“Ready?” Jasmine asked with a top hat perched on her head to match the mustache cut out.
Pulling on the wig and wrapping a bright yellow boa around my neck, I laughed. “After you, my darling!”
Giving into the moment, Jasmine and I struck pose after pose, changing up the accessories as we went. My frown and disappointment faded as Jasmine and I laughed at each other and ourselves until our sides hurt.
****
“This was just what I needed, Jasmine. Thank you.” An hour later, we were back out front by the counter, waiting to see the images Lacey had taken. The time had gone by so fast—over before I knew it; and I had to admit, it had been exactly what the doctor ordered. After all the giggling and fun we’d had, my attitude and determination was renewed. I was sure that by the time we left the mall, I’d have a gift for Mason.
“No worries. What are friends for?” She smiled, resting her elbows on the sturdy desktop. “Pick your favorite one and we’ll get it as a cool memento.”
I was already thinking of the same thing, mentally making a note to buy a new frame to put it in. Lacey was still clicking on her mouse, studying the screen with a look of concentration. “These turned out awesome.” Swiveling the monitor so we could see, I agreed. Blown up into larger than thumbnail sizes, there was shot after shot showed us goofing around and carefree. You would never have guessed I’d come into the store discouraged.
“I love that one!” Jasmine exclaimed, pointing to one of the first we’d taken. We were standing back to back, our arms stretched out, pulling the popular duck face pout. Scrolling through a few more and I started laughing.
“What are you doing? You look like a cross between a Charlie’s Angel and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Seriously, you look like you’re going to beat someone up!”
“Maybe I should have one made into a Christmas card for Daniel. A promise of things to come if he doesn’t start being nicer to me.”
We hadn’t talked about it for a while, but Jasmine held a torch for her brother’s best friend. There was definitely chemistry there, but nothing had ever come of it. I still held out hope. Sometimes it took time for two people to figure out that who they were really looking for was each other.
We commented on each photo and Lacey busily scribbled down our favorites on the pink notepad by her phone. At this rate, we would end up buying all of them—they were that good.
“Oh, my gosh,” Jasmine exclaimed at the same time I let out a loud gasp. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” She held out her hand for Lacey to stop.
“It’s perfect.” I couldn’t take my eyes from the screen. It was one of those “in-between,” un-posed shots, a candid glimpse after Jasmine and I had probably finished some outlandish pose. I couldn’t remember what we’d done; but judging from the photo, it must have been hilarious, because we’d busted up laughing over it. I was wearing the hot pink wig and Jasmine had chosen a similar blue one. Both were styled in a flattering bob cut and we held fans with boas around our necks. The look was a clash between glam, punk, and movie starlet. But that was not what made the image amazing.
It was the way Lacey had captured our friendship with her camera—the sparkle in our eyes and richness in our huge smiles. Jasmine was attempting to cover part of her mouth with her hand, bending at the waist, as she tried to hold herself together. My head was tipped back, after saying something funny. It was one of those moments were if you blinked, you’d miss it; but the lens had taken it all in and captured it for eternity. The fun we’d had on our Christmas shopping trip was immortalized forever.
“I agree.” Jasmine nodded.
“Mason will love it. We can get it enlarged, so he can hang it in his office.” Excitement flurried around inside me. This was exactly what I was wanting, what I’d set my heart on—a gift with meaning that showed him just how much I loved him. “Can I get this one, please?”
We eagerly discussed sizes and paid for the photo. It was every penny worth it and Lacey also offered framing services. Because she understood the importance of this gift and the reason we had come to the shop in the first place, she promised to put a rush on the order, telling me she’d call when it was ready. Taking one last look at the photo of Jasmine and me, we thanked her for her time and left the store, our day at the mall complete.
“What do you say we go get that ice cream, now?” Jasmine asked, threading her arm through mine.
“I say, one scoop or two?”
With my gift crisis resolved, there was nothing left to do but enjoy the rest of the day with my best friend.
Operation Perfect Gift was a success.
Christmas Zucchini Bread
Submitted by Laura Hearlson
Ingredients
3 eggs
1 cup oil
2 cups sugar
3 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1tsp. cinnamon
1tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups grated zucchini
(If you want, you can also include the following)
1 cup raisins and/or 1 cup chopped nuts
Method
1. Mix everything together in large bowl.
2. Preheat oven at 350.
3. Bake for one hour.
Holiday Peppermint Punch
Ingredients
1 quart eggnog
1 liter club soda
1/2 gallon peppermint (candy cane) ice cream
Crushed peppermint candy canes
Directions
1. Pour the eggnog and club soda into a punch bowl.
2. Scoop in 1/2 gallon candy cane ice cream.
3. Garnish the punch bowl with candy canes.
4. Dip the rim of the glass into water and then into crushed candy canes to create a candy rim. Set the glasses out by the punch bowl for guests to serve themselves.
