Happy New Year! We’re sending out warm wishes for a great 2013 to all our readers and La Crema fans near and far. Here in wine country the day dawned sunny but cold (well, cold for California, anyway). There was even a bit of frost on the ground! It was a beautiful morning to welcome in the New Year.

The end of the holidays brings both relief and a bit of inevitable letdown. Gifts are unwrapped, loved ones have gone home and the tree is decidedly droopy. Standard routines, disrupted since sometime around late November, start to settle again back into familiar grooves. But without bright decorations and festive gatherings, the days can seem a bit dreary. So, for 2013, we’re making a resolution to infuse the spirit of celebration into everyday activities all year long.

Each month, we’re choosing a theme and will find ways recognize the small but significant events that happen in our daily lives. In January, it’s all about Firsts. From the First Bottling at the winery to the First Book read at home, we’re going to recognize these milestones with joy instead of just letting them pass by. Celebrations needn’t be large nor require a lot of planning – just noticing these moments makes them feel more special. What “Firsts” are important to you? Perhaps you’ll celebrate the First Snowfall of 2013 with a cup of cocoa, or treat yourself to a souvenir poster at the First Live Concert.

One of my personal traditions is to start each year on the right course by filling New Year’s Day with favorite activities and things I’d like to do more of in the months to come.  So, this afternoon, I’ll be celebrating the First Hike of 2013 and the First Homemade Smoked Salmon.  This won’t be a fancy party – I’ll simply raise a glass of La Crema Anderson Valley Pinot Noir and say a toast to more brisk hikes and delicious meals.

How will you celebrate this year?

Cheers to a wonderful 2013!