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  #1 (permalink)   Report Post  
Takuya
 
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Default What do you usually do on Christmasday?

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.
  #2 (permalink)   Report Post  
Damsel in dis Dress
 
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On 6 Dec 2004 21:01:09 -0800, (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.


When my parents were still alive, we went to their house on Christmas Eve
for appetizers, drinks, and gift opening. Mom always played her huge stack
of Christmas albums. On Christmas Day, we went back there for a
magnificent dinner that would put Martha Stewart to shame. They were some
of the best two days of the entire year.

Now that it's just Crash and me, we have his daughter, her boyfriend, and
her mother and stepfather over for Christmas Eve. This year, we'll have
lasagna, cheese/sausage/crackers, peppermint brownies, and soda pop.
2003 was a lot of fun.

Maybe we should invest in a ham for Christmas Day. With Betty Crocker au
gratin potatoes (hush, all you food purists) <G>. We try to keep as
low-stress as possible with all of our holiday celebrations, so we'll keep
it simple.

The following week will be a dizzying array of various soups with ham, ham
fried rice, fried ham and potato cubes, scalloped potatoes with ham, ham
sandwiches. Fortunately, we both really love ham. <G>

We miss the family get-togethers, but we can make happy memories of our
own.

Carol, whose Christmas tree is up!
--
"Years ago my mother used to say to me... She'd say,
'In this world Elwood, you must be oh-so smart or oh-so pleasant.'
Well, for years I was smart.... I recommend pleasant. You may quote me."

*James Stewart* in the 1950 movie, _Harvey_
  #3 (permalink)   Report Post  
Hahabogus
 
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Damsel in dis Dress > wrote in
:

> Carol, whose Christmas tree is up!
>


Just as Carol says....
But there are the ever present office parties, social gatherings, Church
services and other special events leading up to the big day.

My favorite is the selection and decorating of the tree. The cold walk
thru the tree lot , looking for a decent tree that is just right. Setting
it up . Putting on the xmas music, making the hot chocolate, digging out
the ornaments (the new and the old). Putting those ugly but cherished
popsicle stick creations the kids made at school on the tree. And
enjoying the day. Sometimes the family and friends collect to do trees.


--
Starchless in Manitoba.
Type 2 Diabetic
  #4 (permalink)   Report Post  
Michel Boucher
 
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(Takuya) wrote in
om:

> 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.


Customarily, among French-Canadians, Christmas was not a time of gift
giving. That was New Year's. The belief was that Christmas was a
remembrance of the birth of Emmanuel the Christ and should be
honoured, not polluted with material consideration. One went to
midnight mass and afterwards one family invited others (usually pre-
arranged and mostly relatives) to come eat (le réveillon) which
usually lasted until the wee hours. In Québec, the customary fare
consisted of tourtière

http://www.recfoodcooking.org/signature.php?page=22

and ragoût de boulettes (a variation of fricadelles), homemade
ketchup and pickled beets, then pies. One common pie was ferlouche
which is made with flour, water, butter and sugar, sometimes with
raisins. These were farmers whose access to exterior goods was
limited so they made do with what they had. The urban dwellers also
followed the same customs until fairly recently. I remember going to
midnight mass and réveillon in the early 1960's.

Christmas Day was usually spent in rest and short visits to
neighbours. It was customary to have a 40 oz bottle of gin for the
festive time and to offer the men a small glass upon arrival.

Now, Christmas is celebrated à l'anglaise in many French-Canadian
families simply because it's impossible to avoid. However, as
irreligious as I am, I still put up a crèche (a manger scene) at
Christmas. I am not opposed to people celebrating Christmas, I just
am not terribly fond of the gift giving aspect. Pick another day in
the year to give gifts and call it Gift-Giving Day...sometime in
February maybe when we can all use cheering up.

--

"It is easier for a rich man to enter heaven seated
comfortably on the back of a camel, than it is for
a poor man to pass through the eye of a needle."

Supply Side Jesus
  #6 (permalink)   Report Post  
PENMART01
 
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>(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.


On Christmas day I go out to eat Chinese food.

>> Talking about your story, you were totally lucky to turn misfortune
>> into a blessing. We have the same saying in Japan. Wazawai Tenzite
>> Fukutonaru


Fukutonaru you too!


