Christmas on the Way

On the 12th of December, we carried out our Secret Santa gift exchange. Basically it goes like this - you get a group of friends, put your names in a container, each person gets a name, and you become the Secret Santa for that person. One gift each, no hassle over every gift, and it's great fun when you don't know who's your Santa or what they will be getting you.

We got ourselves a little Christmas tree with some decorations. On that day all the presents went under it, bearing our names and concealing our sender. In any case, it is possible to tell from the wrapping or the handwriting. The one I bought was just behind the tree with the wrapping paper ribbon decoration I did on the top, with newspaper cuttings for the name. Inside it was a shirt with personal designs that I bought online.

Fairytale of New York

I'm learning a lot of Christmas songs. Not necessarily new, just that I don't normally hear them playing on the radio. Apart from the traditional ones, there are songs that range from pop to rock to soundtracks etc. My friends claim that the best song (and played most often) is 'Fairytale of New York'. "It's not Christmas without that song." I was told. I have to admit that it is a really catchy hit and I'm listening to it on Youtube now.

Look what I got! Yes, there's several bars of chocolate and two candy canes (they figured out that I have a sweet tooth), a bar of soap from Lush, a small tube filled with mini colour pencils (I must have mentioned that I miss having craft materials) and a heat pack in case it gets too cold. I'm really happy with it, so thank you, guys!! And especially my Secret Santa, Caroline.



Christmas crackers



Roast!



The next day, we had our Christmas dinner, with heaps of food resembling a mound and crackers by the side. Not the edible crackers, by the way.

Cooking them was long (because of the microwave), tiring and fun. It's going to sound strange, but I've not heard of some of these recipes before.

It was only then that I realised 'pigs in a blanket' consist of sausages wrapped with bacon. I thought Yorkshire pudding was a dessert when in fact it is a savoury dish. 

Christmas Dinner

Contrary to belief, I did inherit a strong stomach and can handle large meals without feeling too full. It is just that I prefer not to do so on a daily basis and my speed is slow and steady. Some of my flatmates eat twice as fast as I do. That evening, a couple of them got so excited they were done quicker than that.


Yes, it's my plate.

The food was gorgeous. I think we did well, and it was nice being able to eat together. After years of having an extended family with a food fetish, I did finish everything on my plate, which I am proud of (I was going to add 'secretly proud' of but now that it's out, I'll give it a pass), followed by awesome desserts.

Sinful chocolate cake paired with vanilla ice cream! Be jealous.

Later that night we had to take a rest in the corridor, which is in fact comfortable enough to sleep on. Later that week, the crowd dispersed, all going home now that the term is over.

Group Photo (it's not complete but still good!)

Not all returned home yet; it will be come Monday. I'll have time to plan my trips and go into the city again. I feel like watching a theatre. I might look into it. Until then, Christmas is on the way and it'll be good. I hope.