This is the first Christmas I’m spending away from my family.
I’m feeling very weird right now. There is a bit of melancholy as I feel somewhat detached from all the festivities. The only thing reminding me that it is Christmas is my neighbor’s flamboyant decorations…
…and the Christmas songs that play incessantly at the grocery stores.
At the same time, I feel peace— I’m not in a “ho ho ho” jovial mood, but there is no major conflict inside of me. I just feel…at rest. And I kind of love that.
My family has never really been one to celebrate Christmas (or any festivities) in grand forms. We never once had a Christmas tree. We don’t really do Christmas presents. We don’t go out caroling or roast a fat ham or even wear hideous Christmas sweaters (oh, Hallelujah).
But each Christmas, my dad would ask each of us to retreat to our own rooms…and pray. To privately reflect on the spiritual meaning of this day, and to connect with God in a personal, intimate manner. And to thank God for all the gifts He’s presented me.
Obviously Christmas is a holiday saturated with religious meanings. But I see no reason why anybody cannot take a few moments to recollect all the previous months in the year, to count their blessings, and brace oneself for the upcoming new year.
A lot of people lament the fact that Christmas has become materialistic, and just a channel for more greed and selfish desires. That may be true. But ultimately, Christmas is a day about gifts.
Obviously, I say this as a Christian. Christmas symbolizes the day God gave me the most wonderful, complete gift of all: Jesus Christ, my eternal savior.
But I also love Christmas because for me, it’s such a perfect prelude to New Year Day. It’s a day of great joy and celebration—and be it a celebration for the birth of Christ or not, it’s a perfect day to relish all the gifts we’ve received within the year, and give thanks for them.
So in honor of this special day…whether you are a Jew, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, etc…let’s just be joyful, and give thanks for the gift of life, and all the good (and bad) stuff that comes along with it.
I’ll see you all after this weekend. But meanwhile, let me leave you with a Christmas-themed brunch…
Christmas French Toast
(Artwork by Alda Leung)
- 4 slices day-old white bread
- 2 eggs, beaten lightly
- 1/2 cup milk (more or less depending on thickness of bread)
- 2 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp green tea powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- handful of dried coconut
For the cranberry sauce:
- 1/2 bag fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup orange marmalade
- 1/4 cup sugar
Mix together eggs, milk, white sugar, vanilla, and salt. Sieve green tea powder over (so as to avoid unsightly clumps): 
Beat together the mixture until combined. 
Then add in the coconut: 
Soak the bread in the egg mixture: 
Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook together cranberries, orange juice, marmalade, and sugar. 
Bring to a boil, let cook for a minute or so: 
Then simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally. This will take about 10-15 minutes. 
Finally, butter up a pan. Cook the soaked bread, browning up each side. 
Serve on a dish with the sauce over it. Sprinkle with coconut or powdered sugar. 
Didn’t it turn out so pretty! I wasn’t sure if the green would show through, but it did. Yay! 
Right now, I’m giving thanks for colors. God is such an awesome artist…I’m always amazed by the deep brilliance of the colors of cranberries. 
I’m also giving thanks to my great artist friend Alda, who did the artwork. She was going to send these in to a recipe artwork contest, but ran out of time while working on her senior thesis as well. I thought it was shame to just toss these away, even if they have not had the final touches yet. 
And now, less talk and more action, please. Let’s dig in! 
I’d think this would make a fine Christmas brunch, especially after a night of gorging. It’s light, yet indulgent; familiar, yet special. 
Mimi always calls this the money shot, in which I take a close-up shot during mid-bite. I think it’s aptly named.
And now, I shall retreat to my private space. I wish you all a Merry Christmas, or at least a Joyful Day of Gifts!
Question of the Day: What is one gift you are grateful for? And on a superficial note, what gift would you like from Santa?
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{ 49 comments… read them below or add one }
For someone who is not so fond of Christmas this year, you sure have a great looking holiday french toast recipe. The illustrations are fun too. Merry Christmas my friend
XXOO
I am most grateful for my husband. After several bad relationships and not knowing if I’d ever turn it around he entered my life. He’s been such an incredible support and wonderful part of my life. That matters to me far more than any gift.
