TWAS THE MONTH AFTER CHANUKAH

Well, we have practically made it through December and Chanukah and Christmas.  Just 2 more parties left culminating with New Year's at my house.  We have eaten, drank and partied for a month.  We have eaten myriads of different sizes of latkes that couldn't be calculated in Weight Watchers or any other calorie book  Then there was the falafel, baba ganoush and pretty Chanukah cookies not to mention chocolates, more chocolates and everything chocolate. Then there was Christmas that included turkey and gravy and stuffing for some. It included marshmallows on top of sweet potato pies and Yule logs and for some there were even cookie exchanges.  Through it all, I tried to be nice to myself and was naughty several times and I still lost a couple of pounds this month although it was a roller coaster ride of feast and famine.

Now this is the best Chanukah poem I have ever read called "The Month After Chanukah"
'Twas the month after Chanukah, and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I'd nibble, the latkes I'd taste
At Chanukah parties had gone to my waist.
When I got on the scale there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).
I'd remember the marvellous meals I'd prepared
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,
The wine or the egg creams, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."
As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt
I said to myself, as only I can
"You can't spend the winter disguised as a man!"
So--away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of all the chocolate, each cracker and chip
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
"Till all the additional ounces have vanished.
I won't have a cookie... not even a lick,
I'll want to chew only a long celery stick.
I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.
I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore...
But isn't that what January is for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet?
(that is, at least until next Chanukah.)'

I don't know who wrote it but there is many a true word for everyone.  I can sure relate to the cookies and cheese and chocolate and wine.  We may not have to live on celery sticks and carrots but if this little laugh reminds us to get rid of the chocolate, chips, and all the fattening stuff after the holidays then it is a worthwhile keeper.
January is when every magazine gives new diets, every gym is packed with people and most will include dieting as their #1 New Year's resolution.