My Christmas story

The things that come to mind when I reminisce about Christmas time.

Presents stacked high under a Christmas tree, being woken at five o’clock in the morning by my sister, the anticipation in the early morning air, mangoes, crumpled wrapping paper, stockings, Christmas songs, flies (unfortunately), trying to get rid of the flies (even more unfortunate), the beach, bon bons, constantly feeling full, dry heat, everlasting amounts of food, close family, appreciation, happiness, celebrations and the smell of Christmas pudding in the oven.

Let’s go out of our comfort zone for a moment, shall we? Face that pesky little occurrence experienced every year without fail at Christmas?

Unwanted Presents: I’m sorry to bring up the sore subject, but we all know it happens; the underwear from the aunt that rarely sees you, and it’s not the expensive lacy stuff… no, no, its matching… and pink, with socks that go with it! The Mug: Parents, most of you must be familiar with this one. You just stick it in with your collection of Christmas mugs in the far back dark, dusty, secluded corner of your cupboard, don’t you? That’s what I thought.

Or how about presents from those weird relatives? They buy you things that they like! A subscription to Gardening Australia from the green thumb of the family, "How to Knit" from Nan. You get the drift.

Last but not least, parents are the likely culprits of what I like to refer to as the motivational presents, don’t worry I don’t mean the "Don’t Jump" books I mean the presents whose sole purpose is to motivate you - gym membership perhaps? A new vacuum cleaner? (even though the old one isn’t broken, hmm), and that’s from the spouse of course; the presents that insinuate something. What is happening to communication? I mean, come on!

These sound familiar? They do to me.

A quick fix to this dreaded problem you might ask?

Because of the associated troubles with unwanted presents, my wonderful sister concocted a clever alternative --- food. I don’t mean wrapping up a turkey in Christmas paper and sending it away in the mail. But cooking! Things like Christmas pudding and cookies, home-made custard and jams.

When the Christmas lunch is served, so are your presents! They will be thoughtful, cheap and not to mention practical! You can also brighten them up by adding ribbons and other cute little decorations. Funky material over the lids of jams and chutneys, colourful boxes for the rum balls (you know what I’m talking about), bows and bells the tie the puddings with.

And the best part? Getting to spend quality time with your family over the Christmas holidays!

Some people might actually (god forbid!) want the cheap underwear that never fits right, or the gardening magazines or even various cleaning products (for the Virgos, obviously), but who cares? Not us, we would much prefer to bake puddings and tarts and chutneys from our warm little festive hearts and spread Christmas cheer in a more meaningful and thoughtful way.

So, Happy Holidays to everyone, and I hope you don’t get any distasteful underwear in your stockings this year! I hope you get a pudding!