---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
*********
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
Sheldon
````````````
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Gabby
 
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"Michel Boucher" > wrote in message
...
> (Takuya) wrote in
> om:
> Customarily, among French-Canadians, Christmas was not a time of gift
> giving. That was New Year's.


More so in Québec than for French-Canadians in other parts of Canada, for
obvious reasons.

> The belief was that Christmas was a
> remembrance of the birth of Emmanuel the Christ and should be
> honoured, not polluted with material consideration. One went to
> midnight mass and afterwards one family invited others (usually pre-
> arranged and mostly relatives) to come eat (le réveillon) which
> usually lasted until the wee hours. In Québec, the customary fare
> consisted of tourtière


In New Brunswick our family opened presents after Midnight Mass and then the
relatives & friends all congregated at our house (we were the youngest kids)
for the réveillon, which often lasted until 4 a.m. and involved copious
amount of food and booze.
The menu was 'pté à la viande' which is a variation on the tourtière. The
meat, which could be chicken, beef, pork & often deer & moose, is stewed
with onions & spices and then chopped to put in the pastry. Some families
also include potatoes, but it's not something I like.
Desserts at our house were usually various cookies and squares rather than
pies (for us, due to the Anglo influence, a Christmas pie was a mincemeat
pie).

> Christmas Day was usually spent in rest and short visits to
> neighbours. It was customary to have a 40 oz bottle of gin for the
> festive time and to offer the men a small glass upon arrival.


There was a constant coming and going at our house, and no one who was of
age got away without having some kind of alcoholic beverage. Christmas
dinner was at night and usually involved friends of the family who'd had
their own family dinners at noon. The menu for said dinner varied. Turkey
was the usual fare, but Mom sometimes roasted a goose instead, and a few
times, much to the delight of the friends who already had their turkey
dinners, she made a boiled dinner instead (something that, now that I live
in Newfoundland and Labrador, is considered part of the traditional
Christmas meal)

> Now, Christmas is celebrated à l'anglaise in many French-Canadian
> families simply because it's impossible to avoid. However, as
> irreligious as I am, I still put up a crèche (a manger scene) at
> Christmas.


It's the first Christmas decoration that goes up in our home.

Once I got married, to an Anglo, we combined both our families' celebration.
The children were taken to the early Mass by my parents while hubby and I
gathered with his parents at the home of family friends for eggnog and
socializing.
Then Midnight Mass for both of us and then back home to wake up the kids to
open presents and to attend the réveillon. In the morning the kids were
dressed and we went to "Grammy & Grampy's" house to open more presents and
for Christmas dinner, which featured turkey, plum pudding with hard sauce
and mincemeat tarts. Then back to my folks' place for another turkey
Christmas dinner.

Now that the kids are all grown up (though the 2 boys are always home for
Xmas) & we live nowhere near any relatives, Christmas Eve is spent quietly
watching a Xmas themed movie. Then we attend Midnight Mass as a family.
The drive back home after Midnight Mass involves a spin through the
neighbourhood to see the decorations and then home for hot chocolate &
presents and usually a phone call to the relatives back home who are hosting
the family réveillon, which now features a partridge or rabbit 'bouillon'
and sugar pie. Stockings are hung, so that there is something to open Xmas
morning, and then it's off to bed. Christmas Day is spent quietly; the
dinner menu can feature anything from turkey to curry.

Gabby


  #8 (permalink)   Report Post  
Dimitri
 
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"Takuya" > wrote in message
om...
>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.


About the same thing you do on New Years Day. Just add Church in place of
the temple or shrine.

Dimitri


  #9 (permalink)   Report Post  
Marge
 
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We always opened our presents on Christmas morning, which, when we were
kids, really could mean the night before (mom, dad, the sun's coming
up, it's Christmas morning!).

We had a box of See's candy on the table that got opened on Xmas
morning, stockings with oranges and apples, walnuts on the table.

I seem to remember lots of football on tv.

