Holidays and reflections
from rituals to traditions and an e-cookbook
December is a busy month, and for us, it is hectic.
A birthday, anniversary and then comes Christmas and NY holidays and another birthday. In between arranging holiday catch up with friends, planning menus and everything else, the lead up to the holidays is chaotic.
I noticed at the shops today while doing the grocery run, that there are two kinds of people during the holidays. The perky-happy-bubbly-excited-folks who are just full of joy going about their day looking forward to the holiday merriment. The other are the grumpy-angry-busy-annoyed folks who are frustrated there are no more shopping trolleys left, they forgot their list at home, they took more than necessary to find a parking spot, and annoyed at having to fork another $20 for exchange gift for the nth party in two weeks. There was a kid at the grocery store yelping, wailing, and probably tired. A lady within earshot in the same aisle with me loudly said she hates kids and the gave me that grumpy-angry-busy-annoyed look.
Busy. Chaotic. Hectic. But does it have to be?
It’s that one time in the year, where everyone, at least those who celebrate Christmas are enveloped by the stresses of the holidays. Shopping for gifts, planning a menu, sending out invites, attending work parties, catch ups etc. and it’s like a loop that goes on and on for weeks before December and until after the New Year. Just writing that exhausted me. LOL. But in all seriousness, I do love the Christmas holidays! I am that perky-excited person at the shops - your Grinch-mood ain’t no match for me.
What do I love about this holiday season? I love the feeling of being on a high. The magic and power of gathering family and friends together, for me, is energising. The merriment around the table, of adults and kids (and dogs), stories, connecting through food. That’s my high. After all the busyness leading up to Christmas day, it all melts away as soon as Christmas lunch is served. And then it’s time to put the feet up, relax and enjoy the slow lazy few days with leftovers, until it’s back to work in the new year.
When the girls were younger, our Christmas centred around gift giving - because you know, Santa. We adorned our dining table with the menu for the night, went to Christmas eve mass then Noche Buena at midnight onwards and then woke up early to see what the big bearded fella brought. As our family dynamics changed, gift giving changed as well. We each created wish lists posted on a board, and anyone who’s bought the gift can cross it off. While Santa’s letter and gift list included more options and on the higher price point, I love that my girls started young with simple wish lists - at one point Alex just wanted a whole watermelon. The other day, I overheard the girls chatting and laughing that someone will ask Santa for the latest iPhone. I need to insert a laughing emoji here LOL!
Filipino Christmas traditions are a vibrant blend of religious devotion, family, festive cheer and the most joyful holiday season in the world. From Filipino Christmas parols adorning homes, to carols, simbang gabi, Misa de Gallo, and of course Noche Buena - the Filipino Christmas feast. Over the years, our Christmas table has evolved, from kid-friendly dishes to fresh oysters and grazing boards to start. But always, there is one or two star dishes which are of course, traditional Filipino plates, aka banquet platters.
Cooking for a crowd I think, is one of my strengths in the kitchen. To feed people is my love language, and to celebrate the holidays, I put together an e-cookbook just for you all! An ode to the Filipino holidays, from my Australian kitchen.
As a thank you for being here, for reading and indulging in my musings, thoughts and reflections. This Adobo Down Under E-Cookbook is my love letter to you all! I hope you enjoy it and have a happy and delicious holiday season!
Wishing you all a magical season filled with joy and grace and may the new year bring peace and harmony amongst all.
P.S. Don't forget to share your Filipino holiday feast photos with us using the hashtag #AdoboDownUnderEcookbook!