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I grew up in a devoutly non-religious home. My father, a self-proclaimed atheist, and my mother, a lifelong agnostic, offered few opportunities to experience spiritual moments. Christmas Eve dinner was one exception. There would be anywhere from 15 to 25 guests, all seated at a large table in our kitchen with overflow tables in the adjoining room. Every sense was stimulated: touch . . . through hugs from people you may not have seen since last year; sight . . . through the shimmer of candles, newly polished silver and freshly oiled wood; hearing . . . the sound of my father playing the piano; taste and smell . . . through the food that my mother made with love and confidence. A prayer in the form of a toast was offered: “Here’s to friends and life-long relationships…to us. Merry Christmas!”
The meal always consisted of my mother’s favorite holiday foods: Roast Duck, Ham, Pearl Onions in Cream Sauce, Brussels Sprouts, Mashed Potatoes and homemade Cranberry Sauce. Possibly a little too much wine was poured as well. For dessert, we had Pumpkin Pie and Fig (Figgy) Pudding with Hard Sauce. There are many recipes for Fig Pudding and its specialty bakeware. But Hard Sauce, well, it’s easy to make and delicious on Fig Pudding, cake, or just on a spoon (think butter-brandy lollipop).
May we protect the bountiful earth that it may continue to sustain us, and let us seek sustenance for all who dwell in the world. - A blessing by Marcia Falk
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