We didn't live near relatives, so we spent the day playing with all the
gifts. Later, my brother and sister and I (and our families) would
come to my parents house to open gifts and have dinner.

For dinner, we'd have roast beef and a ham, green beans or peas, mashed
potatoes, cranberry sauce, pies, etc. Usually pretty basic foods since
everyone was so picky.

Now I make a pork loin marinated overnight, roasted until it falls
apart. delicious. Scalloped potatoes, fresh cranberry sauce. An
apple pie. It's a good meal. I still box a small box of See's.

  #11 (permalink)   Report Post  
jmcquown
 
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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.


Nothing. My 'nod' to the Christmas tradition is to hang a wreath on the
front door. To eat is whatever sounds good.

Jill


  #14 (permalink)   Report Post  
Steve Calvin
 
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"jmcquown" > wrote in
> :
>
>Nothing. My 'nod' to the Christmas tradition is to hang a wreath on the
>front door. To eat is whatever sounds good.
>
>Jill


I guess that we're with you this year Jill. Just gonna be Nanc and I
having a quiet day. No clue what I'm makin' yet either. Guess that I'd
better get thinking on it huh? ;-)

--
Steve

Who was the first person to say, "See that chicken there... I'm gonna
eat the next thing that comes outta it's ass?"

  #15 (permalink)   Report Post  
Gabby
 
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"Michel Boucher" > wrote in message
...
> "Gabby" > wrote in
> :
>> More so in Québec than for French-Canadians in other parts of
>> Canada, for obvious reasons.

>
> I was speaking in a historical sense. Things have changed in the
> last fifty years or so, in New Brunswick as well as in Québec.


Oh, I realized that you were not speaking of something that happens much
today. But I'm 51 and my parents had never experienced 'étrennes du Jour de
l'An' either. As a kid, I learned about the tradition from watching
television and my parents explained it as "a Québec tradition".

Gabby




  #16 (permalink)   Report Post  
Steve Calvin
 
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Dog3 wrote:
>
> I don't remember who it was that posted the lobster/butter sauce post but
> I'd vote for that if I were you
>
> Michael <- very chatty tonight


Actually, that's what we had last year. I'll have to ask "da boss". ;-)

By the way, it's GREAT to see you back!


--
Steve

Who was the first person to say, "See that chicken there... I'm gonna
eat the next thing that comes outta it's ass?"

  #18 (permalink)   Report Post  
Grismalkin
 
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>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.
>

My brother's wife was mostly raised in Japan and made some Christmas meals in
the traditional American way for the holidays. I moved away from family many
years ago so I don't know what the meal will be. I wouldn't mind going out for
dinner - a first. Like in Vegas or Mexico. Usually, I've cooked a ham for
Christmas. That was sort of how it was done, a turkey for Thanksgiving and a
ham for Christmas.

Wishing you all happy holidays!
  #19 (permalink)   Report Post  
Steve Calvin
 
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Dog3 wrote:
> Steve Calvin > chugged a beer and wrote in
> :
>
>
>>Dog3 wrote:
>>
>>>I don't remember who it was that posted the lobster/butter sauce post
>>>but I'd vote for that if I were you
>>>
>>>Michael <- very chatty tonight

>>
>>Actually, that's what we had last year. I'll have to ask "da boss".
>>;-)
>>
>>By the way, it's GREAT to see you back!
>>
>>

>
>
> I haven't left, at least for the past year. You have me confused with
> Archon (Michael). I knew this was going to happen. He's much nicer than I
> am. Perhaps I should be flattered.
>
> Dog3

<blush> my apologies

--
Steve

Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it.
Autograph your work with excellence.


  #20 (permalink)   Report Post  
jmcquown
 
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Dog3 wrote:
> "jmcquown" > chugged a beer and wrote in
> :
>
>> 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.
>>>

>> Nothing. My 'nod' to the Christmas tradition is to hang a wreath on
>> the front door. To eat is whatever sounds good.
>>
>> Jill

>
> Wanna come here and be with us? You'll have a blast at my mother's
> party, if she has it. If not, we can always do our own party at her
> house. She will not be home, we can trash the place
>
> Michael


Would LOVE to! You gonna send me a plane ticket? <G>

Jill




  #21 (permalink)   Report Post  
Ranee Mueller
 
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Usually we host Christmas day with both of our parents, Rich's
brother and our niece, plus various family friends. This year we are