Divinity
Submitted by Connie Boring Weatherford
Ingredients
In a saucepan, mix:
2 cups sugar
½ cup water
½ cup light karo
1/8 tsp. salt
Method
1. Heat slowly, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Boil gently—without stirring to soft ball stage (250)
3. Beat 2 egg whites until stiff, and then gradually pour about 1/3 syrup over the egg whites, beating constantly.
4. Continue to cook the remaining syrup to hard ball stage. (255)
5. Pour gradually into egg white mixture and continue beating until the mixture begins to hold its shape.
6. Stir in: 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 teaspoon powdered sugar. Add chopped nuts if desired.
7. Drop from teaspoon onto waxed paper.
Festive Grape Salad
Submitted by Laura McGee
Ingredients
2 lbs. of green grape and red grapes
8 oz. cream cheese
8 oz. sour cream
1/2 cup of sugar
1 tsp. of vanilla flavoring
Method
1. Mix all ingredients together.
2. Sprinkle brown sugar and crushed pecans on top.
Auld Lang Syne
Author Note
I love Christmas. Like love, LOVE it. If I had to pick my all-time favorite time of the year, I wouldn’t even hesitate to answer. For me, Christmas has always held a sense of magic, and awe. I share that in common with Darcy—my belief in Santa and the wonder that comes the second I’m ready to put up my tree.
Even as an adult, I can’t help but be excited and I still feel like a little girl when I wake up Christmas morning. It’s not just about wanting to see the faces of my family as they open the gifts I’ve carefully chosen for them, it’s the feeling of love—of being overwhelmingly blessed to be surrounded by incredible people. It’s about the traditions I enjoy and hold dearly, even as years go by and things inevitably change.
&
nbsp; I’ve been extremely lucky to celebrate Christmas in three different countries—Australia, England, and the U.S. There have been a variety of customs and activities to participate in, but there’s always been one consistent theme throughout. Love. Whether the love of family, or the love of friends, I try to focus on giving and receiving that love as I count down the days until December arrives.
I had amazing childhood. My parents made sure my sister and I never lacked for anything. (There, I admit it, Mum. I know I said I’d DIE without having the popular style jeans or the latest canvas shoes, but now I’m all grown up and I see things clearer!) I have a lot of great memories about Christmas and our traditions, but the one that is the most vivid is our annual trek down to the Domain in Sydney, Australia, for the Carols by Candlelight event.
Thousands upon thousands of people attend every year—families with blankets and food to eat would gather on the grass before the large stage. Once it started, TV stars and singers would perform, entertaining us with different songs for the season. That wasn’t what made it so memorable, however. My favorite part was that shiver I got when it was finally dark enough to light our candles and join in the celebration.
We were no longer a sea of strangers, as everyone sang songs together, either from memory or with words on the large screen prompters. Our voices filled the air and it was electrifying! We forgot our worries and concerns, forgot the squabbles and drama. It was all about celebrating Christmas and being together. It’s a tradition that I’ve missed since moving to America and getting married. Every year I talk to my husband about it, about visiting my childhood home someday, so he can experience it, too.
My parents were both born and raised in the North of England. After spending a year working in Australia, my father journeyed back home to marry my mother before bringing her to Sydney with him. Having married and moved to a different continent myself, I know how hard it is to leave your family behind for love, but it makes the reunions ever sweeter. It paved the way for me to grow up enjoying two different Christmases: one in England, which was, in many ways, the complete opposite from the one at home in Australia.
Going from summer and dinner on the beach in Australia, to winter with snow and a roaring fire in England, I finally discovered what “Jack Frost nipping at your nose” meant. Our trips to England were a whirlwind of excitement—meeting relatives, sightseeing until we were too exhausted to walk, and tasting delicious new foods. What I remember the most was sledding down hills with the neighborhood kids and my grandfather chasing me around because I’d filled his cap with snow.
There is one tradition I took away from England that I continue to this day—the First Foot. On New Year’s Eve, at the stroke of midnight, my husband crosses over the threshold of our door holding a piece of coal, (warmth) bread, (food) water, (drink) and money. It’s a Scottish and English folklore tradition that the “first footer” brings good fortune into the house for the upcoming year. It’s something that ties me to my parents and relatives, even though we live on different continents.
Now, I spend each Christmas in the U.S., surrounded by my husband, children, and family. It’s been interesting to see how different upbringings influence our holidays and how I can incorporate my own into this special day. One day, maybe, I’ll convince them that fruitcake really is delicious and that plum pudding isn’t gross. Really, it isn’t. I promise.
