[Sundae]

Like Ducks - it's our Christmas Day that can't usually be messed with, but over the years my parents established their own traditions. This is partly because they moved 60 miles away from their families - which was a long way in pre-motorway times - and partly because their own family traditions were so old fashioned.

We always have a roast turkey dinner, but it also always includes
- yorkshire puddings (traditionally served with roast beef)
- Italian Pointed bread on the side from the local bakery
- two choices of dessert (tradition is Christmas pudding, but no-one wants more than a mouthful)
- cheeseboard after with more bread as well as crackers - and we always, always have Boursin (soft cheese with garlic and herbs). It's the only time of year we have it
- My brother, my Dad and I tell the jokes from the crackers and swap the punchlines over. Every year. And it still confuses the rest of the family. Eh?
- my great Aunt - Fatty Alice - will offer to help clean up every year, and every year will do something hideous - wiping all the crumbs straight onto the carpet, or folding up the dirty tablecloth and putting it back with the clean ones, or rinsing a wine glass in the water where the roasting tin is soaking....

Boxing Day has become the time for the extended family to get together. We always have salmon en croute, as it's my SIL's favourite. And pickled red cabbage for me - which I eat with smoked cheddar.

AHhhhhhhh, Christmas. If I wasn't off for a huge vegetarian curry feast right now I'd be eating my desk.