried cookie that could survive months on the go.

© ANGIE NORWOOD BROWNE

Of course, you don’t have to travel anywhere to enjoy these chocolate-dipped beauties. Just give them a dip in a shot of espresso or a glass of vin santo. And enjoy the sweet crunch.

Pistachio and Dried-Cranberry Biscotti Dipped in Dark Chocolate
Makes 4 dozen biscotti

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons orange zest
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup unsalted pistachio nuts, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, divided: 4 ounces coarsely chopped, 2 ounces in large chunks
1 tablespoon walnut or hazelnut oil

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Have ready another unlined baking sheet.

2. In a bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, coriander and salt. In a food processor, combine the sugar and orange zest and process until finely chopped. Transfer the sugar mixture to a large bowl, add the butter and, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually beat in the flour mixture just until blended. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the pistachios and dried cranberries.

3. Divide the dough in half and place both portions on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Quickly form each half into a log 12 inches long and 2 inches in diameter. Place the logs at least 3 inches apart on the baking sheet and smooth them with dampened fingers. Bake the logs, rotating the pan 180 degrees halfway through the baking time, until the logs begin to crack on top, about 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Leave the oven on.

4. Transfer the logs to a cutting board and discard the parchment. Using a sharp, serrated knife, cut each log on the diagonal into slices 1/2-inch wide. Arrange the slices flat on the unlined baking sheets and bake until lightly browned on both sides, about 16 minutes. Let the coolies cool on the baking sheets on a wire rack.

5. While the biscotti are cooling, melt the 4 ounces of chopped chocolate with the walnut oil in the top of a double boiler set over (but not touching) simmering water. Off the beat, add the remaining chunks of chocolate and stir just until the mixture is barely warm. Remove any un-melted chunks. At an angle, quickly dip one end of each cookie into the chocolate mixture, then return to the baking sheet. Let stand until the chocolate is completely set, about 30 minutes.

CELEBRATIONS | by  VALERIE GRIFFITH

©  VALERIE GRIFFITH/Rick Steves’ European Christmas/Back Door Productions

DURING MY TRAVELS THROUGH EUROPE, I’VE BEEN intrigued by the layering of Christian ritual onto pagan traditions. In this video clip, there are echoes of  how an ancient celebration persists in an advent concert with the Norwegian Girls Choir.

Norway has one of the longest and darkest winters in Europe. Christmas there resembles a midwinter fest that honors the return of the sun by bringing light to the darkness.

The carol’s refrain “in Excelsis Deo” is a reminder that this was Christian music composed to glorify one god. But the simplicity of the stone church, the candlelight, and the unaccompanied voices reflect an earlier time when there were many gods to appease.

This scene transcends time and religion to capture something that is simply human: light, warmth and community.

TRENDSPOTTING | by ROBIN AVNI

SAY THANK YOU to “High School Musical” 1, 2 or 3, sing out and rejoice for “Glee” or tap a polished toe in appreciation for “So You Think You Can Dance?”: The whole country has found a song in their heart and has begun a dramatic shift from star-obsession to embracing the star-like qualities of the average individual ― even the misfit.

While on the surface this may seem to recall the idea of the infamous 15 minutes, the abundance and popularity of this particular type of programming is much more about the ability for her to dream about a different tomorrow and realize she is personally responsible for making the transformation happen. It’s Julia Roberts in “Eat, Love, Pray” (2010) not Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman” (1990). Thank goodness.

In other words, enough about Miley, Britney, Lady Gaga and Fergie. Forget Babs, Madonna and all the what’s-their-name women of Tiger.

In 2010, the woman you will count on is the one who was there when you needed her the most this past year: the mom, the sister, the BFF. They are the role models of choice.

In addition to “bringin’ home the bacon and fryin’ it up the pan…,” she’s also plantin’ the veggie garden, bakin’ the cupcakes and ready to hold your hand. Oh, and, she knits her own clothes, makes her own jewelry, and blogs to tell about it.

No, let’s be real ― she’s not doing all of the above, but she’s picking and choosing. The metaphor is the message here: She imagines creating a better life for herself and those she loves. One that is about substance, not just style.

Yes, she’s ready to dream again, but with her feet planted firmly on the ground.

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EXCERPTED FROM 10 INSIGHTS FOR 2010 by Lifestyle Insights.
For more information: robin@robinavni.com.

© 2009 robinavni | lifestyle topics, insights & trends llc. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be duplicated or redistributed in any form without written permission.

Edited by MOLLY MARTIN; image source: iSTOCKPHOTO.

WELLNESS | by VALERIE GRIFFITH, KAVITA VARMA-WHITE and ROBIN AVNI

TALK ABOUT ONE TOUGH DECADE. Wars. Floods. Terrorism. The housing bubble burst and the economy seriously sagged. It’s been rough, especially for women, the caretakers and problem-solvers for friends and family who have nurtured, gathered and given until they were ready to drop.

As their lives grow even more complex, women understand that caretaking requires self-care. They will demand the time to take the care — whether it’s utilizing the Family Leave Act or grabbing an hour for themselves in the early dawn. They will de-stress with yoga and strengthen with Pilates; run even more miles and Walk for the Cure in cities all across the country. Salsa, swing, pole-dancing or tango, they will tap their hearts out and get fit while they do it.

Although the new year brings renewed optimism, it doesn’t erase everyday — and sometimes simultaneous — struggles with growing bodies and aging bodies.

Heathly eating remains high on the list, and other food issues play out along a continuum of concerns, from childhood obesity to pre-teen body images and teenage anorexia, and eventually menopausal weight gain and bone density. And while some women may consider adding a touch of Restylane here or a bit of Botox there, nothing will erase the reality of coping with their aging parents.

