So much to do and so little time to do it!!! It is a race against time :-)
First stage of Christmas Day meal prepared. Placed in fridge to marinate for 24 hours:
It will eventually be an Orange,Grapes & Rosemary Roast Duck!
A few handmade extras to go with the pressies under the tree. I didn't think I'd get them done on time but there you are and with a day to spare!
for Cookie Baby: A Pom Pom square hat & Cowl set:
I love the back of this hat! One of my students modelled it for me. Thank you so much L :-)
Self sustaining pot of violets for daughter Nº 1:
Bit of a family joke this.....at least they won't shrivel up and die for lack of water!!!!!
and tomorrow,Christmas Eve, on to the baking for the big family dinner at my sister-in-law's villa. I usually deal with the baking side of it. I am thinking carrot & walnut cake with a cream cheese topping,a Bakewell Tart and some Jam tarts. They really love the jam tarts....so simple!
I think there will be about 25 or 30 of us this year counting the children. The tradition here is a big meal ,all the family together, lots of carol singing,lots of discussions and talking about religion or politics is prohibited!!!! Right ....which they stick to at the beginning but by the time we get to the coffee and champagne that rule is easily forgotten!
Each child is given aguinaldo from all the adult members of the family on Christmas Eve.This is a Christmas gift....a Christmas pocket money gift!
Sr P went to the bank purposely this morning to get change so he has exactly the right number of Euro notes to give to each child. Each child must receive exactly the same amount of money. I am sure you can imagine why! If you want everyone to be happy you make sure you do not give big brother more than little brother.
Dear Blog friends
A very.......
to you all
xxx
Amanda :-)