Friends and Neighbours

You have heard the saying “many hands make light work.”  This weekend proved that adage, as we had a Christmas gathering at our home with just over a dozen ladies.  With the help of some wonderful young adults we were able to decorate, bake and prepare an evening of lovely desserts, games and good conversation.   My favourite part of the evening was the cross section of ladies – there were six young women in their late teens, a couple of “twenty-somethings”, a few forty-year-olds and then even a couple of grandmas in their very early fifties! Not only was there a diversity in ages but in nationalities as well.  Three different countries of origin were represented.  Hospitality knows no boundaries!!

The youngest guests helped plan and prepare the evening.  They all had input into the menu of desserts and helped to bake the goodies.  Preparing and baking together was as much fun as the actual party!  We all donned our aprons and worked our way through recipes, learning quite a bit as we went. While I was able to teach the girls how to make Pavlova and Lemon Cheesecake, they prepared things I may never have attempted – Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls and Cut-out Shortbread Cookies! 

Part way through the party, two of our grandchildren (who were having an evening with Grampa) made an appearance to taste a couple of treats before heading off to bed.  Our three-year-old sweetheart gave each of the ladies a hug good night and sang to them before going upstairs.  She certainly helped her Nanna extend hospitality to all the women!

Laura and I encourage you to take time this Christmas to share this beautiful season with people outside your immediate age group and circle of friends. Include new people and reach out with the intention of blessing those you haven't shown generosity towards before.  If you are older, take time to invest in training someone younger in the art of home-making and hospitality.  If you’re younger, find an older woman who could use your energy and zeal, and help make her Christmas preparations a little simpler.  Together we can always accomplish more than we could on our own!

If you would like any recipes from our Dessert Night let us know and we’ll post them for you!

Bless you all!

Anne