pulling back, we're pretty much exhausted and worn out, so we're still
having our moms (complicated family relationships snipped out here), and
a family friend, maybe Rich's brother and his daughter. However, we
will be going to our priest's house where his family is hosting a
potluck feast. My mom can make her stuffing, since it is really good,
MIL can make her devilled eggs, if BIL comes he will make a dessert, my
friend will make some sort of hors-d'oevre type thing, and I will make
some egg bread or something like that.

Regards,
Ranee

--
Remove Do Not and Spam to email

"She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands." Prov 31:13

See my Blog at: http://arabianknits.blogspot.com/
  #22 (permalink)   Report Post  
Bronnie
 
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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

  #23 (permalink)   Report Post  
sf
 
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Default

On Wed, 08 Dec 2004 09:53:15 GMT, Dog3 >
wrote:

> haven't left, at least for the past year. You have me confused with
> Archon (Michael). I knew this was going to happen. He's much nicer than I
> am. Perhaps I should be flattered.
>
> Dog3


Keep the pen name and no one will be confused, big dog.




sf
Practice safe eating - always use condiments
  #24 (permalink)   Report Post  
sf
 
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Default

On 8 Dec 2004 14:53:13 -0800, "Bronnie"
> wrote:

> 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,


As a kid, I went from a snowy xmas season enviornment to one
w/o snow, but not as warm as yours....

I'm assuming that you're a native of OZ, so I'd like to know
what your take is on the Northern Hemisphere xmas snow idea.
Do you feel out of the loop/cheated? Or is it just one of
those things that has always been different from what's
considered "the rest" of the English speaking world? How
did you deal with Santa Claus and the concept of snow as a
kid? Is Christmas more religious than commercial down
under?

Just curious.
Thanx

sf
Practice safe eating - always use condiments
  #25 (permalink)   Report Post  
Rick & Cyndi
 
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"Dog3" > wrote in message
...
> sf > chugged a beer and wrote in
> :
>
>> On Wed, 08 Dec 2004 09:53:15 GMT, Dog3 >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> haven't left, at least for the past year. You have me confused with
>>> Archon (Michael). I knew this was going to happen. He's much nicer
>>> than I am. Perhaps I should be flattered.
>>>
>>> Dog3

>>
>> Keep the pen name and no one will be confused, big dog.
>>
>>

>
> I'm so used to signing Michael. I'm glad Archon is back. I enjoy his
> posts. *sigh* I guess I'll sign off as Dog3 from now on.
>
> Dog3
>===========


Why? At the top of your posts it always shows " "Dog3" <dog3@.....".
Therefore, you can still type "Michael" and if anyone should be in doubt
they need only to look at the top of the page/post. <shrug> Do whatchawanna
do!

Cyndi




  #26 (permalink)   Report Post  
Rick & Cyndi
 
Posts: n/a
Default


"Dog3" > wrote in message
...
> sf > chugged a beer and wrote in
> :
>
>> On Wed, 08 Dec 2004 09:53:15 GMT, Dog3 >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> haven't left, at least for the past year. You have me confused with
>>> Archon (Michael). I knew this was going to happen. He's much nicer
>>> than I am. Perhaps I should be flattered.
>>>
>>> Dog3

>>
>> Keep the pen name and no one will be confused, big dog.
>>
>>

>
> I'm so used to signing Michael. I'm glad Archon is back. I enjoy his
> posts. *sigh* I guess I'll sign off as Dog3 from now on.
>
> Dog3
>===========


Why? At the top of your posts it always shows " "Dog3" <dog3@.....".
Therefore, you can still type "Michael" and if anyone should be in doubt
they need only to look at the top of the page/post. <shrug> Do whatchawanna
do!

Cyndi


  #27 (permalink)   Report Post  
BOB
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Rick & Cyndi wrote:
> "Dog3" > wrote in message
> ...
>> sf > chugged a beer and wrote in
>> :
>>
>>> On Wed, 08 Dec 2004 09:53:15 GMT, Dog3 >
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> haven't left, at least for the past year. You have me confused with
>>>> Archon (Michael). I knew this was going to happen. He's much nicer
>>>> than I am. Perhaps I should be flattered.
>>>>
>>>> Dog3
>>>
>>> Keep the pen name and no one will be confused, big dog.
>>>
>>>

>>
>> I'm so used to signing Michael. I'm glad Archon is back. I enjoy his
>> posts. *sigh* I guess I'll sign off as Dog3 from now on.
>>
>> Dog3
>> ===========

>
> Why? At the top of your posts it always shows " "Dog3" <dog3@.....".
