I was interested to learn the other day that the first night of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve fall on the same day this year for the first time since 1978. It felt to me like a little bit of unity after a divisive year, and hopefully signs of more Peace on Earth in the year to come.

Maybe because 2016 has been a year a lot of people would just like to toss into the “circular file,” I’ve tried to be just slightly more festive—a few more decorations, a few more strings of lights and baubles on the Christmas tree, some pleasantly scented candles, a kickin’ Pentatonix holiday playlist …

And you know what? I think it has worked, at least a little—kind of like how they say if you force yourself to smile, you actually can get happier.

Part of the joy has been in keeping my resolution to cook a little more at home and enjoy the company of friends more often around the dinner table (whether in or out). I’m still no Emeril Lagasse (BAM!), but the process is a pleasure unto itself.

In that same spirit, we bring you an issue of the Food Insight newsletter for the holidays. We offer some last-minute food-related gift ideas and also some recipes to help deal with those mountains of leftovers, and we bring you The Best of 2016—the most popular posts on both Food Insight and our partner websites.

We at the IFIC Foundation wish you and yours the most joyous of holiday seasons and a happy, peaceful, and prosperous New Year!