Growing
up our household, my parents and I never celebrated Christmas. It was just
another holiday, but when I was in the Netherlands for my previous Au pair year
that changed. I was thrown into the holiday and Christmas spirit. Then last
year back home I told my parents we should at least have a Christmas dinner,
they agreed and it turned out to be quite successful and fun. None of those two
compare to the festive vibes this year.
I’ve
started to like Christmas more and more, from the food to the decorations. So when
I was invited to a Christmas dinner with my host parents I got really excited. We
drove all the way to Bavikhove, a small town in Belgium I’ve never heard about,
to the grandmother who was hosting the dinner party.
The house
was old and antique and I felt my Christmas wishes come true when I stepped
into the living area where a big Christmas tree was standing next to a marvellous
fire place. Champagne was served and taking commenced. I’m proud to say I spoke
Dutch and was actually understood. Soon
after presents were being passed around and opened. To my surprise I received three
gifts. The first was a lovely body wash which smells divine. The seconds was a
Star Wars Yoda clock and the third a Darth Vader flash drive key ring. I was so
shocked and excited when I opened the Star Wars gifts; I had to tell my inner fan
girl to calm down. It was great to receive something which I love so much and it
made me appreciate my host parents even more.
The children
at first and after some coaxing and time it was time for the adults to eat. My host
mom mentioned to her mother that I was vegan, so like the good host that she
was she made sure I didn’t have to consume any animal products. While they ate
crab for starter I had delicious pumpkin soup.
Afterwards
we talked some more with Christmas music in the back ground before the main
course. They had some meat which I assumed was duck or chicken with a small
serving of vegetable and croquettes, while I had a plate of vegetables; string
beans, tomatoes, chicory (for the first time and it was delicious) and broccoli.
It was such a good and tasty meal and I was thankful that I could eat without having
to worry about what I placed in my mouth. By the
time we had dessert it was really late and the children were all sleeping. The dessert
consisted of a small warm piece of apple cake with ice cream (mine was
without). Soon after coffee and tea was served with some treats of chocolate
and macaroons.
Overall
the night was great and unforgettable. I’m
so happy that I finally had the Christmas Eve I’ve always dreamt about. It was
festive and had everything a great Christmas Eve dinner should have; good food,
lovely people, presents, stunning décor, Christmas music and festive vibes. I hope
everyone had a wonderful Christmas Eve as well!
Felicia
xoxo
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