The Royal Chef At Home: Easy Seasonal Entertaining

I t was 75ºF this past Christmas in Dallas. Again. As many years as I’ve lived here, I still can’t get used to it. The sun is shining and the kids are in t shirts and flip flops. Extended family is far away and we automatically calculate the time difference to make sure we call everyone after Christmas lunch, sending our love and best wishes to each other with a heartfelt longing that always leaves a lump in my throat. It’s all so different from the cold Christmas mornings of my childhood. My memories of them are thick, fat ones. Waking up in the early morning darkness, always before my brother and sister and hearing the slow rhythmic snoring of my father. Padding about the house in my footed winter fleece (or worse yet, itchy winter woolens) to look downstairs at the tree and the presents underneath. Waiting, always waiting, for everyone to wake up and the day to get started. It seemed like forever before the sky outside the front bay windowmoved from inky black to a soft grey light and I could see bedroom lights go on in my friend’s house across the street. I didn’t dare touch the gifts piled about. Gift opening would happen later in the day and I’d be considered a spoiler by peeking. Christmas is magical in England. Looking back I realize how lucky I was coming from a family whose parents and grandparents believed deeply in the importance of a child’s Christmas. Granted, memory can be selective but my recollections of Christmas are suffused by an overwhelming sense of kindness. I come from kind people and as the years go by and I grow older, I remain deeply appreciative. CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS

168 THE ROYAL CHEF AT HOME