Christmas Celebrations

Christmas Celebrations

Although the days and weeks preceding the festive season just flew past, after accepting some things would not get done before December 25 - including sending out cards in time for them to arrive before Christmas - we had a very happy, very peaceful time.

We decided to cook the "big dinner" on Christmas Eve, which would mean we could all have a more relaxed and meaningful Christmas day; I do enjoy cooking, but trying to get everything done with all the trimmings, and looking after Mum at the same time, can be a bit of a tall order. Even though everyone pitches in and does their bit to help, I have on occasion ended up feeling too tired to enjoy the food I've cooked with love and care. It was a good idea to spread the load over 2 days.

On Christmas Eve, we sat  down to a delicious roast turkey; my speciality roast potatoes (par-boiled, then roasted in butter, turned frequently) which turn out delicately crispy on the outside, and soft and flavoursome on the inside; carrots, peas, swede, turnips were also on the menu, as well as (the dreaded) brussels sprouts. Everyone but me is really quite keen on sprouts - I will eat them as part of the Christmas dinner, but have to admit I could manage without them!  Grandson Al reckons I tend to overcook them: he said, "Just don't 'nuke' them, Grandma....." So I didn't. And I remembered Yorkshire puddings.

On Christmas Day, Mum's carers arrived as usual, and she was soon up and washed and dressed; she knew what day it was, and that Wendy and Al would be back later, to share everything with us.

I rang Uncle John, Mum's brother in Brisbane; he was so happy to hear from us.  It always touches me how sad it is that on special days of celebration, he is on his own.  He puts a brave face on it, but we know he is lonely. Every year, we ask ourselves the same question: how can his son, my cousin, be not interested in visiting his dad - not even at Christmas? We can't understand it. Uncle John is such a bright man, full of zip - he can hold a conversation on any subject you like, and is so interesting to talk to.  When we lived in East Africa, Uncle John was always like a dad to me, so he has a special place in my heart. Wendy goes out to see him every year; she has booked a flight in February, and Uncle John is so looking forward to seeing her.

When Wendy was a baby, my Grandma (Mum's mother) hand knitted every pair of socks Wendy ever wore. Now, on Christmas Day, we have our own family tradition of using one of these socks for every member of the family,  filling them with apples, oranges and chocolate bars.  Mum remembers this, too, and she often talks about her mother, sometimes believing she is still alive. Of course we talk about my Grandma very often, and she is always with us in our thoughts;  our yearly stocking filling is also a wonderful reminder of an amazing lady who made such a positive impact on everyone she met.

The dining table looked beautiful, decorated with a Christmas cloth and napkins; I did my usual origami act, folding them into sailing ships, and with sparkly crackers in place, it was very festive.  Mum sat at the head of the table, and we were such a jolly group, tucking into dinner. I made roast potatoes as before, and varied veg, but it was really good not to be dealing with cooking the turkey as well!  I think this is the way to go next year, too.

After dinner, we repaired to the lounge to exchange gifts; a really happy, family time. We took photos of each other, and  Mum was amazing, staying up for so many more hours than she usually does, and enjoying every moment.  One of her presents was a soft cloth Santa hat in red, with a length of white faux fur around the edge, a white pom pom at the tip, and "Merry Christmas" embroidered on the front; she wore it for the rest of the day, and kept it on when she went to bed! It was one of the best presents she had.

On Boxing Day, Mum was extremely tired; she certainly did not want to get up with the carers' first call in the morning. She was sleeping so peacefully, and we decided to let her carry on until she woke up naturally. It meant missing breakfast, but when the carers returned at lunch time, Mum was once again wide awake and definitely ready to get up and get ready for lunch.  Sometimes we have to be flexible!  

The days between Christmas and New Year passed by in the same gentle pattern, with entertainment provided with piano playing and singing carols and Music Hall songs.

At New Year, for the first time in many a long year, I did not stay up to welcome 2018. I enjoy listening to the countdown to midnight, and watching the fireworks, but I am afraid it was just not on this year!  We have slid gently into the New Year with hope and faith that it will prove to be a happy and healthy one for us all.