Lasang Pinoy, the Christmas Edition was hosted by Mike Mina of Lafang. My entry won’t even qualify anymore as “fashionably late”, but I’m hoping y’all will forgive me, especially Mr. Mike:D

Nothing fancy this year. At all. Only a fraction of the cookies we usually bake got done (so my freezer is stocked full of nuts and other goodies!), hardly any Christmas cards went out, no gift baskets were put together, and even the plans for the live tree were chucked at the last minute — we had come home after 3 weeks of traveling and househunting to a snow- and ice- covered driveway, which would have made hauling a tree more difficult than usual.

Simplicity became the name of the game, even with the food. I tend to choose a theme for our celebrations, and this year was going to be Victorian, with roast goose and plum pudding … but that will just have to wait until next Christmas. Chris and Mina joined us, and we all enjoyed a quiet day at home, eating and talking.

Arroz Caldo, topped with scallions, fried garlic, lemon and chopped century egg

Spanish Clementines

Brown Sugar Ham

Ensaymada, Paco’s request

What’s good to remember is that no matter how simple our Christmas was, we were able to celebrate it with those we love. And that, along with God’s great gift of His Son, is more than enough to be thankful for.