Traditions Old and New

Have you had a lovely Christmas? We’ve had a lovely Christmas. Keeping old traditions and adding new ones too, but more of that later.

I hit the sewing machine again to rustle up a new apron for Ma Kettle…

…from a pattern by Audrey and Maude, purchased a few years ago (this is Ma Kettle’s 3rd apron – she loves them!)…

…and, of course, a covered coat hanger, which after seeing them on the blog, Ma Kettle hoped she would receive!!…

Up at the Kettles, a lovely table had been set….

…which was soon laden with delicious food…

…(those cherries were oh, so yummy!!)

Pa Kettle had his nativity out which is always a joy to behold…

…the pieces are so elegant and beautifully done.

So what of the new traditions? Well, a week before Christmas Day, Ma Kettle informed me that there would be no Christmas cake this year! No Christmas cake?! What was the world coming to?? Ma Kettle has always, but always made the Christmas pudd and the Christmas cake. Needless to say, I was agog and aghast!!

Luckily I happened to watch Nigella Lawson’s Christmas cooking and she made a super looking Christmas cake which appeared to be achievable for someone who has never in her life made a Christmas cake. Not being one who likes currants and raisins, I substituted them for dried apricots, dates and prunes, and also added some mixed nuts…..And Ta-Da!….

…it went down a treat with the family…….so the mantle has fallen to these shoulders, and a new tradition begun!

Happy stitching
Meredithe

PS Thank you all for your Christmas good wishes!