> Therefore, you can still type "Michael" and if anyone should be in doubt
> they need only to look at the top of the page/post. <shrug> Do whatchawanna
> do!
>
> Cyndi


In a "real" newsreader (that should stir things up here!) you can always look in
the "FROM" column, too.
I don't see the problem.



  #28 (permalink)   Report Post  
BOB
 
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Rick & Cyndi wrote:
> "Dog3" > wrote in message
> ...
>> sf > chugged a beer and wrote in
>> :
>>
>>> On Wed, 08 Dec 2004 09:53:15 GMT, Dog3 >
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> haven't left, at least for the past year. You have me confused with
>>>> Archon (Michael). I knew this was going to happen. He's much nicer
>>>> than I am. Perhaps I should be flattered.
>>>>
>>>> Dog3
>>>
>>> Keep the pen name and no one will be confused, big dog.
>>>
>>>

>>
>> I'm so used to signing Michael. I'm glad Archon is back. I enjoy his
>> posts. *sigh* I guess I'll sign off as Dog3 from now on.
>>
>> Dog3
>> ===========

>
> Why? At the top of your posts it always shows " "Dog3" <dog3@.....".
> Therefore, you can still type "Michael" and if anyone should be in doubt
> they need only to look at the top of the page/post. <shrug> Do whatchawanna
> do!
>
> Cyndi


In a "real" newsreader (that should stir things up here!) you can always look in
the "FROM" column, too.
I don't see the problem.



  #29 (permalink)   Report Post  
Damsel in dis Dress
 
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On Thu, 09 Dec 2004 14:03:22 GMT, "Rick & Cyndi" >
wrote:

>Why? At the top of your posts it always shows " "Dog3" <dog3@.....".
>Therefore, you can still type "Michael" and if anyone should be in doubt
>they need only to look at the top of the page/post.


I *told* you Cyndi was a genius!

Carol
--
"Years ago my mother used to say to me... She'd say,
'In this world Elwood, you must be oh-so smart or oh-so pleasant.'
Well, for years I was smart.... I recommend pleasant. You may quote me."

*James Stewart* in the 1950 movie, _Harvey_
  #30 (permalink)   Report Post  
Dave Smith
 
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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


Christmas is more than the one day. It builds up for weeks with lots of
shopping, present wrapping and parties. Stores and malls are decorated
with Christmas themes. We break out seasonal treats, mince meat, fruit
cakes, nuts, chocolates, can canes, egg nog. It's a time for families to
get together, and there are a lot of gifts, especially for children.

Traditions in North America differ because there are so many cultural
groups who have immigrated. I follow the tradition of my French Canadian
friends with a met pie, usually tortiere (ground pork pie), and sometimes
a steak and mushroom pie. We eat light because light because later in the
evening we go to my brother's for a party.

On Christmas morning we get up and open presents. When that is finished
we cook a nice breakfast. Later in the the afternoon we head down to my
mother's house for dinner ( it will be at a brother's house this year)
for a turkey dinner. Standard fair is a nice big turkey with a bread
stuffing (lots of herbs, onions, celery and bread crumbs), gravy,
cranberry sauce (not canned... yech). We usually have mashed potatoes
because they are a vehicle for gravy. Vegetables usually include corn,
carrots, green beans, mashed turnip, and a tossed salad and cole slaw.

My mother always makes a carrot pudding and caramel sauce for dessert. It
is steamed for hours and flambeed. Then there will be a tray of sweets,
mince meat tarts, shortbread cookies, various squares.

After dinner we have the "$5 gift" exchange. Everyone brings something
worth no more than$5 and we draw numbers. We take turns selecting a
wrapped gift. When it's your turn you get to select either an unwrapped
gift or you can take something that someone else has, but there each gift
can only be taken three times. The third person gets to keep it.






  #31 (permalink)   Report Post  
Dave Smith
 
Posts: n/a
Default

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


Christmas is more than the one day. It builds up for weeks with lots of
shopping, present wrapping and parties. Stores and malls are decorated
with Christmas themes. We break out seasonal treats, mince meat, fruit
cakes, nuts, chocolates, can canes, egg nog. It's a time for families to
get together, and there are a lot of gifts, especially for children.

Traditions in North America differ because there are so many cultural
groups who have immigrated. I follow the tradition of my French Canadian
friends with a met pie, usually tortiere (ground pork pie), and sometimes
a steak and mushroom pie. We eat light because light because later in the
