“It’s such happiness when good people gather together.” — Jane Austen
One of the things I love about Christmas, is an abundance of opportunities for gathering with friends and family, eating foods that we usually only get at this time, and of course all the lights everywhere. Oh, and for me, the music is the icing on the Christmas cake!
I’ve already made four light fruit cakes (delicious) and two dark fruit cakes (still ripening in Grand Marnier), a couple batches of cookies, and tomorrow plan to make some pecan pralines and chocolate bark. I’ve been cruising the Internet looking for some different ideas and came across this interesting article, The Secret to Perfect Popcorn. I may just give it a try!
We’ve already attended a couple Christmas parties, a Christmas music concert, and one open house so far, though we have other gatherings coming up we’re looking forward to. I enjoy these get-togethers though I’ll admit to not enjoying parties where it’s required to play ‘ice-breaker’ games. I’m an adult — a functioning adult and really find those games annoying. I mingle and it works quite well.
“The table is a meeting place, a gathering ground, the source of sustenance and nourishment, festivity, safety, and satisfaction. A person cooking is a person giving: Even the simplest food is a gift.” — Laurie Colwin
The other day one of the ladies in our book club offered to host a Christmas lunch for all of us. She lives on the waterfront and oh what a beautiful setting for a magnificent afternoon. Not only did we enjoy the elegant lunch she prepared, but we had such a grand time. Amid laughter and good conversation we also selected the books we’ll read in 2019. I’ll share the list below so you can see what an interesting selection we are looking forward to reading.
This is the power of gathering: it inspires us, delightfully, to be more hopeful, more joyful, more thoughtful: in a word, more alive. — Alice Waters
At this time of year, what are some of your favourite things to do?
such a joy to hear about and view your Christmas traditions and joys. it is so often about the food and the aromas they emit that i equate with the gatherings and like you, i do so dislike the games.
i must say, your last image in this post is a wow factor for me. those bells are captured so beautifully.
What I like most about Christmas is also the music! Even though we are not with our immediate family every Christmas the music still gives me lots of joy 🙂
I checked the popcorn secrets and I’m surprised at the amount of oil! Dwayne makes our popcorn and its always made using coconut oil (3T) to 1/2c kernels and then tops it with butter and Montreal Steak spice! It is so tasty – love it! But surprising enough we cant make popcorn in Honduras because the popcorn is always small and tough – must be the humidity. We even keep the kernels in the fridge hoping that would work, but doesnt. So far in Greece I have not even seen popcorn kernels for sale.
Funny that you have Alan Doyle’s book on your list because I love his music! Didn’t even know he was also a writer. Should be a funny book to read.
Enjoyed your post 🙂
I love singing, with my small barbershop chorus, during the holiday months – both the more ‘serious’ songs, and the ‘fun’ ones (The Twelve Days After Christmas…and Rudolph and The Grinch for the kids…).
Add in some homemade Ginger cookies, and time making gifts because making is another thing that feeds my soul (fabric bowl hot pads, this year).
And some time with friends and co-workers, and a hefty portion of quiet time to balance out the rush of the holidays…
Love the pictures!