by Telly G. Ocampo
What I have been doing this Yuletide Season? (Part 1)
First, I had to admit that this Yuletide Season is memorable because this is the first Christmas that the family members were not together after Roger’s death. My children spent Christmas 2022 with their respective families, the first time, indeed, after my husband’s death.
Last Christmas, year 2021, we were all together celebrating the 40th day of Rogers passing. They were all here with me that night of Odette’s fury and the succeeding days until the New Year when transportation was already available. Without them, I may not have survived the storm.
Moreover, this Christmas, I had to give up my crown as the kitchen queen. Blue, my eldest grandchild, took over my role and my love to stay in the kitchen most of the time, especially during this season. But there was no ham this time. I used to make my own version of the hamonada which Blue did not. He prepared callos, favada and shrimps with ujap cooked in coconut milk.
His preparation may not have been perfect, but I’m happy that one of his interests is in the kitchen. He also takes care of me in the absence of her mother, Irene (my daughter) and his two younger sisters. He oversees the house while his parents and siblings are on vacation in Manila for the days between Christmas and New Year.
My other daughter is Estela. Her husband, Raymund, prepared relleno and potato salad. He is a painter and sculptor, yet, it was very easy for him to debone the chicken. Is there any connection? Ha ha ha ha!
What else did I do? Oh, yes! My role was to prepare the linens and the kubiertos to be used. It has been our tradition to use the silver cutlery on special occasions and celebrations. I really find joy in preparing this collective ensemble of eating and serving utensils. This is also my way of doing the inventory of items for the New Year. It was good that Estela added colors to the tables and spaces, she being on the creative and artistic side.
Then, I cleaned and dusted the aparadors as I did the inventory of materials. After the inventory, I had to arrange back to their original location the different items according to labels and purpose.
I am 76 years old and my holiday’s anxiety is lessened. I am, most of the time, delegating responsibilities to my children and grandchildren. Now, they know better than before since I made sure that I coached them well, really well, in the household chores.
Finally, this Christmas, I exchanged notes with friends. In my next article, I will share with you what Louella Eslao Alix shared with me about our role as women and mothers?
Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year!!!
