Christmas night traditions

WE ALL have traditions around Christmas. As we age, traditions, such as those surrounding Christmas night activities, often go through a type of metamorphosis. Over recent years, I have made modifications to my traditions by moving the family dinner to the home of my siblings and by reducing the time spent in the kitchen on Christmas night, making my Christmas day a little more pleasant as I feel more rested.

I do hope to pass on the tradition of making great dishes and dinners to my children and grandchildren. I hope they can do it without long hours in the kitchen. One tradition passed down from my mother is sharing with people less fortunate.

New twist

We have so many opportunities to share with those in need out of our limited resources. The act of sharing is rewarding both to the sharer and the receiver. There is great satisfaction and fulfilment and an excellent tradition to pass on to your children. I plan to add a new twist this Christmas night by packing some bags with mini-fruitcakes, canned foods and some personal items for some people in need.

Another tradition of sharing which may make the aches and pains in your feet less is to pre-prepare items such as breakfast meats and vegetables to make a tasty nutritious and quick breakfast early Christmas morning. Share it with those in need such as shut-ins or homeless people.

Bundles of callaloo

Two bundles of callaloo, two pounds of kidney, liver or a pound of codfish along with two fresh breads, seasoning, disposable containers and some fruit juice or warm drink will make a few people happy and cost you just a few dollars and some time. Clean and cut callaloo or cabbage, soak, cook and flake codfish, season kidney, so that early Christmas morning you can quickly put the meal together.

As I waxed in maturity and hopefully wisdom, I want to spend my Christmas Eve doing productive activities, but leaving some time to relax so that I can be fun to be around on Christmas day.

Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian/nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.