My Christmases

If there is a key word for Christmas celebrations in my house, that is repetition. First of all you have repetition of people, not only year to year, but also day by day... Within 2 weeks I've seen all 13 members of my close family (in the same combination, i.e. all together) about 4 times... More than what I see them in 3 months and some of them in 1-2 years.

Then comes the repetition of dishes. No matter how innovative you can be,with greek mothers cooking for 30 people when they only need to feed 10, there is little chance you won't eat something at least twice. That of course gives you the opportunity to make comparisons on who cooks better, and as a result everyone does their best! That also means of course many extra kilos and a wish there was a 2 weeks hibernation period after Christmas so as to digest. Blood tests for cholesterol and blood pressure are strictly forbidden till the end of January...

But the most important of all is: the repetition of talks. You know beforehand all the conversations that are about to take place: grandparents talking about high pressure pills, parents talking about old family controversies, and us, "the kids", whispering nonsense and making fun of the olders... (till we become like them)

I have to admit though that there is no surprise in these family gatherings. You know who is coming, you know what they are going to bring, you know what you are going to eat and what you are going to talk about! And since surprises are not always pleasant, I think it is great!!! You can take all precautions in time! You leave the wine close to grandpa, who just wants to feel it is always within reach, you leave the roast close to dad, so that he is in charge of the serving and does not pull a long face for having a small portion, you make sure there is the age division in the seating, so that you do not need to bend over 2-3 bold people to talk to your cousin, while your half-deaf grandpa shouts over to the equally deaf grandma about this new very strong pill that the cardiologist prescribed (most probably to avoid hear attacks during Christmas orgies...) And of course you avoid people shouting over the other end of the table...

But no matter what, I love Christmas gatherings!