Catch a Falling Star

Save it for a rainy day

Sugar Cookie Stars fly on a blue sheet pan. Photo: Jolene

There’s a radio station here in Chicago that switches its programming in November to 24/7 holiday music through Christmas night. I always have it on in the background while I’m puttering around my apartment and if you, too, would like to listen while you putter, here’s a link to stream:https://939litefm.iheart.com

The other afternoon while listening, Perry Como’s version of It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas came on, and, as always happens when I hear his voice, it’s 1958 all over again.

That’s because my late father knew somebody who somehow arranged for him to take me to a rehearsal of The Perry Como Show. My parents and grandparents were big fans of the iconic mid-century crooner, and, at 4-years-old, so was I. I’ve got a cloudy recollection of walking down the aisle of the Ziegfeld Theatre with my father and meeting the sweet man in the cardigan himself.

And the song that captured me most was Catch A Falling Star.

Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket
Never let it fade away
Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket
Save it for a rainy day

— Music and lyrics by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss, 1957

This year has been what my late mother would’ve called “a doozy.” She was also known to say, when pushed to her limit and had enough, “Jesus, Mary and Joseph!” With apologies to the Holy Family, this being their big week and all, I find myself saying the same thing more frequently lately, but for emphasis I attach a string of expletives, making it a kind of angry prayer.

Tonight is the Winter Solstice, the birth of light and beginning of Yuletide, just a few short days before Christmas. My wish for all of us is a season with glimmers of that light and more experiences of everyday happiness, kindness and decency as we build our own reserves, our own “pocketful of starlight” that we then share and offer each other.

Happy Solstice, Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas, Everyone. Jolene xx

Sugar Cookies: Falling Stars and North Star 💫 🌟

Photo of star cookies: Jolene

I love this recipe from the original William Greenberg Desserts in New York City, a bakery I have fond memories of. It’s their classic buttery and tender Sugar Cookie, and because it contains no baking powder, it doesn’t spread out, it stays flat and is perfect for decorating. Here is recipe link: William Greenberg Desserts Sugar Cookie

I hope you enjoy! 🌟