Christmas 2010

Apologies for the late posting of this past Christmas. Feels like the whole festive season fell upon us in a flash and before you could say "The Baby Jesus", it was New Years Eve and work had fallen inbetween the two.

In reflection I think I prefer when Christmas doesn't fall on a weekend. Somehow it makes the week before Christmas shorter. The fact that without taking leave you had to work the full five days before the festive season meant that Christmas week filled long and very much a chore to wake each morning. Of course the fact that we had several work celebrations over the previous few weeks didn't help much. The staff Grand Ball on Northumberland Avenue kicked off a Tuesday, Gay Mens Chorus, HR Lunch, Team tour of Vinopolis to name but a few.

Christmas Eve came around and in my team's tradition we headed out for a team lunch to wrap up work for the season. Nothing fancy, just a quick beer (or Cider for me) to start start Christmas on the right foot. Then Pizza express for lunch. Wrapping up in Shepherds Market for a couple of Whiskey Mac (Which is somehow the team tradition) and then making our own ways back to our families and loved ones.

Dusan met me at Liverpool Street Station and we managed to get our train within fifteen minutes, back to Broxbourne where Mum & Dad collected us in the car. It was an amazing transformation in the weather. London was a mild 3 degrees and all the snow had long melted. Arriving in Broxbourne there were a good six inches of snow on the ground and it was way below zero from all the ice that had built up on the pavements.

Expecting to be spending the next few hours peeling vegtables I was pleasantly surprised to hear that Janice had already been over and prepared the vegtables that needed prep. God bless her. Which meant we could go upstairs, freshen up and get ready to go over to my Uncles next door for the traditional annual Christmas Eve Indian meal. Historically we have always started the festive period off with Indian at either my parents or my aunt & uncles, then the following day have Christmas at the opposite house and Boxing day back where we had Cristmas Eve. However this would have been the first year without our dear Auntie Pauline who sadly passed away suddenly in the Autumn. To this end, My Aunt's sisters two daughters, Nicola & Lyndsey and I volunteered to do the cooking on Christmas Day. Give Mum a year off and some time to spend with Trevor and the rest of teh family while we all take care of the food in the kitchen.

Going over to Trevors is the begining of meeting all the family again. Trevor, my three cousins, Janice & Colin, Nicola & lyndsey, my cousins Sam's three little ones. Alex who is 8 asked if he could sit with me at dinner and made me smile when he wispered asking about Dusan, "Where is that man from?".

The Indian was lovely but I truly felt stuffed by the time we had finished. How things have changed when by just after 10:00 Dusan and I were more than ready for bed. Maybe it was the excitment of Christmas?

Christmas morning I woke and could smell the pigs in Blankets that Mother had already put on. I rushed down to make some Coffee and to take over in the Kitchen. The Turkey had been cooked the night before and so Dad helped carve the Turkey while I carved the Gammon. Then after sharing all our gifts, Dusan and I were joined by Nicola & Lyndsey and started to prepare all the food. Janice had been keen that lunch was on time and we were happy to call everyone to the table ten minutes early. I knew I had done a good job with my potatoes when Lee whom had flown in just days earlier from Melbourne said, "These potatoes are legendary". I think the trick is in the grated fresh Garlic & Lemon Zest I grate over the top along with the Rosemary and of course Goose Fat. (Detox starts on Monday).

We dinner on a feast of food. Sausage Meat, Gammon, Potatoes, Parsnips, Pigs in Blankets, Corn on the Cobb, Carrotts, Beans, Cauliflower Cheese, stuffin to name just some of it. Of course it seemed like there was as much left as there was cooked but it would all go. Bubble & Squeek tomorrow!

By the time we had cleared the table and the 20 place settings, (Yes we cooked for 20), Miss Grace and I watched Doctor Who and then settled down in the lounge to play games with the kids. Musical Chairs, Sleeping Lions and then Alex wanted to plug in the Wii. Handy as I had just recieved from Dusan the Glee Karaoke set for Christmas! I think it was the first time I saw a game played that the entire family joined in. Cousins, Nephews, the entire family sang along and had a great time.

Boxing day was spent over at Trevors and originally we had said we would stay till Boxing day lunch and then head back to the big smoke. Nicola, Lyndsey & Samantha begged us to stay the extra night, then proceeded to dissapear to watch either Spurs or have a mid afternoon nap. I don't know how the Evans manage it? Christmas day there was a moment, post lunch, all four were asleep on the sofa!

Boxing Day lunch is actually my faveourite. Cold Meats, Salads, Mashed Potatoes, Pickles and Nicola's Bubble & Squeek. More Christmas Pudding, Triffle & Mince pies.

Having decided to stay the extra night meant I could enjoy a drink or two and then we started to play the games for the children. We were tucked up in bed just after 1030. Ever noticed how exhausting the whole Christmas thing is?

Arrived back home mid afternoon on the 27th and Dusan said, "It felt really right being at your mum's". For if there is one thing that Christmas is about its about Family. How lucky we are in ours that its such a great one.