Thought I’d better post this before it’s actually 2011.
Blogging has been a bit sparse the past few weeks. The christmas lead up was just naturally busy with end of year activities, summer garden prep, christmas organisation and shopping. Then we were hit with stomach flu and Amelia had to spend a few days in hospital from complications from her blood disorder. It was just crazy tiring and busy. Internet took a back seat.
Christmas itself was lovely though. Relaxing as it can be with a houseful of people and doing all the cooking but it was a blessing non the less. There was a point this year where I never thought I’d get to see another Christmas so there are no complaints from me.
Christmas eve we did Secret Santa. Paige said I love that we have enough people to do secret santa just on our own. I smile when those little large family bonuses come to the surface. There are enough of us that it really is a secret. No working out or guessing who has got who because there’s only 5 of people doing it.
Each of the kids drew a name and set out in secret to plan for, buy, make, wrap and give a gift to their chosen recipient. Oscar just about burst with pride when he gave his to Tessa. He couldn’t keep the grin off his face, it was so adorable. The joy of giving.
A few snaps from Christmas eve’s secret Santa party.
Christmas eve nibbles consisted of crab cakes and sweet chili and lime dipping sauce, sausage rolls, chips and dips, cheese board, cheese ball and crackers, fruit platter and chocolate dip, chocolates, cranberry mince tarts , truffles and a selection of christmas biscuits. All made by yours truly. Christmas baking is my most favourite part of the season, I relished every minute of it.
Christmas day itself was a relaxed affair, very much a leisure day. Some people didn’t even bother to get dressed, ahem. The day started at the crack of 10:00am, yes I actually got to sleep in until 10:00am, I do love having older kids. Then a cup of tea and some stocking chocolate while everyone opened their gifts.
Brunch was simple and no fuss- croissants with smoked salmon, creamy scrambled eggs, grilled streaky bacon and grilled vine tomatoes on sourdough toast. A fresh fruit platter of strawberries, pineapple, cherries and bananas and sparkling orange juice (sparkling wine or lemonade mixed with OJ).
Christmas dinner was a selection of salads, potato, egg, and green, garlic roast potato, soy and honey glazed Kumara (sweet potato) stuffing, roast chicken and the centerpiece the baked glazed ham of deliciousness. Puddings were the traditional pavlova, a white chocolate cheesecake, more chocolates, more strawberries and three different kinds of ice cream. Saying I was stuffed both literally and metaphorically at the end of the meal would be an understatement. I think I’m still digesting now.
Interspersed in there were a few choice cocktails, yule mules, pomegranate margarita’s and gingerbread martini’s. I do love christmas.