9 replies to this topic

[Agamemnon]

I ask the question because as someone who has not had an English xmas for at least 17 years I actually feel pretty homesick at this time of year. Going back to the motherland is out of the question, I work in a country that does not recognize it, only in the last few years has it been given as a holiday for those who celebrate it. Anyway, Izmir is dead on the 25th, amazing how the xpat community is unable or unwilling to organize something, still there you go.
So this year me and my other half shall go somewhere where at least they DO know what the date means. Just hop across that little stretch of water, take a few more Euros than usual and celebrate Christmas in Chios, should be a good ole Greek knees up, hopefully!

Oh yeah, sorry, almost forgot, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[Fil]

Er... Doesn't the orthodox church celebrate christmas in January? I'm not sure, but that's what I heard. It will be interesting to hear what happens over there on 25 Dec. But yes, happy christmas to everyone.

What are we doing? Well, it's not a work day, which is good. We were going to have a leg of lamb with mint sauce, but I couldn't wait and we had that last Sunday, so we'll just have regular sunday roast with apple crumble.We have a tree this year, unlike the last couple of years, as mrs fil took our original one to the creche. We may have presents to exchange, but present-opening discipline is extremely difficult to enforce with the three ladies, if we are lucky they may last to Christmas Eve.

I miss nothing about Christmas in UK, too much angst and stress about seeing everyone and presents. Except for the sport on boxing day, I do miss that. Football, horse racing, rubgy, so much to choose from. I may seek out a bar in the old town on monday insearch of that big match atmosphere.

And then there is my annual booking as Santa, but that should be in a thread to be opened next week under the heading and what about new year.

[gazio]

Sadly this year it looks like I'm staying here in Ankara. While I certainly don't miss the stress of pre- Christmas shopping etc in the UK, I do miss the Christmas feel at home, tree, decorations and the pile of pressies. This year I've brought some lights for the living room and have tried to make some Xmas garlands for the living romm as well, but sadly don't seem to have an artisitic bone in my body.

[istanbul]

Going to the Catholic Church in Ulus, Ankara. Then onward to İsmet İnönü's house which will be open to the pubic on the anniversary of his death.

[sunny]

Aggie is safe Fil, the Greeks celebrate Christmas on the 25th.

I will be at home and will cook a chicken as there won't be enough of us for a turkey. I brought some parsnips with me from the UK and a Christmas pud and I will make my own stuffing. I love chicken and stuffing sandwiches next day, if there's any left.
I'm going to get my tree and a few other decorations out today to put a bit of sparkle in the place.

As there is no church in Cesme I plan to watch the carol service from Kings College (provided BBC 1 or 2 broadcasts it) on my laptop as on Entertainment they only have the service from 2006!
I'll probably watch a few of the other repeats on BBC as well, just to make it feel like a proper Christmas!

I will also speak to my family on Skype video. Almost like being with them.

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[Meral]

Nothing out of the way here either -- but I will do a roast of course, which always comes up well in the coal oven !

Just as well you brought parsnips back with you Sunny ! The ones I planted eventually failed, one by one (yes, even that last little one, the mongrel !) Too bad there are no sweet potatoes in Turkey -- I'll have to make do with pumpkin (swedes aren't ready yet).

I wish everyone a very Happy Xmas !

[Abi]

No where as I will probably still be dog sitting for my landlady who seems to have vanished off the face of the earth. Last time I was looking after someone chickens and said that they were going away for a few days only to reappear over 3 weeks later.

I'm hoping my landlady doesn't pull the same stunt as it very possible that her dog is pregnant.

[Meral]

Too bad Abi ! Looks like you may end up puppysitting ! I hope your landlady realises your value ..... but surely it wasn't a condition of your tenancy, hehe ?

[Abi]

Good one Meral, neither was rushing around outside in my PJ's at gone 1 in the morning trying to keep her dog safe from others dogs by throwing buckets of water at them and nearly getting attacked.

[samanthaozkara]

Im back in Cardiff and full of the xmas cheer although shopping nearly put me off! Christmas day we have 10 family members coming to my mum and dads house for a big turkey lunch and I must say the little child inside me is very very very excited hehe.

Will see all the fellow Çeşme members next week!!

Merry Christmas everybody and a happy new year!!! xxxx