It’s hard to tell how the recent mammogram controversy will play out, but one thing is for sure: Women will not be silent as they are, indeed, their sister’s keepers.

This will be another year where she picks herself up, dusts herself off — and tries to remember to breathe.

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EXCERPTED FROM 10 INSIGHTS FOR 2010 by Lifestyle Insights.
For more information: robin@robinavni.com.

© 2009 robinavni | lifestyle topics, insights & trends llc, Valerie Griffith and Kavita Varma-White. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be duplicated or redistributed in any form without written permission.

Edited by MOLLY MARTIN; image source: iSTOCKPHOTO.

AT WORK | by ROBIN AVNI

THERE’S BEEN AN AWFUL LOT OF ATTENTION on the working woman as of late. Unfortunately, the prevailing archetypes have a sense of déjà vu: Over-scheduled mom balancing family, job and sanity; experienced senior manager and the glass ceiling; unemployed graduate finds herself without a job.

Downturn or not, women’s participation in the U.S. workforce has increased dramatically over the past 50 years. But to examine only this aspect of the workforce woman is to look merely at the shifting numbers and ignore the shifting sentiments.

The truth is while the household reliance on women’s salaries increases, the importance of having a career-focused life agenda is dramatically diminishing.

To be clear: Work does matter, as a gal has to pay the bills and maintain benefits. But here’s what also matters: children, family, hobbies, causes and corporate attitudes. Forget the 14-hour day.

This next step in the working women’s movement is being lead by those at the very beginning of their working lives who, in the process, will help redefine the culture. The path becomes more a journey — with expected stops along the way — not a direct trajectory.

It began with the revolution of the ’60s and achieved high visibility with the shoulder-padded career womenof the ’70s. But in 2010 there will emerge a new phase for women and work, and the frontline reinforcements are primed and ready.

After all, they are daughters of a revolution.

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EXCERPTED FROM 10 INSIGHTS FOR 2010 by Lifestyle Insights.
For more information: robin@robinavni.com.

© 2009 robinavni | lifestyle topics, insights & trends llc. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be duplicated or redistributed in any form without written permission.

Edited by MOLLY MARTIN; image source: iSTOCKPHOTO.

BACK TO BASICS | by ROBIN AVNI and JANNA LUFKIN

WE’RE ENGAGING IN A BIT OF TIME TRAVEL THESE DAYS: Post-modern mid-century Mamas who adopt the glam Mad Men aesthetic; paging Jackie Kennedy. Steampunk Victorian Vixens who’ve taken dark repressiveness and tied it up in a sensual, twisted knot of lace; Morticia Adams would fit right in. Female farministas looking for their own Green Acres, whether it be flax-in-the-city or, gasp, going back from whence they came; witness the new Eva Gabor.

No big secret here: The tried and true are that for a reason — they work. They offer her comfort amid challenging times. A stylish coping mechanism, if you will.

But these period affectations are more than just an adoption of a “look,” or a posturing attitude. This isn’t the nostalgia of the past few years, a trip down memory lane with a wink and a nod to childhood memories wrapped in colorful kitsch. What is happening now is a total, heartfelt adoption of a lifestyle philosophy and all the accessories that come with it.

What is bound to come next? A period of innovation. Traditional elements work as the solid base from where she can imagine new ideas.

Mid-century interest forecasts the seeds of a new creative movement that challenges the status quo. Steampunk has deep connections with science fiction and fantasy, an outsider platform from which to dream and imagine future worlds within the realm of familiarity. And those farministas — well, how are you going to keep them downtown once they’ve experienced the farm?

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EXCERPTED FROM 10 INSIGHTS FOR 2010 by Lifestyle Insights.
For more information: robin@robinavni.com.

© 2009 robinavni | lifestyle topics, insights & trends llc and Janna Lufkin. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be duplicated or redistributed in any form without written permission.

Edited by MOLLY MARTIN; image source: iSTOCKPHOTO.

CELEBRATIONS | by KAT SPELLMAN and ROBIN AVNI

AFTER A YEAR OF GOOD BEHAVIOR, WE’RE RELEASED from the constraints of humble and serious. Call it Cabin Fever if you must, but following a year of hunkering down, women are looking for new ways to celebrate in a manner that’s true and authentic, crazy-mad with passion, plus sweetly meaningful and memorable.

Austerity trumped fun at most parties last year, with everyone reigning in any obviously extravagant spending, and many forgoing big celebrations, even brides postponing nuptials. In 2010 we’re seeing a bit of clemency granted for the festive-focused party-goer, as well as the party-giver.

This isn’t to say we’ll see a backlash of the last year’s woes and enter a 2010 of drunken revelry and can-you-top-this celebrations. Not at all. Rather, we’ll witness a general renewed interest in special touches for entertaining at home, with a focus on more intimate gatherings. At dinners for four, six or eight, hostesses will infuse get-togethers with a distinct personal touch.

As with every year, good food and drink will remain the core component of any celebration. But watch as diverse dishes — Indian curries, Latin-inspired stews, even the humble brisket — infuse the more formal dinner-party menu, and the comfy items — finger foods, soups and barbecue — provide fuel for potlucks in the park, or on the couch for a night of video-gaming.

The Food Network and the soon-to-be-launched Cooking Channel will continue to inspire culinary creativity and a can-do attitude. After all, the cookie swaps, potlucks or corporate cooking events all share the same common goal — let’s eat!

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EXCERPTED FROM 10 INSIGHTS FOR 2010 by Lifestyle Insights.
For more information: robin@robinavni.com.

© 2009 robinavni | lifestyle topics, insights & trends llc and Kat Spellman. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be duplicated or redistributed in any form without written permission.

Edited by MOLLY MARTIN; image source: iSTOCKPHOTO.