I am now in the process of recovering from what I can only describe as a holiday hangover. I love the holiday season. Before you write me off as a generic holiday enthusiast, I have to stress that I absolutely LOVE the period of the year between Thanksgiving and January 2nd...it is pure holiday bliss. Beyond the obvious good cheer and obligatory gift giving, there is the FOOD...and the healthy doses of alcohol accompanying said food. For someone who really enjoys eating and drinking, there is no better time of year.

I had the good fortune to spend Christmas in New Orleans. Beyond beignets, po'boys, and gumbo (which I do adore), I consistently have the most amazing seafood and baked goods in the Crescent City. I always have to stop at Upperline for dinner, and Fiorella's Cafe for fried chicken and fried pickles. The icing on the cake? My husband's family puts together amazing holiday spreads.

As far as drinking goes, I drink much more than I normally do in New Orleans, because the people there drink all the time. It's like a party all day long! One afternoon, I realized that I'd already had four glasses of wine...and it was 3:00. In my normal LA life, I don't drink more than a glass, two if I'm celebrating something.

Upon returning to California, my marathon of overeating and excessive imbibing continued. Holiday happy hours, Korean BBQ, and Mexican food galore. Good times were had by all. I am a little disappointed that it all abruptly came to an end at the beginning of this month, but at least I have the memories--and the extra 10 pounds to prove it.

The thing I truly enjoy about the holidays is the feeling of letting go. I don't worry about exercising or "eating right" for more than a month. Although I am paying for it now with carrot sticks and two-a-days, it was all worth it. I'll guess I'll try to be good until Thanksgiving 2013 rolls around.