Nothing says it better with food. So I must begin my holiday season with a kitchen party. A small gathering of friends with a twist. In place of cooking for them, I decided to hold a cooking party. After all, everyone is always wondering where the recipe for this or that is. On this holiday menu was no ordinary, run of the mill standard fare. No turkey or roasted ham or stuffing or cranberry sauce....none of which I have any liking for.
Instead, a spread of mee siam, rojak, chicken cacciatore and ayam prawns (many thanks to Ms. Crowded House for getting these from Loblaws) was prepared with a little help from my friends. These celebrations also allow me to catch up with their lives. Desi assured us that no other misfortunes visited her on her dive trip to Palau. Despite a hard week with her two sons, Ms. Jane Austen enjoyed the party as did her husband. Can't wait to see their new BMW SUV! Desi is getting a little something of this deal too. Not just a new car but an Audi A4. My little Jetta is going strong after the repair work from the accident was done. The party was such a success that I think another session will be planned soon for Chinese New Year.
The sounds of the seaon were brought in by the annual reading of a Christmas Carol. This event is sponsored by the CBC each year with ticket sales being donated to literacy groups across Canada. This is my third year of attendance.
It all started with an invitation from my pals in Hamilton, Juventus and his wife Limerick. Last year, I introduced Mr. Hippo to this Christmas tradition of mine. We went to Oakville and for this year's reading, it was off to Georgetown. Ken Sylvester was the CBC reader present. Although his recitation of the Ghost of Christmas Present was very boisterous, jovial and entertaining, it was Vera MacDonald who stole the show while she read the staves on the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Carols were sung between the chapters and I was not surprised to learn that Dickens himself had started this Christmas tradition of public readings of this truncated version of his tale.
It is nearly here now, one week before Christmas eve. I am a big fan of Christmas despite not being a devout Catholic. I also love the decorations and get started early on the trimmings of the season.
The sights of the season begin with the Christmas tree. This year, it is a Douglas Fir and more appropriate in size for the living room. Yesteryear's tree was nearly eight feet where this one is closer to seven feet. This tree also sheds a lot less needles but provides sufficient room for the cat to slumber beneath its branches.
The smell of the tree is great too. Imagine walking in a forest beneath the bright moonlight crunching on a blanket of fresh snow to stimulate those scents in your brain. This year, a simple theme of Red and Gold in ribbons, balls and lights.
This year's celebrations will be made even more special with the arrival of my sister Nardac and her husband, Mr. Moustache. In fact, this is the first Christmas when we will all be together since I don't remember when. Very exciting as Nardac and Mr. Moustache will meet Mr. Hippo too. I hope there'll be a some snow too. Can hardly wait!
