a french-australian-japanese christmas

14 January 2015

I suppose it's probably time I got this Christmas post done and dusted, 2 weeks into the new year...! I mean, the easter chocolate has started to come out in supermarkets already. 

Christmases won't ever have the same magic as they did when I was young, but as an adult, there is a different appreciation and enjoyment that grows on you. And when you spend it with young children who are so excited and their parents work so hard to make it special for them, you see the magic from the other side. That's what this year's Christmas was for me.

My family always did the big dinner and festive celebration on Christmas Eve, and funnily enough this is also the French tradition. Presents are even opened that night! 

E (who I feel like was cooking non-stop during the holiday season!) was in charge of the dinner, while his sister made dessert and we helped here and there. We had langoustine, lobster and salmon ravioli to start, duck confit with gratin dauphinois and roasted carrots for main, and cremet d'angou for dessert (it's like the fluffy white part of a cheesecake topped with custard...unfortunately it was quite late by then and the dish isn't particularly photogenic, but trust me it was delicious). Talk about one seriously filling meal... all accompanied by plenty of champagne and wine, of course. And let's not forget the post-dinner salted caramel macarons made by E.

























There was a lovely moment after the main course when the kids (our niece and nephew) wanted to sing a Christmas carol and for all of us to sing one, so we had their adorable rendition of Away in a Manger (which happens to be my all time favourite carol) in their cute Australian accents, a few French ones from E's dad and aunt, an English one from us, and another of E's sisters sang a song in Japanese, which was amazing! 

Speaking of nationalities, the little nephew (child of my sister-in-law who is French and her husband who is Australian, hence why they live in Australia) has apparently been telling people that he is part French, part Australian and part Japanese, because he has a Japanese aunt (me). Kids' logic is the best.

The actual Christmas day was spent relaxing, nibbling on bread and cheese, playing Telestrations, and my favourite part - baking cookies with the the little ones! They were so excited and I took some delightful photos of them that I love. After telling them little tips about the cookies (don't over-stir, don't put them too flat etc.), the boy looks at me and says, "Wow, you know everything about cookies. How do you know absolutely everything?" If only he knew how clueless about life I really am...

We really had a wonderful time and created some very special memories, which is what Christmas is all about - I'm extremely fortunate and thankful.














15 comments:

  1. What an amazing Christmas .. all of that food looks so so so good - it's making me want to do it all again!

    I really want my sisters to start having kids so I can be around children at Christmas, it would be so lovely to have some of the magic back again!

    Happy New Year!

    Chloe x
    newgirlintoon.co.uk

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  2. We also had duck and potato dauphinois for our main! Such a delicious combo, always :) All that food looks so amazing, and you're so right, it's lovely to be able to make Christmas so special for children and see the magic from the other side. I am so nervous of making macarons, but you're pictures make it look easy (although obviously E is an amazing cook!). Maybe sometime soon I'll give them a go...... xxxx

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  3. I loved reading this, the bits about the children made me smile. Were you in Australia then? Or France? Either way it all looks fabulous and I bet the food was incredible.

    N xo

    www.whatnaomiwrote.blogspot.co.uk

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  4. What incredible food, everything just looks so incredible. E is seriously talented; I mean those salted caramel macarons!!!
    Lots of love,
    Angie
    SilverSpoon London

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  5. How talented is he!!!! Lovely pics!

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  6. You have yourself a seriously clever chef of a husband - what an amazing feast!!

    Rosie xx

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  7. No but like seriously, when can I we can E and Charles to hang out so E can rub his some of his cooking skills off on Charles? This all looks so ah-mazing and I love your nephew's logic behind his cultural breakdown. It makes complete sense :)

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  8. oh my gosh. everything here looks amaazing. and our family tradition was having a meal on christmas eve as well. and i feel like sometimes me and you have the same exact likes! away in the manger is my favorite carol too!! what?! i have never met anyone who said it was their favorite (and also mists of avalon). i love the melody :)

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  9. What a feast! It sounds and looks like you all had a wonderful time, I'm so pleased!! <3 xx

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  10. What a great christmas day , it's lovely that you had a multicultural one embracing everyone's nationalities! I love that your nephew considers himself part Japanese! x

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  11. I honestly have never seen such a beautifully styled photogenic Christmas dinner. What a treat!

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  12. Those macaroons – GORGEOUS! I've already tried making them and after 2 failed attempts, I just threw in the towel.

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  13. My mouth is literally watering Miho. E is definitely a very talented man, in the kitchen. Fantastic! Those macarons look AMAZING! You have definitely had an awesome and festive Christmas for sure. Thanks for sharing.

    Aftab
    Fresh And Fearless

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  14. SUCH cute stories about the little ones! Especially your nephew saying he's part Japanese, just so adorable! It sounds like you had a perfect holiday with family. Also the food looks incredible as per usual :] I can't believe how good those macarons look.

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  15. What a lovely, multi-cultural Christmas you had Miho! I'd like to eat every single thing that you guys served up, particularly those salted caramel macarons. Mouthwatering doesn't even cut it! E would 100% have a place on Masterchef, if he ever decided on a career change :) xx

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