We’re just days away from one of the most magical days of the year. Before the big weekend approaches, I wanted to take time to wish you a Merry Christmas. This years has been one of the biggest years in my Gourmet Gab journey and I’m going into the holiday feeling especially grateful. You all have made this year so much fun! I’ve loved sharing recipes, videos, Snapchats, Instagram Stories, newsletters and more with you. I look forward to continuing to build Gourmet Gab next year and am – fingers crossed – ready for some really cool things to happen.

With the celebration of the holidays, I have to be honest – this time of year always comes with a touch of bittersweet emotions. As I embrace the joy of the season I will always be missing a really special woman. My mom and I had so many sweet holiday traditions: Listening to Christmas music while putting out the decorations, holiday baking, picking out gifts, building our snow village with the collection my Grandma gave us and putting ornaments on the tree while reminiscing on each memory. I share this with you as a hope to connect with others who may be feeling a little nostalgic this week. Whether you are missing loved ones, are far away from home or forming new traditions, I hope you can feel a sense of peace.

Every year I become more rooted in new traditions and have new things to look forward to. One of my favorite things over the last few years has been helping my dad cook a Cuban Christmas Eve meal. I love going to the grocery store with him to shop, doing all the chopping, measuring and mixing, and recreating the recipes just as my Abuela Mia would have done. You probably have seen my dad, Jose, make appearances on my Snapchat. While he pretends to be camera shy, he’s the life of the party in everyday life, so I’ll try to catch him on camera for you all to enjoy!

Whatever your traditions may be, new or old, I hope they bring joy to you this year and allow you to create special memories for 2016. This holiday season, I’ll be popping Prosecco bottles and raising a glass to friends, family and Gourmet Gab followers. I cannot wait to see what 2017 brings. Whether it’s ready or not, I’m going into the new year with a hungry appetite and big ambitions. Cheers and Merry Christmas!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Brooke Marcella Photography / Red dress from Frances Vintage in Phoenix, Arizona