Sweden, like some other European countries, celebrates Christmas on the 24th. We went to my daughter’s house for a family Christmas and it was lovely. The food, the company, the weather (a perfect white Christmas with the sun shining for once!)
Before we left, my husband and I built some Lego orchids. I can recommend these – they are beautiful. We now have a bouquet and orchids. Next on our list will be succulents! These all live on a high shelf, away from the cats because they have small parts.
On our way to my daughter we stopped to watch kids sledding in the snow
And of course, inside we both made a beeline for the cats. My daughter has two enormous Maine Coon cats who are very friendly and cuddly. When we get home after visiting her, our cats always seem so small!
We ate a traditional Swedish feast of salmon, small sausages, meatballs, spare ribs, Jansson’s temptation (a traditional Swedish casserole made of potatoes, onions, pickled sprats, bread crumbs and cream). Dessert was cheesecake.
In South Africa the celebration takes place on the 25th and the food reflect the summer season and some of the European and Asian heritage. The curtains are usually closed in the afternoon to keep the heat out.
- Christmas fruit mincemeat pies for morning tea.
- For lunch, German potato salad, cold curried rice salad (my mom’s recipe) with fruit, carrot/pineapple salad, beetroot salad, three-bean salad . Also sliced cold meats and cold grilled chicken
- For dessert, my bonus mom’s famous trifle.