That whole magical-English-countryside-oldey-worldy-Christmas with my family? Yeah, it's not happening. A combination of freak winter weather and incompetent management of Heathrow Airport has gone and buggered up our plans. My parents' flight was cancelled, there is no availability to rebook before the holidays and I am now spending my second Christmas in a row without my sister and parents. Bah humbug indeed.
I do keep reminding myself that it could be much, much, much worse. In the grand scheme of life issues, one disappointing Christmas is not a big deal. But it is disappointing. Despite masses of snow here (so much that the town roads were turned into an amusement park ride this morning and I had to turn home), which would normally have me feeling very Christmassy indeed, my holiday cheer has deserted me.
At least we have Grandma's shortbread. Even if it was made by me, and not Grandma. Last year I talked about how my Grandma's shortbread is the best holiday recipe in the world. (It is!) I also talked about wanting a ceramic shortbread press so I could stamp pretty patterns onto my cookies like she does, and the frustration of not being able to find one without a without a witchcraft theme. Lo and behold, my mum read the post and gave me an appropriately Christmassy one last Christmas! Unfortunately the three wise men fade into somewhat blob-like insignificance once the shortbread cookies are baked, and I've had more than one person ask me in a puzzled tone, "What is this on the cookie?"
But I know those kings are on the cookie, and that gives me a smidgen of Christmas cheer.
8 comments:
I'm so sorry to hear you cannot be with your family. That is such sad news. Usually snow is so lovely, but it really does have the power to ruin things too! Your shortbread, however, is utterly beautiful. Gorgeous! Thank you for sharing. I love a good shortbread. Maybe this will be my baking distraction for today? xo
Oh poop. I wondered if that might happen. :( I'm so sorry to hear that you won't be able to have Christmas with your family. It's making me a little nervous for when my mom is supposed to come in February for the baby.. but hopefully they will be a little better prepared by then.
Wishing you all the Christmas cheer in the world!
Really sorry to hear of your disappointment - it's not easy being away from family during Christmas.
Love the shortbread though!
Hi Hil, I hope your parents also find ways to get over their disappointment; I'm sure they were gutted at not being able to come over to see you. The shortbread press is pretty amazing; what a thoughtful mother you have. :)
I also am so sorry your parents can't make it, just be glad you still have them. I remember my first few Christmas's without my Mom and Grandmother I was very sad.
Maybe they will get the airport clearned off before you know it and you can still have Christmas.
I would like to have one no a dozen LOL of your grandmothers shortbread cookies
Janice
that weather snowed on my holiday too and I am all the way in the Caribbean...still waiting on word on if my best friend can make it here from London. Bah humbug indeed!
Being without your family for Christmas is not trivial, it's a big deal. Any holiday ruined by the weather and travel chaos is a big deal. We all probably get only 50 good holidays in our lifetime at the most so feel free to feel extremely bitter about it, I know I would.
Unless you would rather not see your family at Christmas..... !!!
I'm so sorry about the snow! I can only imagine how it has wreaked havoc on the Brits! We had a funny holiday too - too much illness in my house and not enough time to get into the spirit and then whoosh! it all passed by. Here's to 2011, though. Happy New Year!
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