Christmas Day 2022

 Well what a day we had yesterday, with 16 of us in the house and something I am not used to. Consequently I am  tired today, and being Boxing Day, taking the day off.  Everyone had a great time with plenty of food. 

We started the day with a fancy breakfast outside, which was lovely in the cool air. The children remarked on how noisy nature was outside as compared to Sydney.

The Table was ready for lunch, with lights strewn on it, plus on various cupboards.

Sitting for 16

 I made a mixture of hot side dishes like, cheesy potatoes, maple syrup roasted carrots, steamed beans, and salads of  roasted pumpkin, beetroot and feta, celery, walnuts and apple,basic tomatoes,carrots,lettuce for the kids, boiled eggs, and 4 lots of meat, lamb, pork, ham and chicken, all self serve with the adults going first, as knowing these kids they will devour everything and leave a lot on their plates.

Youngest son was in charge of cutting all the meat.

Eldest Daughter and Eldest Son Getting Things Ready.

Once the family arrived before lunch, we had the present opening, which is all those that Santa didn't bring. It is a tradition that I started with our lot, to know which Aunty,Uncle or Grandparent gave to each child and to be thankful, rather than the whole lot bundled into Santa Bags.

Under the make do tree on  the fireplace.

John handing out present and looking like Santa lol

Finally after our main meal we finished up with dessert, a very Chocolate Cheesecake, Chocolate Ripple cake which  I haven't made in a long time using Arnotts Chocolate Ripple biscuits,a very old fashion recipe. Also the traditional plum pudding by our local DILwith money,

There is one slice of Cheesecake left for me, with raspberries, when I decide to eat again. So much food yesterday I am not very hungry today. 

After lunch all the kids went swimming in our neighbour's pool, and I gathered they enjoyed watching them as both retired. The sound of children laughing and having fun outside, is something I miss myself. 

 I have to comment on how proud I am of our Eldest Son Peter on making his 2 brothers and John a type of bushcraft knife, known as Woodlore. Each one supplied their own steel and John chose Damascus, one of the best.

Peter created everything out of the raw products, the handle, blade and leather work. He spent every non working hour for months doing it, learning as he went, with advice from both John who taught leatherwork and our neighbour who taught metalwork, plus a few you tube videos. The emblem is known as Cry Havoc their online gaming group. The skill required for this is exceptional, not every DIYer can whip up bush knives.

 

 John and all the boys are off to a 2 day camping trip on the Nymboida River somewhere. Father and Son so it will be the first time we haven't celebrated our youngest son's birthday on the 27th down at the river. 

The girls are having a morning at a nail salon, this week, and we may  organize to go down to the river for a lunch sometime. I certainly have plenty of left overs for that. 

See you in the New Year.

Till Next Time.