Christmas 03 Post-Mortem

Christmas is over and done with.
My week-long hindsight reckons it wasn't all awful. (Next November I'd be contending otherwise)
The night I woke up to a punctured tyre, two broken wheels and a metre-and-half between my face and the tree,
I was sure Christwas was going to be harrowing and godforsaken.
Christmas is not lovely gold baubles, carols, fancy wrapping, turkey, and brandy sauce-
Christmas is nothing but hard work once you no longer believe in Santa.

Last year I spent Christmas in Cairns.
A tropical tourist-magnet does not celebrate Christmas - it feeds on people who pay to escape the frenzy.
I was glad to be away, from
Overcrowded malls, delicate wishes, the sad reminder that friends are now few and far away (as names drop off my shopping list).
As I rolled fresh lychees into my mouth I thought about the dinner parties and sangria we used to have.

This year I was determined to survive it.
Here. Single. At home.
Three days I spent slicing, marinading, shredding, juliening, stirring, and labelling bottles of condiments I churned out like a vending machine.
I didn't stop. When the nuts were toasting I was picking herbs in the garden, and when the caramel custard was setting I stuck my hands into calamari tubes.
When you allow yourself up to gasp for air you get struck by how long you'd held your breath for. And you start feeling sorry for yourself.
I kept going. From tandoori to Mediterranean-style chicken, to chilli-lime calamari and tabbouleh, thai green mango salad, mango chutney, cucumber raita, cashew-avacado habanero paste, caramel custard with fresh pomegranate, fresh lime wedges for the gin and tonics.
And before I knew it, it was half past midnight, and Christmas was over.
In all fairness, it was a delightful affair.
30-degree day, cloudless, (only) slightly hungover from the night before, the custard set well, and pleasant company of close friends and family.
I only survived it because conditions were fair.
Thanks to all who made it better. xx

And with five days to another birthday
I'm running into hiding again.

ps: note the wishlist!

Posted by e at December 29, 2003 03:57 PM