It snowed over a foot in the weeks leading up to Christmas, and then never got above freezing. So we had a Christmas "just like the ones I (Rachel) used to know." :) Only probably whiter, due to pollution in Almaty, and sunshine in Colorado.
This year for the first time, a friend from the Netherlands introduced us to the celebration of Sinterklaas. We drew names, and then for our person we were to write a poem about them, get a small present and wrap the present in a paper creation that somehow describes them.
Poem reading
Josh received an amazingly realistic paper guitar and my poem talked about me being a magnet for people. Inside my paper magnet was super fun, warm socks and homemade chocolate candies in the shape of the letter "R".
The paper "surprise" for a friend who loves cats.
Josh's creation for another friend.
My paper project for our Dutch friend.
She says we did just like it would have been done in the Netherlands. Success! :)
And in our home:
Nana (Destree)'s Norwegian Yulekake
Grandma Jean (McMichael)'s nativity
Grandmother (Wiley)'s sour cream sugar cookies
Cookie decorating fest with a friend!
Traditional spread for our neighbors. They said, "You food is so strong and nutritious, it makes us full so quickly!" We weren't quite sure if that was a compliment, or just why they didn't eat a whole lot. :)
Christmas morning special breakfast: Stroopwafels from the Netherlands, applesauce from the Destree backyard trees, tea spoon from England, and yulekake with geitost (goat cheese).
Ready for a Christmas party!
The tea table spread, pre-crowd.
After taking several days to recover from the Christmas party, we decided to do New Years on a smaller scale. And my friend offered to cook! Even better. :) I washed and peeled veggies, and watched. I'm good at that.
Egg, tomato, and green peppers
Lamb, potatoes, and carrots
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
