A Taste of Things To Come: Christmas Pudding

Thirty-Four years ago DH and I began a family tradition. At that time we were a family of two (almost to become three) and DH had a hankering to make the Christmas pudding that his mother had always made, at least during his lifetime. We were duly granted the recipe and every year since we have made the pudding.

As the family has grown, so has the number of helpers. But in recent years with some family living at a distance, and those close by involved in numerous Christmas and end-of-year activities, not to mention DH's and my work situations, it's become harder and harder to get the family together to ensure this tradition continues to live and grow.

This year has certainly been no exception. I was even beginning to entertain the idea that perhaps it could just be DH and I once again making the Christmas pudding (perhaps appropriate given it's our thirty-fifth wedding anniversary in a few weeks) but, thankfully, today we were able to kidnap four of our beautiful Most Adorable Granddaughters and, despite the fact that they are all intelligent beings, convince them that there was nothing better they wanted to do than help Nana and Grandpa make Christmas puddings.

After sitting through an incredible (though rather long) Christmas production at Son#1 and DIL#1's church (amazing the talent hidden in these small rural churches!) we were able to bring The Most Adorable Granddaughters#1, #2 and #3 home with us where Son#4 was babysitting The Most Adorable Granddaughter#7 who was able to join in the tradition after her daytime nap.

As you can see, we had amazing help and now, as I type this, two puddings are bubbling away on the stove and will be ready to be hung up to dry later tonight . (A little later than our bedtime actually, but, hey, you do what you've gotta do.)