One of the things I've learned, but somehow keep forgetting, is that the best-laid plans are at risk of imploding. That's especially true at the holidays when things are scheduled to the milli-second, to the last piece of cookie dough, to the final gift tag, to that one last  calendar entry. It's a time when we especially want things to go perfectly, even if they don't come close the rest of the year.

A day before Christmas, my sister and her family arrived here from Chicago. I expected them in the afternoon so I had the morning to run those final errands. I got home at 12:05, five minutes later than I'd scheduled, to begin cooking -- a final batch of cookies, the first of two coffee cakes, entrees for the Christmas morning brunch, a fruit tray for later in the day. They arrived slightly later than expected, but that gave me a few minutes of extra kitchen time. But moments after they began sticking package after wrapped package under the Christmas tree, my sister pointed out that my dog was sick. And so she was -- in the living room, the hallway, the entrance way and the dining room. That was my sister's family's cue to skedaddle to my brothers' house in Lititz. I was left cleaning the carpets and floors for the next hour. Not how I planned things.

Christmas Day I was scheduled to work at my job. But before heading in at 12:30, I hosted a Christmas brunch for 12. All went well. Until about an hour and a half after I arrived at work. My sister called to say that she was in the emergency room with my dad, who would end up being hospitalized for five days and miss Christmas night activities and the big family gathering Dec. 26. Health problems were not part of the plan. Then came the snow, which nearly, but did not, upend other scheduled events. Not how I'd planned things.

Which brings me to my one New Year's resolution: to no longer be a slave to my itinerary.  As somebody once said if you want God to laugh, tell him about your plans.

Christmas is nine days away: How are you faring? Made the cookies? Wrapped the gifts? Planned the Christmas dinner? What about Christmas Eve? Cards? Housecleaning? Teacher gifts?  I'm trying to follow my own advice of taking it all in stride, smiling a lot -- even if through clenched teeth -- and succumbing to an occasional glass of wine, or morsel of chocolate, to keep myself together. I must admit, I'm doing better this season than in years past and I haven't even pulled any all-nighters. An achievement. But this morning, not such a good one. I'm feeling very frazzled, though it was the day this week I managed to leave home with my keys, my phone, my wallet and my to-do list in tow. Another achievement.! Right now, my biggest concern is the state of my home: a disaster! And relatives from Chicago arrive next week. But I'll take it one floor and sink at a time -- and do it with Christmas music playing in the background. And you can be sure, I'll cut more than a few corners. As Erma Bombeck wrote, "Housework, if you do it right, will kill you!''

I'm passing along a recipe for which I've received accolades, though it came to me from a church friend, Lynn Arnold, who deserves the credit. I've had so many requests for the recipe that I need to get it in print somewhere. This seemed like a great place. Chocolate Chip Cake, really a coffee cake for chocolate lovers, is great for any occasion: Sunday brunch, snacks, dessert, you name it. Enjoy!

CHOCOLATE CHIP CAKE

2 cups flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/3 cups sour cream

2/3 cup margarine or butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 eggs

1 package chocolate chips

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Combine all but the last 3 ingredients. Blend on low for 1 minute; then beat on medium for 3 minutes. Pour half the batter into greased 9x13-inch pan. Combine sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle half sugar/cinnamon mixture over batter, followed by half bag of the chocolate chips. Repeat. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

I often cut pieces and put them in seasonal cupcake liners to make the presentation a bit more festive.

Must share one more recipe. I have, literally, made this brunch casserole dozens of times. It's even a nice, special surprise on a cold winter's school day. Your kid will love it. It is ALWAYS a hit. Even with the pick-eaters, my daughter especially. Moreover, it's an easy dish that you make a day-ahead, slip into the refrigerator and pop into the oven the morning you're ready to eat.

This Sausage and Cheese Casserole is from "Betty Groff's Up-Home Down-Home Cookbook.'' It reheats well, though I rarely have leftovers!

SAUSAGE AND CHEESE CASSEROLE

6-8 slices firm white, day-old bread

1½ pounds mild flavored sausage, cooked and drained

4 eggs

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 cups milk

¾ cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

¾ cup Swiss cheese, grated

Place bread in a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish. You may trim the crusts, if desired. (I don't take the time to do that.)

Distribute sausage over bread. Place eggs, mustard, Worcestershire and milk in a bowl and blend. Sprinkle grated cheeses over sausage and cover with milk mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit in the refrigerator overnight.

Bake in preheated 350-degree oven for 30 minutes or until top is golden brown.

Sounds so good to me, I think I'm going to whip one up tonight!