It's that time of year again when families gather together to eat, to reminisce, to enjoy, to admire the oodles of gifts under the tree and watch as the children and grandchildren demolish them in a few moments between squeals of delight, with coloured wrappings strewn across the floor.
For me, it's a picture of love that I once gave to each grandchild. A bucket filled with bits and pieces, fruit and candy, pencils and notebooks, endorsed with a "to you my gift and a bucketful of love", from Nan.
During this period I would haul them out of bed early and together we made our way to Aunty's garden, sometimes twenty of us, to do a couple of hours work.
No one would complain and everyone would give willingly with love.
If we remember to put "Christ" into Christmas and meet the future with faith, we can accomplish much in this ever-changing world of uncertainty and shifting values.
Recipe of the month
BROCCOLI SALAD
(To go with your Christmas dinner)
A handful of broccoli
Capsicum (red)
Red onion
Nuts
Sesame seeds
Salt and pepper
METHOD
Blanche the broccoli (then cool) and slice (to your desire).
Slice the onion finely then add the sesame seeds.
Add a handful of nuts of your choice (walnuts, cashew or almonds) and finally slice or dice the capsicum.
Put all into a bowl and mix, add either mayonnaise or ranch dressing.
You can actually add whatever you fancy - it's delicious.