Okay, the Real English Christmas

Read previous post first, I'll wait...

Okay, so that was the Chilean Christmas. On Christmas Day, all the oblates go home to their families to celebrate. This is one of those differences between here and monasteries. They can leave and do these things. Since I couldn't make a quick trip for lunch to my house, I joined the group that were abandoned by their families - the Brits. Okay, not abandoned, but certainly couldn't go home. Two of the British oblates are a married couple with 8 kids. They host the celibate British oblates on Christmas for a very traditional Christmas, complete with turkey, peas and carrots, and plum pudding.

I was invited to partake and, I must say, it was very nice. There was a brief hiccup in the beginning when I had to figure which appetizers I could have (many had some sort of shrimp association), but everything was delicious. I liked the meal, because it was very traditional. I imagined that all of England was sitting down to enjoy the same things. Something we don't have in the states. Our traditions aren't necessarily centered around the meal. Save for McCarthy Christmas - where if I can't have my chicken noodle and chili soups, I will walk out.

Another British Tradion. Crackers. Crackers are this little packages that have paper hats and a small toy in them. What you do is hold one end of your cracker in you right hand and cross arms, grabbing the other end of another cracker with you left. On the count of three, you "uncross" your arms, popping open the crackers. And then everyone wears their hats and share the jokes inside of them (think Laffy Taffy Jokes). Fantastic.

After all the puddings and turkeys, we had a bit of afternoon tea and I became a hit with the kids out on the field playing some Frisbee and trying to learn some gymnastics. Little note about the latter - an 8-year old girl is intrinsically more flexible than a 23-year old male. But it was fun, and I learned that I can not touch my foot to my head while lying on my belly.

After the playing, we watched Toy Story 3 (Go America!) and then got ready to pack up and go. After all was said and done, it was a very nice way to spend my time at Christmas. While I was away from my family, I did get to partake in a family. That's what it is all about I suppose, spending time with family and carrying on tradions. And while I wasn't able to spike my hot chocolate with my sister Christmas morning, I was able to enjoy crackers and plum pudding (which, I hear, is made with quite a bit of brandy). Thanks for adopting me!

Enjoy your New Years!