For reasons you all understand, the YAMster was not feeling particularly festive this year. I did make at least this much effort...
That wasn't difficult. The tree had not been packed away from last year, due to my not being here to do it. It had simply stood in the corner of the spare room so only required relocation.
I do like Christmas. Firstly for spiritual reasons (I like to acknowledge the birth of a Guru, regardless of the accuracy of that birth date). Secondly for psychological reasons (I am someone who has, since childhood, needed a lot of 'headspace' and that equates to physical space and thus I prefer to spend the day alone). Thirdly, for cocooning reasons. Despite living for 30 years in a 'summer Christmas', I still like to cocoon. An extension of the second reason, I suppose. The huddling down with some extra special foodables, a select amount of viewing and reading, music, silent time... perhaps I mean meditative, but not necessarily as focused as that.
This year, though, it was simply a matter of getting through the day. I really didn't have time to plan much for myself. In some ways, that was fortuitous, for it meant I searched online for something to capture me and landed on the Scottish Ballet channel. I spent most of Friday watching ballet shorts and one full ballet (The Rite of Spring - fantabulous!!!) but took a break and switched on the telly for Christmas 25 Strictly Come Dancing.
I also took some time to call a couple of pals and to prepare my food. Paneer and mangetout green curry with Brussels sprouts aachar (an Indian pickle/chutney based on tamarind and veg of choice plus lots of spices), followed up by a nibble plate to see me through the evening - potato chips, fruit, mince pie and chocolate orange. Nae bad if ah say so masel'!
You'll spot a book there - pressie from Gail and Bertie and ticking one off my 'wish list'! I have soooo many books awaiting my eyes. Gathered on the Kindle app and a few in hard copy like this. I just couldn't settle to reading during the past year. This will be part of my 2021 'to do' list which is starting to formulate. No resolutions. Just to-dos.
As I type this on Sunday afternoon, the day keeps changing from all shades of dreich to bright and... well, let me show you. That'll do for now. How did you all get through your festive day?
It sounds like you had a pleasantly peaceful day. There isn't any celebration here as there are no family close so it is always a quiet day for us too. We hope you get to read all the books on your list this year.
ReplyDeleteYAM I'm thankful you listened to your mind and body doing what felt right.
ReplyDeleteAs for us, we have not seen favorite sis and BIL of angel Madi since Christmas 2019. They live 3 hours from us.
This year we decided to change up menus etc since all of the normal activities are things we always did together.
We of course have spoken to them weekly. Our Gov has asked that no one celebrate w/anyone not living with them.
We had a very peaceful Eve and Day. Good food and are healthy. I have finally joined the 21st century. I ordered a Kindle Paperweight. Should be here tomorrow. Our libraries are open with limited occupancy but I'm not ready to check out books. Sending warm hugs
Cecilia
our normal sounds a lot like what you do and did this year. we both like the cocoon and for the past 14 years have done that, this year was no different than the past 14.. in fact I can say Nae bad if ah say so masel'! I LOVE THAT..
ReplyDeleteyou had much on you shoulders for the last year, I hope you will be able to get back to what used to be your normal starting now...
It sounds like you were able to have an ok day and in the year you have had, that is a big success! Hugs.
ReplyDeleteGlad your Christmas was OK. I LOVE Christmas, even with all the years of living with a grinch, I never lost my love for the day. Your supper sounds heavenly! The thing I miss most about living in the middle of nowhere is good Indian food! Yours sounds fabulishous!
ReplyDeleteLove
Barb
Both those plates look quite appetizing. Sometimes it's the snack plate that just hits the spot, with a small (or big) glass of a favorite wine. My younger son was here for Christmas and since, sorting out some belongings and his life. We enjoy whenever he lets his big 9 year old dog Riley stay with us too.
ReplyDeleteBoth those plates are wonderful and inviting, Yam. Glad you could settle for a couple of days.
ReplyDeleteAnd I spent Christmas reading Obama's book. I'm reading carefully, so I understand the words when I read them. How sad I am I do not remember them.
Food is making my mouth water. I like all holidays and like end of Christmas Carol...Scrooge did find redemption.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on and stay safe
I like your reasons for liking Christmas. My kind of celebration. The tree looks lovely. Wishing you tranquil and well cocooned always.
ReplyDeleteOooh you had a bit of snow too.
ReplyDeleteThe festive food looks good. After Bertie's 'wee adventure' we repaired to Kirsty's home for a traditional Christmas dinner, joined by her friend Ian. As it's 2020, and Kirsty is a vet and Ian a doctor, the conversation was heavily medical and scientific. Although Gail was startled to learn that Ian, who lives in 'Fittie', had been surfing in sea, just behind his nome, earlier in the day. Along, apparently, with a handful of others and a bunch of swimmers (some not wearing wetsuits). So that was Christmas in Aberdeen.
Cheers! Gail.
PS Am planning to watch 'The Rite of Spring' this evening. Thanks for posting the link.
DeleteHi Yam - so glad you were able to work out your needs, after such a loving, caring time you've had this past year + ... it sounds like you were peaceful and contented ... what more could we want after this challenging year for us all. I had a lovely time with lots of left-overs sent home with me! It was sunny and clear ... now back in Eastbourne with walks along the sea front and hoping not to have to go to a shop for a while ... take care and with thoughts - Hilary
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a pretty nice holiday. The mince pie looks so pretty and soooooooo yummy!
ReplyDeleteGreat way to spend some quality time!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds to me as if you did very well given all that you've been through. We are feeling adrift this year so we did almost no celebration. Instead, we had a quiet day and a special dinner. We are not allowed to see my father so we did a family Zoom. A poor substitute, but better than nothing. I was thinking of you, knowing that these days cannot be easy. Sending love.
ReplyDeleteWe got through the days okay. Not too much overeating was done, not even on chocolate!
ReplyDeleteI used to love spending Christmas on my own and watch whatever I wanted to watch and to eat whatever I wanted to eat. Since the operation and subsequent break-down(s), I want to spend it more with family. Although I would still prefer to watch whatever I want to watch...
Klem
I'm happy to see you writing. Such lovely meals you make. You've had such a time this past while.
ReplyDeleteWe spent time with our son and his family. We wore masks and kept our distance. The day was lovely with a casual brunch following the gift exchange. Saturday evening Son called to say they just received word they had been exposed to Covid on Christmas Eve. So we are all self quarantining just to keep others safe. So far no one is showing any signs of illness.
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