Xmas is coming

The lead up to Xmas was busy as usual with much cooking and social festivities. The houses are fully decorated in lights and displays, except ours. Our street is much the same so we don’t look too scrooge’y. I love watching people pick their xmas tree at the sale lots and put them on their car roof for the drive home. It’s really a different xmas feel when it’s winter.

Our friends took us to the Mormon temple nearby to see the xmas lights and nativity scenes. The whole grounds are covered in beautiful lights and there were about 15 xmas trees inside decorated so beautifully. They also had about 30 nativity scenes from around the world which were beautiful and interesting to see the different cultures being shown. There was no Australia but I did like Hungary, Estonia and Alaska. The picture with me and Xmas tree is an international tree with all the country flags. I’m pointing to Australia if you look closely. It was a nice place to see and we’re glad to have good friends who enjoy showing us the special local things to see at xmas.

 

 

The Embassy had it’s children’s xmas party and I did the catering again. It was a simple spread with chicken nuggets, cocktail franks (US style), sandwiches, fairy bread, cake and of course, my homemade sausage rolls. But Santa is always the star of the show and kids really make Xmas. It was like watching 5 year olds chase a soccer ball on the field – they just flocked to him and followed him to his chair where they waited to hear his Ho Ho Ho and receive their presents.

 

 I also went to the xmas morning tea for the school the Embassy hosts each year. These kids were awesome. They were treated to sausage rolls (not mine) and tea. I made some white Christmas slice which was frankly a shocker. It’s difficult to make here as the ingredients are not available nor the same. I have to make my own mixed fruit peel and the copha alternative is not the same taste. It totally crumbled when I sliced it and while it tasted ok for a stranger, I was pretty disappointed with it.

I also cooked a few dishes for the work Xmas ‘potluck’ lunch. I cooked a lamb, lasagna and a chicken tikka curry and in the slow cooker. The curry was really nice but the house, the car and me stunk of curry for two days. 

We also went to our friend’s annual Xmas party – they’ve been running it since 1992 so this definitely an event not to be missed. It was very exciting to meet and mix with some good American people and their friends were totally wonderful. It was a secret santa affair also. I made a pavlova which was very popular. I think pav is really simple – just meringue, cream and fruit but meringue is not as common here so it’s a very interesting sweet here that catches a lot of attention. I was glad they liked it and it went pretty fast. I have to thank my dear friend MB as I use her Nanny’s recipe – I always like using family and friend recipes, it’s just nice and personal. We both ended up with gifts from Secret Santa and there are a few that keep being returned every year. Deb scored one of them – the Taxi light. Of course I loved it and have decided I will wire up a switch and battery to it. While it might get wrapped again next year, I’m sure the ability to flash it will make it a bigger hit. I know, you are all saying ‘tell her she’s dreaming’.

Not much else to report in this xmas lead up. I’ve pulled out the ugly xmas sweaters and enjoyed the few snow days we’ve had. 

Also, check out the wedding cards I saw in the shops. It took me a few seconds to work out what it was. Very refreshing to see. Won’t be long before they sell in Australia.

Here is a bunch of photos of the past few weeks including us at Georgetown Cupcakes to grab some of their special Xmas cupcakes - love this place.