The best idea I’ve had about this Christmas was to not invite anyone. After last year I fancied Christmas for us, with the food that we like. With no nerves, no stupid conversations at the table, having waited for the guests who were always late- my time was not important, right? Last year’s Christmas with the family left me pissed off, tired and frustrated.

I did ask my mum a few weeks ago if they’d come over, especially after the September flood has left Stronie looking like a warzone, but mum declined. So we had a lovely, relaxed Christmas, just Florek, Iza and me. And the cats. In terms of tradition I only made barszcz with uszka- yes, this year I could be bothered. On Christmas eve there were 2 courses, after barszcz I served some panfried plaice and prawns, clementine pie for dessert.

On Christmas Day we fancied steaks, so we had steaks. There were no fussy, ungrateful vegetarians to waste time on ( have you made the pastry from scratch? Have I ****, for you???!!). And then on Boxing Day the guests arrived! Yes, but guests unrelated to us, not those we felt we should invite, but those we were excited to celebrate with. Lara, Sergio and Ilan, Steve, Ale and Lydia. All arrived with food and wine. Steve made panettone from scratch. All great bunch to dine with, they loved my barszcz, turkey has flown off the plates and Ilan was disappointed he couldn’t have thirds. Port was a hit and we taught Sergio to say “wanker”. 🙂 Ale was surprised to find out why the work “anticipo” makes me giggle. Festive Italian lunch that finished …at 7pm.

Izzie said it was the best Christmas ever. I’m sure Nintendo DS had something to do with it. x