At last, a bit of peace and quiet! It's about 3.00pm on Boxing Day and I'm sitting quietly in the lounge with Christopher and Alexander (Number Two Son). They're watching a film on the television and I've just come in to join them while I write this blog. Alexander made lunch out of leftover vegetables and gravy and Christopher's just making a cup of tea. I'm on strike!
Yesterday was hectic, but good fun. We managed to get everyone up for breakfast and then got lunch started before going over to my FIL's house to meet the rest of the family for coffee. The boys had just about had time to open the various little presents in their stockings - yes, I still do stockings for them, 'from Santa', filled with fun, usually useless, sometimes useful, gifts. And we always open one present at breakfast - this time I had made photograph albums for the boys with family photographs and one for Christopher with photographs from all the plays (amateur dramatic) we've done over the years, plus photographs of the boys in their plays.
Then, whilst we were having coffee, the goose started to make its presence felt. My SIL told me a cautionary tale about friends of their who were having goose, started it cooking, went out for coffee and came home to find their house on fire! Thank you so much SIL!! So Number One Son and I rushed home, only to find that I'd forgotten my keys. So, an extra fifteen minutes going to his house for his keys and then back. Relief - no house fire. Then, when we were basting it we must have poked a hole in the large disposable foil baking tray I was using. Do you have any idea how much fat comes out of a goose - about two pints I would guess. That was fun to clear up!!!
Anyway, lunch went well, the vegetables weren't overcooked and apparently the goose tasted really good. The Christmas pudding and mincepies were actually tasted this year, surprise, surprise. And then, at last, a sit down and open the rest of our present. I had a book token from the boys, together with a neck pillow and a promise of 'something else still to come'. Christopher gave me a Nintendo DS Lite, which I've been dropping hints about for some eighteen months. It's got a brain training programme, which should help stave off senility for a little longer!
And then, I got to the Secret Santa Swap. I am so lucky, I got a wonderful parcel from
Bec at Oh Sew Busy. There's a beautiful table runner, which looks lovely on my table, a little angel stitchery, some thread and some cute little buttons. Then there's a charm pack - Fabulous Fall by Moda - and two other pieces of fabric. And two brilliant magazines absolutely full to bursting with ideas, especially the Christmas in July issue. Thank you so much Bec, I'm really touched with your thoughtfulness. And thank you to Chookyblue for organising everything.
And then, time for a rest!
This morning I got up early to clear up - two loads of washing up, drying up and putting away, one load of washing, food to put away. And after that I went on strike for the rest of the day! I made a case for Alexander's birthday-and-Christmas-camera and intend to do very little for the rest of the day.
And then, tomorrow, we start again! We've got the whole family coming for lunch (around 13 of us altogether) - though it's going to be very simple, cold meats and salads I think. And a few desserts.
Thank you to everyone who told me about their Christmas food, it was absolutely fascinating to see the different foods that people eat at Christmas around the world. I'm looking forward so much to continuing to get to know you and finding out about your lives in 2009.
10 comments:
Happy Boxing Day! Your Christmas sounds wonderful. Love the photo of Christopher sleeping with his crown on (crooked). I love reading about all your festivities. I'm glad you get the day off today since tomorrow is another busy day with guests.
A belated Merry Christmas to you Amanda. Your day sounds wonderful - spent with family who could ask for more? Good for you though taking some time off. I have run the dishwasher 9 (!!!!) times in 1 1/2 days. Now everyone went to the movies and I stayed home for a few minutes of quiet. And tonight they are taking me out to dinner! And about your question on Christmas eve - we do our holiday dinner on the 24th turkey and all the trimmings. Then on the 25th we have turkey and ham sandwiches, scalloped potatoes, salad more informal - with cookies and thanks to your blog - this year I substituted the traditional pecan pie for a Christmas Cake - I made a beautiful Italien Cream Cake - 3 layers - very festive.
Your table looked so pretty. Glad the house was not afire and the goose was doing its thing quite nicely in the oven. I bet you did have a mess with all the grease from the bird.
Enjoy boxing day...just rest...more company tomorrow...then you definitely will need a rest the next day.
Question: could not help but notice your dear husbands colorful shoes...is there a story behind them...as I picture him as being a very conservative dresser. I know I am being nosey (no just inquisitive).
Just me - Amelia from Oklahoma
Another great post with wonderful pictures. I'm still having camera troubles. I have only cooked one duck, and couldn't believe the amount of fat, and if a goose is the same, you did have quite a mess to deal with. I love Alexander's camera case, you are quite amazing.
looks like a great day at your house.......love the presents that Bec sent you........
Amanda, I'm in the same boat as you---finally able to put up the feet, take a deep breath, and relax. :0) Your feast sounds (and looks) lovely and I'm happy to read about your wonderful day with your family!
You also made me chuckle----I have to be sure NOT to let my SH and children read that you got a Nintendo DS! I'd never hear the end of it (since I think they EACH want one!!!)
You going to take part in the New Year's Mystery?
What a nice holiday! The picture of Christopher sleeping was priceless!
oxox,
Jo-Anne
This was so much fun to read, Amanda. Thank you for allowing us to experience Boxing Day with you. I'm sorry about the fat mess but everything else sounded fabulous! I'd love to have sampled all your food! The gifts to the boys will be treasured forever and that case you made is wonderful. Have a great day tomorrow!
I am so pleased that you liked your SSCS parcel! I had fun reading your blog and putting together things I thought you would like! The two fabrics are to make up the stitchery; unless you decide to use them for something else.
It looks like you all had a great day!
Bec xxx
It sounds like you are having a lovely if very busy Christmas! Your table setting is just lovely. Are those penguin napkins? Very cute. It has been fun to see how every one has spent the holiday. So many variations on the same basic idea. Good luck with your last round of celebrations, I hope after that you can relax for a good long while.
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