A merry Old Christmas to you! This is the day when Christmas was traditionally celebrated, and is called Epiphany. When I was young my mother celebrated it with small gifts for each of us, presented to us at dinner beside our place at the table. Carefully wrapped, of course. Some years she would bring in the flaming plum pudding too, with coins and trinkets hidden inside.
This is the last of the 12 days of Christmas, officially bringing the season to an end. I've noticed that many houses still wear their holiday lights and decorations. Mine are mostly down and put away, although not without regret.
However, now there are only 10 1/2 months left before we start again! (Give or take a few days). Already I've made the following plans:
*make fruitcake again with my sisters
*use as many natural greens and decorations as possible
*try to make a plum pudding
*teach my grandchildren how to make a kissing ball
*write a Christmas letter--I didn't do it this year, but I enjoyed the ones I received.
*make sure my sons all get the bonfire on their calendars
*do more to mark the winter solstice
*wrap gifts as I buy them, instead of all at one time--tiring
*give gift certificates for meals to my staff--much easier than baking for them as I did this year, and they'd probably enjoy it more
*prepare some stories and songs for the New Year's bonfire--Allison insisted I tell some stories and sing some songs this year. I didn't feel prepared for that, but I should have been. And it was fun. I'm glad she asked.
I'll try to remember to ask my sister for her plum pudding recipe. The main thing is to begin it on Stir-up Sunday and have everybody give a stir for good luck. Will you light it on fire on Christmas, and eat it with hard sauce? Butter, confectioner's sugar and brandy--a perfect topping!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Priscilla! I'd love to have your recipe. I'm not sure what recipe my mother used.
ReplyDeleteAs for when to eat it, should it be on Twelfth Night or on Christmas? I can't remember when we ate it at home but I don't think it was Christmas. Maybe New Year's Day (along with the cabbage!)