Now from a superficial, materialistic perspective: If I got jewelry, a handbag/clutch, or clothes, I’d be happy. I am a jewelry and handbag freak. Thankfully my husband understands that side of me and doesn’t give me crap about it. Ahh, love. =)
Anywho, HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND!
I have to say that that my family was the same way. We did church the day of but that was it. It seemed a little boring then but I appreciate the humility of it now.
I am very thankful to God for my husband and family. My husband is the only one who can keep up with my changeable temperament.
The french toast recipe looks really good!
Merry Christmas to you!
I feel like a part of a chorus here, but I’m also grateful for my husband, who is as close to perfect in every way that a human being can be. Even after more than 20 years of togetherness, all I really want for the holiday is to have more time with him. I really don’t care about any material items and would be at loss to request anything that could be wrapped in paper and put under a tree.
now that, is an awesome french toast recipe! i need to make that for my mom; she’d love it!
i’m feeling a bit detached from christmas this year because i’m not with my family either…well, i’ll be with them on christmas day mid-day but not eve and morning of like i usually am. def weird in some senses.
Merry Xmas, Sophia! It was a pleasure meeting you in 2010 and hopefully again sometime in 2011. That would be a great gift
Santa is bringing me a DSLR! It’s on order
I’ve been blessed with an amazing parental unit and a new job that God thrust into my hesitant arms, and am SO looking forward to the next year and all the amazing things God has planned for me
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
I know it’s hard to separate Christmas’s meaning when there are lights and presents everywhere. This year I told my husband that I couldn’t think of anything I wanted. But I also knew that he needed new shoes. So I went out and got him a pair that he refused to buy for himself because they were too expensive. This was the greatest gift I could ask for – an opportunity to show him that I remembered and how much I love him.
I’m so glad to hear that you feel at rest, Sophia. This time of year really seems to bring a lot of things into focus for me – the goals I hope to reach in the future, and the people I miss from the past. I’m grateful for the awareness that allows me not to take the life I have for granted, to realize that I am a lucky gal who will give thanks every day of her life.
Have a beautiful Christmas, Sophia!
That is so creative and gorgeous Sophia!! Beautiful tree
I have everything I need, so I will be grateful for anything I get, and am grateful for everything I have already received. I mostly just want to spend time with loved ones, and relax.
Merry Christmas!
I’m feeling the same way, Sophia. I’m in a weird place about not spending Christmas with my family. Part of me is a tad relaxed b/c I don’t have to deal w/ the stress that comes along w/ family and traveling or people visiting. But the rest of me is kind of .. detached, almost. Good word for it! Like this isn’t the REAL Christmas going on around me, it’s some imaginary one I’m just viewing as an outsider.
I’m thankful for my family and friends – the ones that actually make a point to be a part of my life, not just the umbrella of ALL of them b/c let’s face it — some just don’t care. I’m also thankful for you and your friendship!
Superficial note I’d love to win, be gifted, be able to afford a bunch of airline tickets or vacation. It’d be nice to take off and go somewhere warm or to be able to afford travel to skirt around the country and see people instead of having to wait around forever saving to make that happen. It makes me sad whenever I see my younger cousins and God daughter b/c even though sometimes only a few months pass they’re kids so they grow up so fast. I hate that I’m missing some of that.
Favorite gift: family. Superficial gift I would like to receive: landscaping. My yard is a dirt/mud patch right now. Other than that, I’d really, really like some world peace. Is that too much to ask for? I don’t really need anything else.
I’m with family this weekend and lovin’ it, but I understand how special solitude can be on a holiday. I’m looking forward to a reflective New Year’s Eve of solitude (after my traditional sushi dinner w/friends)this year. It’s a great time to reflect, access, and make plans/goals. I love a good fresh start.
Well, Sophia~ just want you to know I’m thinking of you and wishing you all the wonderful blessings that are in store for you. Merry Christmas!
Hugs,
Jill
I’m grateful for wonderful friends like you! I’m also grateful for being alive. I know I’ve toyed with my health and I’m glad I made it alive. After what happened to my dad, I’m so grateful that my brain is functioning and that at least my dad is capable to remember me and my name.
Santa, I’d like my family to be healthy and happy with no worries or stresses. O and a kitchen aid mixer on the side
Merry Christmas, Sophia! I hope you’ll experience peace and clarity of the mind today! Thank you for posting the artwork – it’s lovely! And your French toast looks awesome!
