Christmas abroad
While it was great to spend Christmas in the warm and the sun, it didn’t quite feel right. For one, there was definitely no snow, as the week of Christmas was in the 70s or 80s (20-30C). And my family was not here, or rather I was not with them. But I did celebrate with great friends.
Christmas Eve I spent with the kittens watching cheesy Christmas movies. I had Chinese for dinner and a bit of chocolate for dessert. I prepared a sweet potato puff, chocolate chip cookies, and creme brulee cookies for the next day. It’s difficult to bake and cook in an unequipped kitchen! I didn’t even have a mixing bowl so had to use Tupperware!
I slept in a bit Christmas morning, talked to my family a bit (it was Christmas Eve still for them), and took care of my 5 lodgers. I had 6 big packages from home to open, but I decided to wait until my siblings opened theirs the next day (late at night for me). So I prepared my dishes and the Christmas crackers and booze I purchased. I hopped in the car and picked up my friend James on the way to our friends house, Yasmin and Brodie. They were so gracious to host an amazing dinner. We played the game Articulate while dinner was cooking. And then we feasted!
My first vegetarian Christmas was delicious! Yorkshires and gravy and veggie sausages! Mmmm
After our lovely afternoon just enjoying the holidays, I returned a bit early to check on the kitties. It was a bit hot, my room has very little air flow, and it was the first time I left them alone and was nervous. All was well though. It was a great night, just reading and waiting patiently for 1:30 am to roll around, so I could open my gifts. I made my dad wake everyone else up. I watched the typical Christmas morning shenanigans on WhatsApp video. It was soo good to “be there”. I opened my gifts along with my brother and sister. I got such good stuff, from candy to ornaments, penguin dishclothes and a painting by my mom of Gus my cat. I am one lucky girl. I fell asleep around 3 am feeling loved and happy.
