Well today was another great Christmas day. Five years ago the female mafia all got together and set up a plan whereby the dinner would rotate through each household. Everyone contributes some cash and who ever is hosting for the year purchases the food. A couple of days before each family collects some of the things that need to be cooked, thus as each arrives on the day, they are bearing cooked food to add to what the host family have got ready.
Its been a great success as each year the 'in laws' family join the party. Sometimes they like it so much they come the next year too…and all contribute something.
Today we had 48 present, including the children and through each family we had visitors too. We had a bloke from Montana, a woman from South Korea, and we had a 13 year old girl from Osaka Japan, who spoke hardly any English. There was a couple from Switzerland, amazed at our Aussie Christmas in the sun. We had people from England, New Zealand, Greece, Malta, Malaysia, Ireland and of course Australia. A very international mix.
The visitors who are used to a cold festival season were amazed to see that we could celebrate around the pool. After a safe time from lunch, everyone splashed and played in the water, under a flawless blue sky.
Food suited everyone. We had a goat on a spit and a lamb on a spit. A couple of legs of ham, a large Turkey, several chickens, some seafood etc. Fresh fruits were mixed with roast potatoes, salads, nuts and preserves. Little Pizza's and various baked goodies. Then for dessert, heaps of cakes and a fabulous pudding.
Drinks flowed freely, yet nobody progressed beyond getting 'merry'. Everyone moved about the tables chatting, catching up on news, or welcoming the guests. It was a little more complicated with the 13 year old girl from Japan. But with some mix of language….some of which was hilarious….and lots of smiles, we seemed to break through. She looked very happy and was delighted when one of my grand daughters found her a bathing suit so she could join those in the pool.
The Swiss visitors were smiling from ear to ear as they tried out some of our traditional foods. Like the Japanese girl, they loved the Australian tradition of having a huge Pavlova available and I saw them torn between extra helpings of it, or other goodies.
The goat and lamb were supervised on the spit by our Greek member, but found time to join the rest when they were cooked. He apparently started very early in the morning in order to have it ready.
There was far too much food. A tradition I suppose, but everyone took some home. My three dogs had a wonderful Christmas night dinner with huge, juicy bones from the spit, and lots of meat off cuts. I can tell they had a good time because they are now asleep, but if I go past them, I am greeted by wagging tails and happy looks.
Presents were good, but not over done. We put much more emphasis on how good the day itself is than on gift giving. The other senior grandpa gave a welcome speech, joined by a mutual grand daughter, and that went down very well too. All 17 grandchildren are here this year, which only occurs now and then.
All in all, the female mafia of the family have once again organised a massive and successful family festival day. My head is full of the visions of happy faces and I wish for all of you that your day is just as good.
worries about not losing his rules stuff.
