I can hardly believe that it already the 24th of December. This time last year we were having a splendid time with family and friends in KwaZulu Natal. The weather was amazing, the company was even better, and the happy vibe just washed over us for 2 joyful weeks.
So much has happened this year, but every family has one of those years- one to remember for all its tragedy’s and upheaval. Regardless, while I dwell on the bad times, I do remember the many years of fortune that we have had in the past, and God puts these rocks in our road to teach us. None of us know everything, and if we did, imagine how boring life would be.
It is Christmas Eve in our little apartment. I do not have a gammon glazing in the oven, nor roast taties frying. There is no Christmas Pudding with Brandy Butter, or even Mince Pies. Tonight we will have snacks, and for tomorrow I will enjoy the luxury of cooking a hot meal in a cold climate. We will be having a glazed gammon, although it is a tenth of the size of Netherby’s gammon from last Christmas (which barely lasted 2 meals!). I splashed out and deboned a chicken, and stuffed it with bratwurst and hazelnuts. We might have Brussel sprouts and honey parsnips, and of course, roast taties. To end off, we will have chocolate, and we will cut a small piece of Christmas Cake. On Boxing day, we are hosting the Fleurer’s, and I have decided to make it a little South African- Potato Salad, left over cold meat, 3 Bean Salad, and I will make Hayley and Anton a Malva Pudding.
I feel sad in parts of my heart. My girls will not understand the tradition that Christmas meals are to me, a time surrounded by our blessed parents and siblings, and the many grandchildren. There won’t be Boney M playing anywhere this year, and I haven’t had a mince pie, or even heard a Christmas Carol for that matter.
But, I will have my darling hubby with me, sampling the roast potatoes, and supplying me with Cremant, and my Alex is so excited, although I suspect it is because of receiving presents. For now, I have everything that I need, and that means that my heart is full.
To all my beautiful friends, may you have a truly blessed Christmas. I pray that your hearts are filled with happiness, and love. My prayers are with you all the time, and I wish you a fabulous 2014.
God Bless to one and all,
All of my Love
G, Anton, Alex and Beth.
xxx
Pinot, Bretzels, and Cathedrals 
what a nice text. i wish you a very special evening.
Thank you Sophie. Hope you have a lovely evening and day tomorrow, xxx
Just got to read your last two posts. How interesting to learn about all the other traditions around this time of year. May you have a truly blessed time with your little family, knowing that you are making your own traditions, cherishing all the Christmases past and knowing that you will be with extended family again in the future.
It has been very interesting Kerry. What’s especially nice is that I can combine my favourite parts and simply create our own traditions.
Had a lovely quiet day. Hope yours was special too.
Xxx