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Here We Come a Wassailing The wassaila centuries old tradition from Great Britainis a joy-filled party celebrating Christmastime and happy tidings. Indeed, many of the traditions of this likeable event are the originators of well-known seasonal classics (like caroling, for one). The word wassail itself comes from the old Norse "ves heill," which literally means "be healthy." It is a toast of goodwill and is at the heart of what wassailing is all about.
When carolers entered a home they would sing, share the wassail and receive eats and drinks themselves (such as plum pudding or shepherd's pie), at which time toasts for a merry Christmas and happy tidings for a new year would be exchanged by all. Today, wassails are still held in homes or as public celebrations in many countries throughout the world, such as Great Britain, Canada and the U.S. The celebrations can be as simple as gathering some friends for hot cider to more elaborate celebrations involving the production of short plays (called mummer plays) or caroling through apple orchards. To host your own wassail: Invite friends and family to share the occasion. Dress up the house for a festive holiday occasion. Serve a warm beverage, such as spiced apple cider, mulled wine or the like, from a bowl. This is a must! Otherwise, it's not really a wassail. (See Beverages below.) Serve food that's warm and hearty, like beef pot pie or warm potato wedges with bacon, cheese and sour cream toppings. Christmas pudding or any kind of spice cake or pound cake should do nicely for dessert. (See Toasty Tidbits and Desserts below.) Play festive Christmas music in the background. (Or, better yet, sing along with carols if so inclined.) Partake in games that involve teams of players, like charades, Cranium, Pictionary or Taboo. The object is simply to have a good time and share the joy of the season! Beverages Spiced Apple Cider Irish Coffee Hot Spiced Tea Toasty Tidbits Holiday Olive Cheese Balls Roasted Tiny Potatoes with Toppings Spinach & Cheese Bites Stuffed Mushrooms Steak and Potato Winter Wraps Homestyle Beef Pot Pie Rotisserie Chicken Pot Pie Cheese Straws Desserts Christmas Pound Cake Holiday Cream Cheese Pound Cake Apple Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Chocolate Fudge Cake Holiday Rice Pudding |
Sandwich Chart
Brown bagging's a breeze with this handy chart to post on pantry or fridge. A Pretty Palate Color your menu with 5 a day the easy way. Sunless Shimmer Capture the glow of summer all year round with beautiful bronzers. |
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