DECEMBER 24

December 24th 2017

Merry Christmas

NOT

The Christmas pictured

In movies or books.

Nor was it the perfectly

Executed Christmas Eve

I remember from my childhood.

A daughter who has chosen

To spend Christmas Day

Not with us,

And a Dad who is pretty sick

And still in hospital.

I woke up

And laid in bed until noon.

I was apathetic 

about the whole day.

Then I realized

I could take charge 

of the situation and make

The very best of it

That I could.

Job #1

John expressly requested

Everyone dress nicely.

So I pulled out a skirt

And lace blouse,

Then dolled myself up.

Job #2

Apathy has its place.

But not on Christmas Eve.

Buck up and make myself

Go through the motions

And the momentum

Will bring the joy.

Job #3

Dad was not celebrating

Without cleaning up.

John went over 

And gave him a shave 

And a hair wash.

Clean pjs and glasses

And he was ready to party...

But first a nap.

Job #3

Chinese food had been ordered

But I wanted christmas!

I packed a picnic basket

With linens and Christmas china

So I could set a nice table.

Job #4

FINISH the last 3 handmade gifts.

Job #5

Set up an area

That was less hospital-ly

For us to have a party!

Success was at the back

By the cafeteria,

Where I set up the dinner table

Beside the tree there, 

And confiscated a sofa area

For our homemade gift exchange.

We had brought 

handmade chocolates

And an urn of coffee too!

Job #6

Get the nurses

To put dad in a chair

And bring home down.

They were super happy to help.

Job #7

Feel the spirit

Be the spirit.

We had a lovely dinner 

And great gifts were made

By all of us!!!!!

Many laughs and great memories.

Job #8

Attend the neighbours

Christmas Eve drop in.

Give 5 little girls

Santa Claus fidget spinners.

Job #9 

was to get John to leave!

Job #10

Midnight mass.

We arrived too early...

So we drove around

Looking at decorated houses

And talking!

We came up 

with the same thoughts.

This was a talk we had needed

To have for 6 months now!

Relief. Acceptance. 

Heartbreak.

Midnight mass was lovely

And we were joined 

By Mom and Gwen.

Now,

John and I are 

Taking a day off from the world

To celebrate.

The Christmas feast has its roots from before the Middle Ages, but it's during the Victorian period that the dinner we now associate with Christmas began to take shape. Examination of early Victorian recipes shows that mince pies were initially made from meat, a tradition dating back to Tudor times. However, during the 19th century there was a revolution in the composition of this festive dish. Mixes without meat began to gain popularity within some of the higher echelons of society and became the mince pies we know today.

The roast turkey also has its beginnings in Victorian Britain. Previously other forms of roasted meat such as beef and goose were the centrepiece of the Christmas dinner. The turkey was added to this by the more wealthy sections of the community in the 19th century, but its perfect size for a middle class family gathering meant it became the dominant dish by the beginning of the 20th century.

Good night from John Street