evening we go to my brother's for a party.

On Christmas morning we get up and open presents. When that is finished
we cook a nice breakfast. Later in the the afternoon we head down to my
mother's house for dinner ( it will be at a brother's house this year)
for a turkey dinner. Standard fair is a nice big turkey with a bread
stuffing (lots of herbs, onions, celery and bread crumbs), gravy,
cranberry sauce (not canned... yech). We usually have mashed potatoes
because they are a vehicle for gravy. Vegetables usually include corn,
carrots, green beans, mashed turnip, and a tossed salad and cole slaw.

My mother always makes a carrot pudding and caramel sauce for dessert. It
is steamed for hours and flambeed. Then there will be a tray of sweets,
mince meat tarts, shortbread cookies, various squares.

After dinner we have the "$5 gift" exchange. Everyone brings something
worth no more than$5 and we draw numbers. We take turns selecting a
wrapped gift. When it's your turn you get to select either an unwrapped
gift or you can take something that someone else has, but there each gift
can only be taken three times. The third person gets to keep it.




  #32 (permalink)   Report Post  
Dave Smith
 
Posts: n/a
Default

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


Christmas is more than the one day. It builds up for weeks with lots of
shopping, present wrapping and parties. Stores and malls are decorated
with Christmas themes. We break out seasonal treats, mince meat, fruit
cakes, nuts, chocolates, can canes, egg nog. It's a time for families to
get together, and there are a lot of gifts, especially for children.

Traditions in North America differ because there are so many cultural
groups who have immigrated. I follow the tradition of my French Canadian
friends with a met pie, usually tortiere (ground pork pie), and sometimes
a steak and mushroom pie. We eat light because light because later in the
evening we go to my brother's for a party.

On Christmas morning we get up and open presents. When that is finished
we cook a nice breakfast. Later in the the afternoon we head down to my
mother's house for dinner ( it will be at a brother's house this year)
for a turkey dinner. Standard fair is a nice big turkey with a bread
stuffing (lots of herbs, onions, celery and bread crumbs), gravy,
cranberry sauce (not canned... yech). We usually have mashed potatoes
because they are a vehicle for gravy. Vegetables usually include corn,
carrots, green beans, mashed turnip, and a tossed salad and cole slaw.

My mother always makes a carrot pudding and caramel sauce for dessert. It
is steamed for hours and flambeed. Then there will be a tray of sweets,
mince meat tarts, shortbread cookies, various squares.

After dinner we have the "$5 gift" exchange. Everyone brings something
worth no more than$5 and we draw numbers. We take turns selecting a
wrapped gift. When it's your turn you get to select either an unwrapped
gift or you can take something that someone else has, but there each gift
can only be taken three times. The third person gets to keep it.




  #33 (permalink)   Report Post  
Rick & Cyndi
 
Posts: n/a
Default


"Dog3" > wrote in message
...
> Damsel in dis Dress > chugged a beer and
> wrote in :
>
>> On Thu, 09 Dec 2004 14:03:22 GMT, "Rick & Cyndi" >
>> wrote:
>>
>>>Why? At the top of your posts it always shows " "Dog3" <dog3@.....".
>>>Therefore, you can still type "Michael" and if anyone should be in doubt
>>>they need only to look at the top of the page/post.

>>
>> I *told* you Cyndi was a genius!
>>
>> Carol

>
> Get yur behind to St. Louis. I want to feed you some White Castles.
>
> Michael

==============

No, no, no, no, no, nooooooooooo... Krystal burgers (down south) are FAR
better!!! White Castle burgers, while they look a bit like Krystal burgers,
are "greasy cardboard'. In fact, the little paper/cardboard container that
they're served in are better tasting. But then again, we all know that you
don't eat White Castle burgers for their taste... it's simply a "I drank
more than I should have and need to get something in my stomach" or "it's
late, I'm starved and that's the only place open"!

I would, however, love to get back to St. Louis and doing some major
feasting on "the hill". There were so many places I wanted to go to when I
lived nearby but never got around to it (or could afford!).

Cyndi


  #34 (permalink)   Report Post  
Rick & Cyndi
 
Posts: n/a
Default


"Dog3" > wrote in message
...
> Damsel in dis Dress > chugged a beer and
> wrote in :
>
>> On Thu, 09 Dec 2004 14:03:22 GMT, "Rick & Cyndi" >
>> wrote:
>>
>>>Why? At the top of your posts it always shows " "Dog3" <dog3@.....".
>>>Therefore, you can still type "Michael" and if anyone should be in doubt
