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What, Christmas already?




Photo by Annie Spratt on unsplash

Christmas is a joyous holiday celebrated all over the western world. A time for friends and family to come together in a spirit of community and giving.

You hear things, like not to bother with Christmas, that Christmas decorations are culturally offensive, or that it's a waste of time and money, a mere retail hack that turns over billions of dollars. Which can make those who are less fortunate feel really bad, especially if they have kids. Or Christmas can turn into a crazy holiday frenzy, with family feuds, overspending and over-consumption of food and alcohol.

For ease over the holidays it is  best to have a plan. In early december you need to plan for the following.

Send or respond to your invitations.

Gift shopping

Deep Cleaning of the house.

Shopping for cooking and dining goods, wine glasses, etc. (if necessary)

Christmas day outfits, (laundered, ironed, hung up)

Christmas tree and decor.

Decorating the tree etc.

Gift wrapping.

Grocery shopping (for the freezer: ham, turkey etc).

Christmas cake baking.

Last minute cleaning and tidying.

Picking up the salad and fruit produce from the store.

Defrosting.

A handy list of the menu for the entree, main and sweets.

Setting the table, everything ready to go.

A cooking schedule for the actual day.

Cleaning up, the aftermath. A New Years resolution to hit the gym.

Hang on it's still the silly season, it's time for the boxing day sales! Yay! Or yakes!

This delicious Christmas cake is ready before you know it, and it doesn't need to age.


Easy Christmas Cake

Ingredients

3 cups of mixed fruit
Half a cup of rich brown sugar
80g Margarine
2 eggs
Half cup of milk
1 cup wholemeal self raising flour
A dash of brandy
Pinch of Nutmeg.



Method.

Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl, add the beaten eggs and the brandy and whisk. Add the flour and nutmeg and whisk some more. Add the milk and whisk. Add the fruit and mix well to combine. Put mixture into a greased cake pan and cook on a very slow oven (120 C) for 1 hour and 45 minutes or until skewer comes out clean.

Royal Icing,


After the cake has cooled, prepare the icing and ice it with this delicious royal icing.

2 egg whites
1.5 cups icing sugar
1 teaspoon gelatine.

Beat the eggs a little, spoon in the icing mixture one spoon at a time unitl you get a nice thick mixture. Beat for ten minutes until peaks form. Add the gelatine and stir through. Spread over cake, spike it with a spatular if you like, to make it look like snow. Allow it to set, before placing it into a container to keep.


*********

Are you still with me, or are you wrapping your presents? Christmas presents don't need to be overly expensive, remember, it's the thought that counts. People will understand if you have other prioriites. You can always get something small, but nice, or try making things.

We all know Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. But some people just celebrate Christmas for the sake of a public holiday, a good feed and lots of booze. Whatever your belief system is, Christianity has many universals, such as, love, thanks-giving, joy and cheer. Which I know you all believe in. So you can go ahead and celebrate those if you like.

Try not to stress over Christmas, budget your expenditure, make a plan, and get things done early. Next year, open a Christmas Club account. Meanwhile be positive, and relax, it's a holiday afterall.

Knowing that there are those who have less, try to be grateful.

You have presents for your close family, a roof over your head, running water, hot and cold, clothes, a nice neighbourhood. Perhaps just one of your gifts could be for charity. Vinnies is a huge charity in Australia that helps thousands of people in need every week, with food, clothing, housing, money and other services. If you would like to support them please use the following links.

https://www.vinnies.org.au/donate

Even if you can't give cash, you can give goods:

https://www.vinnies.org.au/page/Donate/Donate_Goods/



So, I know I'm being slightly traditional and the menu is just like Nanny's was way back when, but it's oh so good. A little shopping never hurt anyone right?

Don't forget to check back for our New Years article. Being rejuvinated and freshly inspired from our wonderful Christmas, We're going to start our Year right!

We're going to hit the gym, write the novel and paint the house! Ending up in a luxurious  tropical holiday resort for a much needed break. Pina collada; suntan. Or maybe you are already there, no I'm happy for you, I am. I know, success doesn't happen overnight. It takes time, so meanwhile don't forget to slow down and smell the holly, misteltoe, eh, the roses and be grateful, Merry Christmas!

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