Happy Christmas
This Christmas was the second Christmas in my lifetime I have spent away from home. And, despite this time 'round being much more “Christian” than the last holiday I missed, spent in the Muslim country of Tunisia; Christmas and the holidays just don't seem to have the same spirit when you are not at home.
All that aside, this past holiday weekend was an excellent one spent in the English countryside, and full of large, delicious traditional meals.
Christmas Eve began with an overcrowded train ride to Worcestershire. The first train out of London we attempted to catch was so full it looked like the tube at rush hour form Oxford Circus. A two hour ride in a carriage packed tighter than a can of tuna fish? With luggage? No thanks. So, we jumped on the next train departing London toward the general direction of our destination, despite not having the correct tickets and risking a 60 pound fine.
In the end, no fine, but we arrived about 5 hours late (troubles in Slough *sigh*; a train was vandalized and, for some reason, British National Rail did not find a need to move this vandalized train from the track, therefore backing up every other holiday train on its way toward Christmas), and we arrived at a completely different location than planned. Thank goodness people with personal cars are more easily accessed outside of London than in.
The long journey was worth all the hassle and hustle and bustle because upon arrival we were greeted with a dinner made up of warm ham, mashed potatoes and a lovely spread of other goods. Dinner was, naturally, followed by a trip into town for the annual Christmas eve pub crawl. After crawling our way through four of the many pubs in the town of Upton upon Severn, and being informed that evening that “Jews don't like Christmas” (hmmm), we arrived home later that night, or rather, early Christmas morning (about the time, as a child, I would be waking up and anticipating opening my gifts), and I scrambled off to bed awaiting Santa Clause and the Christmas festivities of the following day.
(The church where we attended Christmas Day service)
(Our meal and the wonderful family who hosted me and the other American at the end of the table)
After Christmas lunch, the Queen addressed her subjects, who, dutifully listened to her annual speech. Following her address, a Christmas walk was in order (they say it helps digestion) and gifts were unwrapped in the evening. Of course we played games and snacked on cheese and crackers and chocolate that night. It can't be Christmas without food!
Oh! And we popped the Christmas Crackers! These little toy surprises entertained us all for an embarrassingly long amount of time. Did I mention we were all over the age of 10? Well, aged over 10 anyway, not matured.
(Brussel sprouts that waddle when you wind them up)
(Brussel sprout races!! I had an awesome video, but I am not blog savvy enough to figure out how to upload it)
Boxing day! The day after Christmas. Lots of relaxing, a walk through the hills, and again, lots of good food. Leftover food today though of course! For some reason, when a leftover is a Christmas of Thanksgiving leftover it just tastes wonderful, no matter what. Perhaps that is because there is a little holiday spirit left over with it.
It was nice to get out of London. Sometimes I forget how incredibly beautiful and unique this country is when I am caught up in the busy, international scene of London.
(The group, on our jaunt through the countryside)
(Forming a united American front, in the midst of the English)
It was a good holiday, but I plan on being home in Spokane next year for Christmas. Part of me misses the freezing temperatures, chance of snow; large Christmas trees; Santa at the shopping malls; buffet style dinners and arguments over who burnt the bread rolls – that's what Christmas is made of for me.
And, for your viewing pleasure.... Morris Dancing! Men jumping up and down with wooden sticks. Something traditional, not found in London. Certainly interesting....
