Yesterday I made a Christmas Pudding. I haven't made one in many years. Mainly because I haven't really seen the ingredients for one while in the U.S., but I came across a bag of Safari Cake Mix from South Africa on the shelf at the International Food Store …… mmm…. I seem to be giving them a plug here!!! Anyway, although it was pricy, its contents of sultanas, golden sultanas, seedless raisins, currents and candied citrus peel in variable proportions all contribute to the flavor of, what I know as, a darn tasty Christmas Pudding and I wanted to enjoy a homemade Christmas favorite.
I also made meringues and will glue two together with thickly whipped cream as part of dessert on Christmas Day. It is a McMonagle Christmas tradition to have homemade meringues and cream for Christmas Dinner. That and Roast Leg of Lamb. Those two items are our specialty.
The Christmas Tree has been trimmed in gold and red and though its only about 6' 3" this year as opposed to the 8' one of last year, it fills the "Christmas Tree Spot" perfectly with its merry lights. The lighted houses and tea light candle holders surrounded with fake snow, send wisps of light and flame dancing across the living room. The Christmas stockings are hanging from the mantle and in every nook and cranny there are snowmen, Santa, holly and elves.
The bright red Christmas plates and bowls, placemats and coasters, salt and pepper shakers and napkins stand ready for the Christmas Day fare and in true South African tradition, the box of Christmas Crackers wait to take their place as a prominent part of the Christmas Dinner Table. They will amuse and delight with their snaps, jokes and paper hats.
Lastly but most important of all, in a corner of the fireplace the nativity figurines are carefully placed around the baby Jesus, reminding us what Christmas is really all about.
Without Him, none of the above would exist and with Him in our hearts at this time, the wonderful Spirit of Christmas comes alive.
It’s the time of the year when giving is so much bigger than receiving and whether the giving and receiving is large or small nothing can mean anything without the spirit of Christmas to touch us.
It is within this Spirit of Christmas that I dedicate this page to my dearest beloved and only brother who is in hospital at this time wrestling with Mesothelioma cancer and repeated surgeries. Although you are 10,000 miles away, in my mind, you are as close as if you were but in the next room. I "see" all the Christmases we had together, with all the trimmings and trappings but it is the spirit of family and togetherness that I feel more than anything else. Memory must surely be one of God's finest gifts. What joy to see you and hear your laughter even when you cannot be with us and we cannot be with you.
Merry Christmas dear brother.
[Pamela McMonagle]