Merry Christmas! Such yummy and pretty looking french toast. Your pictures always look so proffessional, like they’re going to show up in a food magazine. And I like your friends artwork, too bad about the contest :/. I love french toast, one of my favorite breakfasts. My friend’s mom makes awesome stuffed french toast filled with some cream cheese mix.
Wow! This post is amazing Sophia… both the words and the recipe.
Honestly, my family is going through a lot right now. We aren’t really getting along, and even though it’s the holidays it just doesn’t feel like Christmas. We aren’t having any extended family over and we aren’t having a big dinner.. but I guess that’s okay because that’s really not what Christmas is about anyway (thanks to this glorious reminder of yours!). I seriously thank God for giving me the gift of life this year – Last year around this time I was in such bad health both mentally and physically, and I am still amazed that I was able to turn my life around.
As for Santa… he came early. I got a Macbook Air
I’m celebrating Christmas with my entire immediate family right now – we took the bus up to Taipei to spend time with my sister, who’s working here. We had a humble Christmas dinner (everything was booked so we ate at a hole-in-the-wall place that was meh) and now we’ve got some cake, and some street food and we’re just gonna chill. As a family. It feels good. So I’m thankful for that!
I really respect your humble way of celebrating Christmas. I think I grow to believe year after year, that the lights, decorations, wrapping paper, all of it, is just a big distraction for what the real meaning of Christmas is for me.
I wouldn’t say my family goes ALL out like some do. I pass by a couple houses that don’t have a square inch of there not coffered in some Christmas decoration. It’s ridiculous!
Merry Christmas!
<3 Tori
I was WONDERING what you were still doing in CA this close to Christmas! Thought that maybe your parents were going there.
Have fun no matter what you end up doing today! And eat lots of this French toast for me. I’ll be stuffing myself full of cheesecake. beautiful.
Merry Christmas love!
what a coincidence! i made green tea cupcakes last night (http://juniakk.blogspot.com/)!
the drawings are fantastic!
I’m so very thankful for my family and that 2010 was a happy and healthy year.
Your French Toast is beautiful!
Merry Christmas, Sophia!
Genius! Green tea in french toast! You should have made a adzuki bean jam instead:) Or stuff it with green tea cream cheese… Merry Christmas!
Love the sound of the green tea in this French toast and the artwork is too cute. I wish I had a friend to illustrate my blog!
I am super grateful for my health and my friends!
Happy Holidays Sophia! I hope that you have a great one.
PS – your french toast looks divine!
My family doesn’t make a big deal out of Christmas either. We had a tree growing up. But after my brothers and I went to college, my mother scaled down the decorations. This year, we’re not exchanging presents. It’s just enough that we’ll get to see each other.
Merry Christmas Sophia! My family surprised me with a DSLR – it made me cry!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xoJMxvSgQ4
Sorry you are not with your family, but I am sending huge hugs your way!
Oh my God! Biz!!! That is AWESOME! I just watched the video…I nearly teared up as well! You totally deserve it all!!! You’re a wonderful mother, a loving wife, and most of all, a beautiful person. Merry Christmas!!!!!
Merry Christmas! My mother doesn’t celebrate Christmas anymore and I realized this year how depressing it is visiting her. She is Jewish and my dad is Catholic so growing up we always did both holidays but I grew to really look forward to the festivities and spirit of Christmas. Now that she doesn’t do it anymore, the holidays are actually kind of depressing for me because I get into the season only for it to come to a screeching halt on Christmas Eve. It’s probably time for me to start my own traditions!
Wow, what a beautiful post!! I am most thankful for Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, as I most certainly DO NOT deserve it!!
Merry Christmas & that french toast looks delicious!
I have a culinary challenge for you; Taro Buns! The lovely steamed purple ones you can buy at Asian stores, and a moon cake!!! I think you would make great steamed rolls/buns etc! I was walking through one today (go figure; the only store opened on Christmas) and as I walked past them drooling, i immediately thought of you!
Hope you have an amazing Christmas!
