Not long after we were married, DH asked his Mum for her Christmas pudding recipe. It came written on a blue aerogram, the type that used to be so popular many years ago (at least in this part of the world). She included an ingredient list and basic instructions, but an inability to read her handwriting and the omission of several details for these two cooking-impaired individuals meant that DH and I had to engage in a little bit of experimentation. We quickly learnt that there's not much you can do to a Christmas pudding to ruin it - unless you let it boil dry (thankfully this hasn't happened yet).
For over twenty years we've been making Christmas puddings. The recipe has grown and changed but one thing has become somewhat of a tradition: every family member must stir the Christmas pudding before it's boiled. As sons have left home, it's been up to those remaining at home to ensure the tradition is carried on, but most have returned home anyway for this particular event.
This year I suggested we enlist the help of The Most Adorable Granddaughter in the World. She measured and poured and ate the dried fruit (and later the pudding mix), and stirred and basically did more work than all her uncles put together! I have a feeling that this year's pudding will be the best pudding yet if all the love that went into it counts for anything.
I secretly had another reason for inviting The Most Adorable Granddaughter in the World to come around. I knew that if she saw all the boxes of decorations she would pull them out and the uncles would not be able to resist hanging them on the tree for her. I was right and this is the result:
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:5-7, NKJV).
For over twenty years we've been making Christmas puddings. The recipe has grown and changed but one thing has become somewhat of a tradition: every family member must stir the Christmas pudding before it's boiled. As sons have left home, it's been up to those remaining at home to ensure the tradition is carried on, but most have returned home anyway for this particular event.
This year I suggested we enlist the help of The Most Adorable Granddaughter in the World. She measured and poured and ate the dried fruit (and later the pudding mix), and stirred and basically did more work than all her uncles put together! I have a feeling that this year's pudding will be the best pudding yet if all the love that went into it counts for anything.
I secretly had another reason for inviting The Most Adorable Granddaughter in the World to come around. I knew that if she saw all the boxes of decorations she would pull them out and the uncles would not be able to resist hanging them on the tree for her. I was right and this is the result:
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:5-7, NKJV).
Comments
*I need to download some christmas tunes to play while we do our everyday things...that always lifts the mood and brings back the enjoyable times I had as a child!
What a neat tradition.