Traditions
I just checked over at Saffa Chick's and she's well into Christmas Eve on the other side of the world. Saffa and her husband, Milord, are enjoying an Aussie summer and as a South African transplant, the customs in the Land Down Under are different from her homeland.
It's always neat to hear of customs in other countries for the holidays. Thanks to the Internet and blogging, first hand accounts are becoming more and more commonplace. It makes me a little verklemft that my exposure to the world has broadened so much and these friends in the computer are sharing the holidays. Saffa and Milord's menu sounds great: cold prawns and ham. Perfect for warm weather.
Then, here in the states, depending on where we live, our traditions are very different, as are our menus. In moving down the Eastern seaboard, the menus are different. We've picked up some favorites along the way.
This year, one traditional favorite isn't on the menu. The crab cakes that became our must have when we lived in Maryland has to be skipped this year. Canned crab here is ridiculously expensive and we can't justify that kind of expense at the moment.
That's okay, there are enough food traditions to make up for it in this house. The day starts with a tradition I didn't even realize we'd created: Eggnog Pancakes. That's one that just evolved out of always having Eggnog in the house this time of year (btw, it is Gameboy's favorite drink EVER!).
Dinner is full of favorites. We'll have the ham that the kids have had for all but one of the past nine Christmases. This year, I get the turkey that symbolized Christmas in my younger days. Broccoli Bake, as Ed has said it is NOT a holiday without it. Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes and Sweet Potato Souffle are going to be on the table, too. Each of the menfolk have claimed one of those sides as their own.
Some sort of veggie will also show up on the table, too, but I think the adults will be the only ones to consume it. That's okay, I won't sweat that one. I will enjoy the bounty of leftovers that we can enjoy for a while afterwards.
Even better is the company with us. We've been fortunate to have friends move nearby and especially happy that they'll share part of the day with us. It's a tradition that I'm glad we can resurrect this year.
How about you? What foods signify the holiday you're celebrating that 'make' it just right? What traditions do you most look forward to each year?
It's always neat to hear of customs in other countries for the holidays. Thanks to the Internet and blogging, first hand accounts are becoming more and more commonplace. It makes me a little verklemft that my exposure to the world has broadened so much and these friends in the computer are sharing the holidays. Saffa and Milord's menu sounds great: cold prawns and ham. Perfect for warm weather.
Then, here in the states, depending on where we live, our traditions are very different, as are our menus. In moving down the Eastern seaboard, the menus are different. We've picked up some favorites along the way.
This year, one traditional favorite isn't on the menu. The crab cakes that became our must have when we lived in Maryland has to be skipped this year. Canned crab here is ridiculously expensive and we can't justify that kind of expense at the moment.
That's okay, there are enough food traditions to make up for it in this house. The day starts with a tradition I didn't even realize we'd created: Eggnog Pancakes. That's one that just evolved out of always having Eggnog in the house this time of year (btw, it is Gameboy's favorite drink EVER!).
Dinner is full of favorites. We'll have the ham that the kids have had for all but one of the past nine Christmases. This year, I get the turkey that symbolized Christmas in my younger days. Broccoli Bake, as Ed has said it is NOT a holiday without it. Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes and Sweet Potato Souffle are going to be on the table, too. Each of the menfolk have claimed one of those sides as their own.
Some sort of veggie will also show up on the table, too, but I think the adults will be the only ones to consume it. That's okay, I won't sweat that one. I will enjoy the bounty of leftovers that we can enjoy for a while afterwards.
Even better is the company with us. We've been fortunate to have friends move nearby and especially happy that they'll share part of the day with us. It's a tradition that I'm glad we can resurrect this year.
How about you? What foods signify the holiday you're celebrating that 'make' it just right? What traditions do you most look forward to each year?
Comments
Joyce, Yikes, they made you WAIT? Though the kids did good, I woke up to them staring at me!
SB, Some of the traditions make for a hot kitchen. Great when you're up north!