The table may not have fun Christmas Crackers on the plates (cool party favors where two people pull at each end of Cracker, filled with trinkets, colored paper hats, and jokes, and whoever has the largest piece, once it ‘snaps,’ gets the prize) but the talking, laughing, and bantering back and forth is still the same.
Whether you’re celebrating old traditions or forging new ones, it’s about the feeling you carry around in your heart. One of the most special memories I have from living here in the U.S. began a few years ago when we began Christmas caroling around our neighborhood. As a huge, multi-family group, we pile unto the back of a trailer all wrapped up in warm jackets and thick blankets, and sing while being driven around town. We may not be the best of singers, but there’s no mistaking the meaning—we love sharing the happiness we feel.
To me, that is what Christmas is all about. It’s a feeling, a sentiment, and a belief that no matter what’s going on in the world, magic is real and the impossible can happen.
So, that is my challenge to each and every one of you. Find whatever makes you smile and gives you hope, and then share it. Don’t keep it to yourself. Give it to anyone and everyone.
There’s nothing more powerful than a gift freely given.
Thank you for an amazing year–for the gift of your support and love. I value it more than you’ll ever know.
Here’s hoping Santa leaves you something swoony this year.
Mistletoe kisses,
Bels
Yorkshire Pudding
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Leave batter to rest: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Yield: Depends on size of tin used.
Ingredients
4 large, fresh eggs, measured in a jug
Equal quantity of milk to eggs
Equal quantity of all purpose/plain flour to eggs
Pinch of salt
2 Tbs. lard, beef dripping or vegetable oil
Preparation
1. Heat the oven to the highest temperature possible. However, do not exceed 450F/230C or the fat may burn.
2. Pour the eggs and milk into a large mixing bowl and add the pinch of salt. Whisk thoroughly with an electric hand beater or hand whisk. Leave to stand for 10 minutes.
3. Gradually sieve the same volume of flour (as the eggs) into the milk and egg mixture, again using an electric hand beater or hand-whisk to create a lump free batter resembling thick cream, if there are any lumps pass the batter through a fine sieve.
4. Leave the batter to rest in the kitchen for a minimum of 30 minutes, longer if possible - up to several hours.
5. Place a pea-sized piece of lard, dripping or ½ tsp. vegetable oil into a 4 x 2”/5cm hole tin or 12-hole muffin tin and heat in the oven until the fat is smoking. Give the batter another good whisk adding 2 tbsps. of cold water and fill a third of each section of the tin with batter and return quickly to the oven.
6. Leave to cook until golden brown approx. 20 minutes. Repeat the last step again until all the batter is used up.
White Christmas Slice
Submitted by Christine Bell
Ingredients
500g white chocolate melts
1 ½ cups of rice crispies
100g red glaze cherries, halved
160g almonds, roasted, halved
160g sultanas
1 cup desiccated coconut
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
1. Line a baking pan with baking paper.
2. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water.
3. Fold in the remaining ingredients.
4. Pour mixture into the prepared pan, pressing down with a large metal spoon.
5. Refrigerate for 4 hours or until set.
6. Turn slice onto a chopping board. Using knife that has been dipped in hot water, cut into squares.
7. Serve.
Australian Pavlova
Ingredients
1/2 cup egg whites, at room temperature (from about 4 eggs)
1/8 tsp. cream of tartar
1/8 tsp. salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp. cornstarch
1 Tbs. raspberry vinegar or red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
2 Tbs. light brown sugar, packed
2 kiwi fruits, peeled and thinly sliced or 1 cup of another ripe fruit, such as peaches.
10 strawberries, green parts trimmed off, thinly sliced or other berries, such as raspberries or blackbe
rries
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or using a hand mixer), whip the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt in a clean, dry bowl until foamy.
3. Add the granulated sugar, cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla and continue whipping until stiff, smooth and glossy, about 8 minutes more.
4. On a sheet of parchment paper cut to fit a sheet pan, use a pencil to draw or trace a circle 9-inches in diameter. Line the sheet pan with the parchment, pencil side down (you should still be able to see the circle).
5. Spoon the egg whites into the circle, using the back of the spoon to smooth the top and sides of the disk.
6. Bake in the center of the oven for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 300 degrees and bake until the meringue has puffed up and cracked on the top and the surface is lightly browned, about 45 minutes more.
7. Turn off the oven, prop the oven door open, and let the pavlova cool in the oven at least 30 minutes, to room temperature. This ensures a gradual cooling, which protects the delicate meringue.
8. Whip the cream and brown sugar together until stiff. Spoon it in the center of the cooled pavlova and spread out to within 1/2-inch of the edge. Arrange the slices of kiwi around the edge. Arrange the slices of strawberry in the middle.
A Very Mystic Christmas Page 10
