Takuya wrote:
> I grew up in a Japanese traditional local area, so have never
> celebrated Christmas. I have no idea what you Westerners do or eat on
> the day. If not mind,please let me know.
> Talking about your story, you were totally lucky to turn misfortune
> into a blessing. We have the same saying in Japan. Wazawai Tenzite
> Fukutonaru.


Here in Queensland, Oz, our Christmas Dinner is doubling in size from 2
to 4! Last year DH and I had dinner on the deck (warm
25degC/80deg+/-F), by candlelight, something delicious, possibly
seafood, can't recall.
This year my twin sister and 89y.o. mother are joining us from
interstate which will be fabulous. They are staying from 12/16 to 12/31
so we will wine and dine everyday very well as we all adore cooking.
Christmas Dinner will be in the evening when it is cooler (alot of
Aussies still do the big turkey/plum pudding deal at midday).
This year I will wait until my twin arrives and jointly work on the
menu. Possibilities are hot or cold gallantine of poultry (chicken or
duck); seafood. When we used to live in cooler climes I made a
wonderful rich pecan studded plum pudding but it's a little rich for
hot nights. However...my DH just said this week he is hankering for
one. We'll think about that one...My sister is wanting to make an
icecream bombe of various layers of icecream with a final thin marzipan
'icing' over it, tinted the palest of greens and decorated with red
currants (from memory) - quite a show-stopper. i have an icecream maker
and now a very good freezer (-23degC).
Certainly for larger dinners, the locals here feast on seafood platters
of shrimp, crab, lobster and oysters with beautiful salads dressed with
fresh mango slices and melons.
Egg nog is not an Aussie tradition (no snow!).
Everyone here heads for the beach for a swim and cool off on Christmas
Day. Lots of families have a Christmas lunch picnic beachside which is
fun for the littlies.
Christmas Eve in my street, the neighbours will get together at dusk
and admire the Christmas lights and have a drink on someone's front
lawn. Not many people go to church anymore.
This is just my version of Christmas, other families may do it quite
differently.
Merry Christmas Everyone or Happy Holidays! May 2005 be healthly, fun
and full of wonderful cooking.
Bronwyn
Qld Oz