Wednesday, January 7, 2009

We Feasted Like Kings

January 6th gently wafted down the final curtain onto our 12 Days of Christmas celebration. As the denoument to the joyous birthday parties, the Kings arrived quietly and cozily and set up camp with just our family in attendance . *


The gifts found simple representation and the light of candle beckoned us in to sup and remember that day so long ago when wise men journeyed to greet the New King.


Since Mexico celebrates the Epiphany, we dined on homemade tortillas (thank you Elizabeth -- YUM!)


and a simple stewing of beef, tomatoes, chilies, onions, garlic, and the remains of a jar of tequila-lime salsa. The pot simmered all though the day, filling the house with the scent of delicious anticipation for the King's meal.


Naturally Elizabeth selected "Three Kings of Orient" dinnerware in choosing the blue willow plates rather than the fiestaware we generally set out for a fiesta.


Toppings of grated cheese and shredded cabbage along with a ladleful of frijoles made for a royal banquet.


* * * * *


Today we carry the celebration forward as we break up the Christmas "Camp" and journey back to our "regular" life. The tree will go down with each ornament lovingly wrapped and stowed in preparation for next year. That "new" strand of twinklers that blew five seconds after gently icing the tree (well, actually only half of the strand went out -- argh!) will be tossed and I will once again clench my teeth at the planned-obsolescence of our societal ways. Gary will once again pipe up about his dream of an all-LED strand of lights as he goes off with visions of glittery inventions dancing in his head. (I know they already exist but only for a "King's" ransom and our wealthy kings have moved on after spending the night and sadly left no tip-filled treasure chest on the nightstand.)

Our treasure lives in our hearts and minds as we carry with us cherished memories of a Christmas filled with joy and wonder and celebrations of the Newborn King who came to us upon a midnight clear and lives to this day with us until He leads us home.

I encourage you to experience the 12 Days of Christmas, if only once in your lifetime. We already spin plans and share ideas for "next year."


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*I just love the little "camp" backdrop figurine included in this Nativity set. The palms, mounded treasure, and billowing fabric tents call out "luxury" and "oasis" of earth as such a foil for the rudimentary stable Our King came to inhabit. A dear friend gave this splendid set to me when she found she could no longer house such a large display ~~ she just knew I would make room for it. She was right! ; )

9 comments:

Becky said...

I wish I would have known you wanted LEDs. Safeway had them on clearance $4 a box. Still pricey but waaaay better than the original $15.99.

Sounds like a blessed 12 day celebration. I look forward to the kids growing up just enough to help with the preparation.

MARIA said...

The 12 Days of Christmas celebration sounds very good for me.
May the Newborn King be in our hearts!

Thanks for beautiful post, dear Debbie!

Yolanda said...

debbie,
I thank you for you comment and I know I have found a friend in you.

dawn klinge said...

Your royal feast looks delicious. We celebrated Epiphany with a visit from Old Befana, who brought the kids small gifts.

Laura ~Peach~ said...

looks YUMMMMYYYYYY !!!!!! We have yet to pack away the tree and lovlies ... procrastination at its best working in the house of Hall. being ill does not hurt either :)

Grandma Tillie's Bakery said...

Your stew looks wonderful! In a way I feel like I celebrated a little longer this year by visiting your 12 days celebration--thank you!

Anonymous said...

My Mom has a three kings set like that, with camels, donkeys and angels...this reminded me of that. Sounds like a wonderful time was had by all! And the food looks divine.

Karen said...

Can you believe that I've never heard of celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas until now? Maybe next year will start a new tradition here.

Suzanne said...

Beautiful and YUMMY!!! I'm a vegetarian, but my hubby would love the stew on a handmade tortilla and I'd enjoy it without the meat. I don't think I'd make torillas (lack of time) but would buy handmade at Trader Joe's. They're delicious. They don't keep well so it's best to freeze them.

Do you mind writing down the recipe for the stew? Thanks sweetie. I'll let you know how it turns out! Oh, and thanks too for the reminder to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas. I'm going to do that next year. I'll take photos!

XO Me

P.S. God I love this blog! I'm off to play more catch-up!