Christmas Get Together

December, 2005

1. Coping with Christmas Get-togethers, a rich recipe or…
2. Recipe: White Christmas Pudding

Hi there!

Have you started on the round of Christmas parties and family get-togethers, too? It’s a fun time for the most part and if you remember to keep the fun in functioning, then life will be easier. It does take organisation because we are often dashing from party to party and that doesn’t necessarily include the fruit and vegie shop!

I wish you all a wonderful Festive Season, in a happy, healthy way!

Cheers, Narelle

1. Christmas Get-Togethers – a Rich Recipe or?

Sometimes it’s a recipe for disaster, when families come together for a holiday stay, after a long period of no visits.  Here are some simple suggestions if you are going to visit, and stay, with friends or relatives.

Communicate

Speak up pleasantly and calmly and ask questions about what is expected, what you can do, and so on.  Do not take over! 

Listen to the answers and have respect for the person speaking so that you can discuss things instead of having an argument.  After all, it’s you who’s visiting so it really is up to you to fit in, not the other way round.

Children’s behaviour

1. If you have children, remember they are your responsibility. Don’t walk into your friend or family’s home and allow the children to behave however they want, and expect your friend to deal with them. You will lose a friend, self-respect and create conflict with your kids.

Respect

2. Set the boundaries for yourself and your family: clean up after yourself – in the bathroom, in the bedroom, in the lounge and especially in the kitchen.  Don’t go into areas that are obviously private such as office or bedroom space and of course, have respect for their home and belongings.

Edible Gifts

3. Take edible gifts to take the load of your friends or relatives. Never turn up empty handed. It is just plain rude unless you have been firmly instructed not to take anything.

Contribute with Groceries

4. Offer to buy groceries for everyone. It’s not costing you for accommodation, so contribute to the expenses for the time you are there.

Lend a hand

5. Make sure you offer to cook (and clean up after cooking) for everyone. Don’t expect that because you have bought some groceries or alcohol that it means you can be a lazy ‘on-holiday’ person who sits backs and relaxes and does nothing.

Laughter is the best medicine

6. Take your sense of humour and a big dose of patience!  Ask yourself ‘so what’ if not everything turns out perfectly and imagine relating this funny story to friends. By practising these simple tips everyone will have a great time.

Remember, if it all gets too much for you, (or your friends or rellies, give me a call to make an appointment.

Wishing you and yours, a magical Festive Season

Filled with Love, Joy, Happiness and Contentment….

from Narelle

2. Recipe: White Christmas Pudding

Soak 1 cup mixed dried fruit in 1/4 cup rum for 4 hours or more. Combine and mix well:

1. 1 cup chopped almonds

2. 125 gr chopped macadamia nuts

3. 125 gr long thread coconut

4. ½ cup preserved cherries

5. 3 tablespoons finely diced preserved ginger

6. 1 small pkt choc chipsSoften 2 litres vanilla and 2 litres chocolate ice cream, mix together and add rum soaked fruit, then all other ingredients.

7.  For a richer mix you can add 1 ctn whipped cream. Turn into large pudding bowl, cover with circle of non-stick baking paper, and then freeze firmly.

Serve this fabulous Plum Pudding on Christmas Day with options of Brandy Custard, Hot Chocolate Sauce and Profiteroles etc.