>>>they need only to look at the top of the page/post.

>>
>> I *told* you Cyndi was a genius!
>>
>> Carol

>
> Get yur behind to St. Louis. I want to feed you some White Castles.
>
> Michael

==============

No, no, no, no, no, nooooooooooo... Krystal burgers (down south) are FAR
better!!! White Castle burgers, while they look a bit like Krystal burgers,
are "greasy cardboard'. In fact, the little paper/cardboard container that
they're served in are better tasting. But then again, we all know that you
don't eat White Castle burgers for their taste... it's simply a "I drank
more than I should have and need to get something in my stomach" or "it's
late, I'm starved and that's the only place open"!

I would, however, love to get back to St. Louis and doing some major
feasting on "the hill". There were so many places I wanted to go to when I
lived nearby but never got around to it (or could afford!).

Cyndi


  #35 (permalink)   Report Post  
Rick & Cyndi
 
Posts: n/a
Default


"Damsel in dis Dress" > wrote in message
...
> On Thu, 09 Dec 2004 14:03:22 GMT, "Rick & Cyndi" >
> wrote:
>
>>Why? At the top of your posts it always shows " "Dog3" <dog3@.....".
>>Therefore, you can still type "Michael" and if anyone should be in doubt
>>they need only to look at the top of the page/post.

>
> I *told* you Cyndi was a genius!
>
> Carol
> --
>===========


< B L U S H >

Thanks,
Cyndi




  #36 (permalink)   Report Post  
Rick & Cyndi
 
Posts: n/a
Default


"Damsel in dis Dress" > wrote in message
...
> On Thu, 09 Dec 2004 14:03:22 GMT, "Rick & Cyndi" >
> wrote:
>
>>Why? At the top of your posts it always shows " "Dog3" <dog3@.....".
>>Therefore, you can still type "Michael" and if anyone should be in doubt
>>they need only to look at the top of the page/post.

>
> I *told* you Cyndi was a genius!
>
> Carol
> --
>===========


< B L U S H >

Thanks,
Cyndi


  #37 (permalink)   Report Post  
Bronnie
 
Posts: n/a
Default


sf wrote:
> On 8 Dec 2004 14:53:13 -0800, "Bronnie"
> > wrote:
>
> > 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,

>
> As a kid, I went from a snowy xmas season enviornment to one
> w/o snow, but not as warm as yours....
>
> I'm assuming that you're a native of OZ, so I'd like to know
> what your take is on the Northern Hemisphere xmas snow idea.
> Do you feel out of the loop/cheated? Or is it just one of
> those things that has always been different from what's
> considered "the rest" of the English speaking world? How
> did you deal with Santa Claus and the concept of snow as a
> kid? Is Christmas more religious than commercial down
> under?
>
> Just curious.
> Thanx
>
> sf
> Practice safe eating - always use condiments


G'day,
Yeah, we do feel cheated somewhat about the lack of snow!!
Growing up, the whole Christmas/nativity story was about snowy
settings; Xmas cards, store decorations, depict the northern hemisphere
style. As a child I don't recall questioning it, I remember liking all
the presents! We have some cards with Santa surfboarding in red shorts,
but it doesn't have the same ring about it. I am not sure he can really
swim....
So, we all dash through the snow and have hearty fires in the grate in
our imagination whilst the reality is heat, flies and beer. However, we
are all still into home Xmas decorations and Christmas lights outside,
Xmas trees - real and artifical.
I had my first snowy Xmas visiting friends in Niagara Falls, Ont. in my
early 20's and was blown away by whole experience. I had another one in
Virginia one year which was great.
In 2001 my husband and I won a trip to Austria and spent 10 days in
Vienna and Salzburg over Xmas week, just beautiful.
To answer your question about the Aussie reaction to the real meaning
of Xmas, well, just my take, but I think it is pretty much commercial
these days, too many excesses, and way too expensive gift giving etc.
Obviously, some of the population go to church and celebrate the
Christianity of it, carol services and the like...but we don't have the
equivalent of 'middle American bible belt'. The weather has something
to do with it, the kids would prefer to be playing outside and going to
the beach rather than indoor activities.
Now, these ramblings are just my thoughts...we don't have
children/grandchildren and I really think children bring out that
innocence and enjoyment of it all.
Back to the OP, being Japanese, I heard the other day that Japanese
schools were trying to introduce the Xmas story to their students and
one school got a bit muddled up and depicted Santa nailed to the cross!
True!
Ho! Ho! Ho!
Bronwyn

  #38 (permalink)   Report Post  
Bronnie
 
Posts: n/a
Default


sf wrote:
> On 8 Dec 2004 14:53:13 -0800, "Bronnie"
> > wrote:
>
> > 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,

>
