Christmas, 1959 One Christmas was so much like another in those years, to borrow a line from Dylan Thomas. Mother began the preparations in late autumn. The plum pudding was stirred one final time for good luck and steamed in a bowl on top of the wood-burning Stanley stove. The big square Christmas cake, heavy with fruit, raisins, sultanas and glace cherries, was baked until … [Read more...] about Photo Album: A Visit to Santa
Christmas
A Child's Christmas In Brooklyn
In the Brooklyn world of my childhood, Ireland seemed especially close at Christmas. While we kids looked forward to Santa, Mom and Dad were looking back to Ireland. Cards would arrive and Mom would cherish each and everyone, especially those from her sisters, my Aunts Una and Joan, who would include letters for her to linger over, her eyes growing all teary. My parents left … [Read more...] about A Child's Christmas In Brooklyn
Sláinte: Let Them Eat
Irish Christmas Cake
Not so long ago, when my daughter was a child, life was very different. The world moved at a slower pace and I had time on my hands. It was the era before cable TV and the internet. The phrases "fast lane" and "couch potato" and "net surfer" had yet to be coined. Time stretched like soft taffy, begging to be filled and I industriously did so – especially in the weeks preceding … [Read more...] about Sláinte: Let Them Eat
Irish Christmas Cake
Sláinte: Christmas Is Coming & The Goose Is Getting Fat
Christmas is one of those words that immediately brings thoughts to mind. First, and foremost in these troubled times, is the hope for peace on earth. Hard on the heels of our heartfelt sentiments come the tumbling images of gifts and feasting. Deluged by jolly Santa Clauses, decorated evergreen trees, and twinkling light displays during the holiday season, it's easy to forget … [Read more...] about Sláinte: Christmas Is Coming & The Goose Is Getting Fat
Photo Album: A Visit to Santa
Mother celebrated every feast day with aplomb – Shrove Tuesday with specially prepared pancakes, Halloween with monkey nuts (peanuts in the shell), bobbing for apples, and Barmbrack, which is a fruit loaf with hidden charms that has special significance for the person who discovered it in their slice. Her most elaborate planning, however, was for Christmas. The preparations in … [Read more...] about Photo Album: A Visit to Santa