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.Thousands upon thousands of people attend every year—families with blankets and food to eat would gather on the grass before the large stage.Once it started, TV stars and singers would perform, entertaining us with different songs for the season.That wasn’t what made it so memorable, however.My favorite part was that shiver I got when it was finally dark enough to light our candles and join in the celebration.We were no longer a sea of strangers, as everyone sang songs together, either from memory or with words on the large screen prompters.Our voices filled the air and it was electrifying! We forgot our worries and concerns, forgot the squabbles and drama.It was all about celebrating Christmas and being together.It’s a tradition that I’ve missed since moving to America and getting married.Every year I talk to my husband about it, about visiting my childhood home someday, so he can experience it, too.My parents were both born and raised in the North of England.After spending a year working in Australia, my father journeyed back home to marry my mother before bringing her to Sydney with him.Having married and moved to a different continent myself, I know how hard it is to leave your family behind for love, but it makes the reunions ever sweeter.It paved the way for me to grow up enjoying two different Christmases: one in England, which was, in many ways, the complete opposite from the one at home in Australia.Going from summer and dinner on the beach in Australia, to winter with snow and a roaring fire in England, I finally discovered what “Jack Frost nipping at your nose” meant.Our trips to England were a whirlwind of excitement—meeting relatives, sightseeing until we were too exhausted to walk, and tasting delicious new foods.What I remember the most was sledding down hills with the neighborhood kids and my grandfather chasing me around because I’d filled his cap with snow.There is one tradition I took away from England that I continue to this day—the First Foot.On New Year’s Eve, at the stroke of midnight, my husband crosses over the threshold of our door holding a piece of coal, (warmth) bread, (food) water, (drink) and money.It’s a Scottish and English folklore tradition that the “first footer” brings good fortune into the house for the upcoming year.It’s something that ties me to my parents and relatives, even though we live on different continents.Now, I spend each Christmas in the U.S., surrounded by my husband, children, and family.It’s been interesting to see how different upbringings influence our holidays and how I can incorporate my own into this special day.One day, maybe, I’ll convince them that fruitcake really is delicious and that plum pudding isn’t gross.Really, it isn’t.I promise.The table may not have fun Christmas Crackers on the plates (cool party favors where two people pull at each end of Cracker, filled with trinkets, colored paper hats, and jokes, and whoever has the largest piece, once it ‘snaps,’ gets the prize) but the talking, laughing, and bantering back and forth is still the same.Whether you’re celebrating old traditions or forging new ones, it’s about the feeling you carry around in your heart.One of the most special memories I have from living here in the U.S.began a few years ago when we began Christmas caroling around our neighborhood.As a huge, multi-family group, we pile unto the back of a trailer all wrapped up in warm jackets and thick blankets, and sing while being driven around town.We may not be the best of singers, but there’s no mistaking the meaning—we love sharing the happiness we feel.To me, that is what Christmas is all about.It’s a feeling, a sentiment, and a belief that no matter what’s going on in the world, magic is real and the impossible can happen.So, that is my challenge to each and every one of you.Find whatever makes you smile and gives you hope, and then share it.Don’t keep it to yourself.Give it to anyone and everyone.There’s nothing more powerful than a gift freely given.Thank you for an amazing year–for the gift of your support and love.I value it more than you’ll ever know.Here’s hoping Santa leaves you something swoony this year.Mistletoe kisses,BelsYorkshire PuddingPrep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 25 minutesLeave batter to rest: 30 minutesTotal Time: 1 hour, 10 minutesYield: Depends on size of tin used [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]