December 31, 2013

'Twas the night before Christmas


Back when I was a kid, we always did Christmas Eve dinners in our home. I never knew why, its just what was done. I've learnt it is a European tradition of sorts and I think maybe my dad might have done it as a kid. The past few years with Luke working away and my family being in Singapore, I have skipped the Christmas Eve thing and enjoyed the Australian traditions with my in laws.

However this year, being the first Christmas with Mason and the first one Luke's been home for in 4 whole years, I decided I'd bring Christmas Eve dinners back. And from how much fun we all had, I'm thinking I'll keep it a running tradition for our family.

On the menu was a beautiful ham glazed ala Jamie Oliver, a whole salmon side baked and topped with a salsa verde of sorts, a pumpkin, pancetta & boccocini salad, Asian style barbequed prawns and (on Luke's special request) trifle!

We were missing my dad and brother. A corner of my heart ached for them and I watched from across the table as my mom struggled to hold back her emotions. I am comforted by the knowledge that there will be many more Christmases for our family in years to come.

We spent the following day at Luke's parents where we opened presents and had a beautiful lunch. We played trivia games and board games, and only got home after 10pm. It's a lovely sort of exhaustion to feel after having a brilliant day.

I hope the festive season has been more than kind to all of you, and that Santa was generous. x


I CANNOT believe Luke, myself and Mason never got a photo together the entire time. Excuse me while I knock my head against the wall.

6 comments:

  1. Sounds lovely. And what an amazing chef you are!! Yummo! Shame about the missed photo opportunity... Just take some extra of the three of you this week :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Katrina! I did end up getting a few of us this week! Yay! I hope you've had a lovely festive season x

      Delete
  2. oh my the colours are gorgeous honey xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. This looks beautiful! I love the table settings. My husband, daughter and I don't have a photo together (that we didn't have to take ourselves using a photo booth program on my computer) for the whole of 2013. It happens easily!

    ReplyDelete