> As a kid, I went from a snowy xmas season enviornment to one
> w/o snow, but not as warm as yours....
>
> I'm assuming that you're a native of OZ, so I'd like to know
> what your take is on the Northern Hemisphere xmas snow idea.
> Do you feel out of the loop/cheated? Or is it just one of
> those things that has always been different from what's
> considered "the rest" of the English speaking world? How
> did you deal with Santa Claus and the concept of snow as a
> kid? Is Christmas more religious than commercial down
> under?
>
> Just curious.
> Thanx
>
> sf
> Practice safe eating - always use condiments


G'day,
Yeah, we do feel cheated somewhat about the lack of snow!!
Growing up, the whole Christmas/nativity story was about snowy
settings; Xmas cards, store decorations, depict the northern hemisphere
style. As a child I don't recall questioning it, I remember liking all
the presents! We have some cards with Santa surfboarding in red shorts,
but it doesn't have the same ring about it. I am not sure he can really
swim....
So, we all dash through the snow and have hearty fires in the grate in
our imagination whilst the reality is heat, flies and beer. However, we
are all still into home Xmas decorations and Christmas lights outside,
Xmas trees - real and artifical.
I had my first snowy Xmas visiting friends in Niagara Falls, Ont. in my
early 20's and was blown away by whole experience. I had another one in
Virginia one year which was great.
In 2001 my husband and I won a trip to Austria and spent 10 days in
Vienna and Salzburg over Xmas week, just beautiful.
To answer your question about the Aussie reaction to the real meaning
of Xmas, well, just my take, but I think it is pretty much commercial
these days, too many excesses, and way too expensive gift giving etc.
Obviously, some of the population go to church and celebrate the
Christianity of it, carol services and the like...but we don't have the
equivalent of 'middle American bible belt'. The weather has something
to do with it, the kids would prefer to be playing outside and going to
the beach rather than indoor activities.
Now, these ramblings are just my thoughts...we don't have
children/grandchildren and I really think children bring out that
innocence and enjoyment of it all.
Back to the OP, being Japanese, I heard the other day that Japanese
schools were trying to introduce the Xmas story to their students and
one school got a bit muddled up and depicted Santa nailed to the cross!
True!
Ho! Ho! Ho!
Bronwyn

  #39 (permalink)   Report Post  
sf
 
Posts: n/a
Default

On Thu, 09 Dec 2004 13:25:51 GMT, Dog3 >
wrote:

>
> I'm so used to signing Michael. I'm glad Archon is back. I enjoy his
> posts. *sigh* I guess I'll sign off as Dog3 from now on.


As you well know, I prefer pen names... but since you like
to sign off as Michael, have you considered combining the
two?

sf
Practice safe eating - always use condiments
  #40 (permalink)   Report Post  
Robert Lee
 
Posts: n/a
Default

"Takuya" > wrote in message
om...
>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.


As a child growing up in South Louisiana's cajun country, we always started
the day with midnight Mass and went home to steaming bowls of gumbo, usually
chicken and andouille. In the morning, we gathered up gifts and joined the
rest of my mother's family at my maternal grandmother's house for dinner and
gift exchange.

After marriage, my wife and I hosted Christmas at our home in Thibodaux with
family and friends.

Since our move to Alaska, my wife travels back to Louisiana every Christmas
to spend time with our granddaughter. (A non-social Chow Chow keeps us from
traveling together.) I usually have Christmas dinner with friends. But
this year a friend (another Louisiana transplant) and I will prepare a meal
at my house and invite a several of the contract workers. It's difficult to
get professionals to relocate to Nome, so many of our hospital employees are
short term traveling workers with very sparsely furnished kitchens in their
corporate housing.

The menu will be rather simple: roast turkey, cornbread dressing, cranberry
sauce (chances are neither of our 2 grocery stores will have fresh
cranberries, it will have to be canned), asparagus and garlic mashed
potatoes. I think I have some picked crab meat in the freezer and, if I do,
I'll make Paul Prudhomme's Crabmeat Avery, a favorite appetizer of ours.
Not sure of the rest of the menu, but it will include a couple of bottle of
homemade wine and some sort of dessert. Maybe molten lava cakes if I can
find some good chocolate.

The ground is covered with snow which won't melt until May, so it's looks
like a Christmas card here for six months at a stretch.

Happy holidays,
Robert


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