Barbara
I can’t imagine being away from my family for Christmas, but
you’re a strong woman and I am sure they are just as sad as
you are–hang in there! Hope your day was merry & bright
i love this post so much… i think it is definitely important to reflect on the meaning of christmas beneath all the white noise… ive realized that i used to idealize christmas but now i know it’s not about perfection – it’s not about the perfect family or the perfect gift (though Jesus was indeed the perfect gift!) or the perfect dinner… but yeah, you’re right that it’s about what we have now and the time we have here on earth… it’s the little moments of quietness and peace where we can be thankful and just know we are truly loved that sets apart christmas time from the rest of the year!
and i am in love with all these illustrations and that beautiful green + red breakfast! and the amazing flavors. so creative!!! =) i made latkes for christmas morning breakfast (a bit ironic, huh!)
Happy holidays to you! and I am grateful for all that I have and the wonderful friends that I have met recently through blogging!
That has GOT to be the the BEST french toast I have ever seen! Love the cranberry-orange juice-marmalade sauce!
That French toast looks amazing. I’m loving everything cranberry right now!
This is lovely, Sophia! And I’m totally loving those illustrations – props to your friend! I hope you did have a wonderful Christmas, my darling girl, you deserve it! Much love coming your way from across the pond.
Jax x
merry christmas sophia, i hope you had a peaceful day
your brunch looks divine.
<3
Hello my dear!
What a great idea to post your friend’s art rather than having it go to waste. That’s one of the many things I love about your blog, it’s hardly ever me, me, me. You’re always introducing us to the wonderful people you meet and giving praise and kind words to all of them. I’m so grateful to have “met” you and found another victim to stalk
lol. I already got the best gift from Santa this year. It was K’s very first gift she made for me, a mold of her hand print. Written on the back was this poem:
. Hugs!
“This is my hand – my hand will do a thousand loving things for you. You will remember when I am tall, that once my hand was just this small.”
Guess her teacher had each child make these for their parents. I burst into tears after reading that poem. That was the highlight of my Christmas. Hope your holidays are going well Sophia. I saw that FB status. Whatever it is, just give it sone time to pass. If you ever want to talk about it or let stuff out, you know where to find me. I’ll always lend an ear, ok two for you
I hope your holiday was great despite not being with your family.
I have had people think there was something wrong with me before for not celebrating Christmas. As someone who is Jewish I find somethings are too much. Many times I feel like others are pushing their religion on me (obviously not you, I am talking about people I am around in person). I am not nearly as offended when people just want me to be in the holiday spirit but acknowledge I have a different holiday. Hanukkah was so early for me this year, so I was pretty much over the holiday spirit when that ended, although it is tough to forget about Christmas when you live on a Catholic island.
Merry Christmas Sophia!
I totally agree with you. I believe the true meaning of the holiday supercedes any religious affinities, as backwards as that may sound. It’s about love, gratitude, and joy. Anyone can feel/have that!
Your friend’s artwork is pretty amazing, and I’m so glad you posted it!
Even though many people treat Christmas as a materialistic holiday, we who are Christians have a choice to make it something so much more than that.
I hope it was an awesome day for you sister:)
Beautiful French toast! Cranberries have always been my preferred pancake/waffle topping.
that looks delicious!! merry christmas
I am most thankful for Christ, which is appropriate for the season, I guess (I don’t actually believe he was born on December 25th, but that doesn’t mean I don’t rejoice for the fact that God sent him, whatever that date was), but secondly I’m most thankful for my husband, who completes me. What I want will always be the same but I don’t know if I’ll ever get it: a Kitchenaid mixer! I did get the immersion blender, I wanted though, and I’m happy with that.
Oh! Matcha in the morning! What a great idea! I’m grateful for the friends who let me spend Christmas with them and their kids: best Christmas in years! It is what you make it, I guess.
Happy Holidays to you!
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, Sophia! Sorry you were away from your family, I remember how hard that was…I’m sending you hugs!
Love that french toast, the cranberry topping looks fantastic!
The older and older I get, the less the Christmas season means to me. Don’t get me wrong, Christmas Eve and Christmas day are still very near and dear to my heart. But the whole gift-a-palooza, let’s listen to seasonal music non-stop retailing season just doesn’t do it for me anymore.
I’m giving thanks that you shared this wonderful gift of a truly grand recipe with us, it looks perfect for celebrations.