It’s finally sorted. The great Christmas tug of war. The experience that I am sure is experienced by every one but is particularly harsh on married couples without children and singles without friends. The decision as to when and where you’re going to be for Christmas day. It took some power walking, a couple of emails, a few phones calls, a few sideways (let’s face it, ANGRY) glances and more slightly bruised feelings than I thought could be possible but we did it. It’s SORTED. Our Christmas itinerary looks a like this… for ease of reference I made a chart.
I love charts. There, I said it. I just can’t help myself. I use charts for everything. I just love the ability to map the progress of any plan with a chart. And I love that the word processing software these days have heaps and heaps of different layouts, colours and styles…. Whoa. Did I get carried away again? I’ll stop… Here it is.
It’s hard don’t you think. To make sure you get to see everyone. We split up the years, alternating between the two families. One year with my family, the other with Hubby’s. It’s difficult as we both desperately love our families and being apart from them is hard. (note to reader: they live 5 hours apart so both in one day would be a waste of Christmas Day).
I wonder how people with separated or divorced parents do it. How they manage the additional commitments it must entail. That probably sounds very prim of me, but I do wonder. I saw Four Christmases the other day and really felt for the characters. I didn’t actually have that much sympathy mind you. The ending left me feeling that they were too selfish, in the end, to be really loveable. The characters that is. Not the actors; I love Reese & Vince from way back.
What I mean is that WARNING, PLOT SPOILER after the whole day with their families, they have this break through moment of family means everything but then they fall pregnant and have a baby without including their family. We’re back where we started. Argh. I almost hated them than. I don’t know why they did that. My sister thought it was funny. I didn’t. I’m a family type of kid, I suppose. Anywhooo… my point? Fitting everyone in at Christmas time can be difficult.
Now what there is to do is to plan the Christmas day lunch. I’m thinking cold meats and salads, crusty bread rolls with real butter, giant bowls of icy cold punch, bowls of fresh fruit and thick whipped cream for dolloping. I’m thinking tables set up on the back veranda spilling out onto the back yard. I’ll use the huge market umbrella for shade and there is always a cool breeze out the back. I can see it all now… one of those Natural Christmas Chic type themes.
I will document my table to give you the idea (stay posted after Christmas for that).
Though I am sticking to some traditional favourites I wouldn’t mind doing something a bit different in the food and drink department… So I went looking for recipes. I even bought the new Tupperware Taste of Summer cookbook. There are stunning salad recipes that include watermelon, raspberries and peaches. And an old favourite tomato and buffalo cheese combo to die for. They are definitely on the menu! But I’m looking for an all rounder, fool proof, works for you EVERY time summer dish for my Christmas lunch.
So I’m thinking it is giveaway time. This would be my first. Giveaway that it. Comment with a simple summer recipe for my Christmas lunch and my favourite will receive the brand new Tupperware Taste of Summer cookbook so you can whip up a storm in the hot Aussie summer. (Prize for Australian residences only) Tell your friends and followers and post a link and receive two entries. I don’t have many followers of this blog yet so you’ve got an awesome chance of winning. How great is THAT!
I can’t wait to see what you’ve got!
Giveaway Details
Entries close 23rd December 8pm Australian Eastern Standard Time
Winner announced Christmas Eve
Prize sent as soon as possible after Christmas Day
Suger 
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