(…)
Well, it is.
I’m announcing 36×37 Assignment #23 Eve rather than Christmas Eve because you already know Christmas is on the horizon. Why would I tell you something you know I know you already know? One of these events is obviously more important than the other, and we both know which one that is.
Even so. Here’s what’s going to happen today:
- Make giant grocery list
- Drive to Market District and fill said grocery list
- Start cooking, and keep cooking—taking breaks only for church and Aunt Kathy’s Giant Christmas Eve Feast—straight through to Christmas Dinner
I’m doing the whole thing myself. Not a single other pair of feet is welcome in my kitchen.
That’s the assignment. Cook Christmas Dinner, ’60s style.
(courtesy of AMC Studios)
Here’s the thing: As a Mad Men fan, I tend to romanticize the 60s. It might have everything something to do with Don Draper. Or Joan and her fabulous sass, or Betty and her fabulous wardrobe. It might. Because that’s the pretty surface of things.
But here’s the other thing: Do you think Don Draper ever did the laundry? Or cleaned the bathrooms? Or sat on the floor for hours playing Legos with his kids? Or did any of the really incredible things my husband does to make sure we’re equal partners in our marriage?
If you answered “yes” it’s clear you’ve never seen the show. Because Don Draper would instead be out wooing some tripped out artist or foxy elementary school teacher or under-aged niece of the woman whose husband’s identity he stole.
At any rate. I don’t like to take things for granted. And since I’ve never tackled The Feast of the Year on my own before, I want to give it a try to remind myself how good I have it. Because maybe I’m a little bit spoiled. And maybe I’m looking for a way to say thank you to the people I love most. Just as importantly, my epicurean parents with their incredible cooking talents deserve a year off.
Come back Tuesday, when all the sordid details will await you. In the meantime, Happy Holidays to you and yours. May the greatness of the season bring joy to your heart, comfort to your spirit—and warm deliciousness to your belly.
~*~ Find me on Twitter @36×37
~*~ Visit the 36×37 facebook page
Wow. I’m impressed. I’m doing the same thing this year by default, since Mom’s sick. Only I dialed it down a LOT (she always does those crazy gourmet rack of lamb thingies with the little hats). I’m doing the “698 words to cook a brisket” recipe instead.
Cannot WAIT to see pix!
I can’t wait to hear about how it all works out. I’m only making two dishes for Christmas dinner this year, but we’ll all be at my parents with 13 people, 2 babies and 5 dogs. Yikes!
I love Mad Men for all of the reasons you mentioned. But you’re right – as much as we may long for a *simpler* time there are so many reasons the “good ol days weren’t always good.”
Good luck to you on your feast and I can’t wait to hear how it all turns out.
Merry Christmas!
I’m looking forward to all the details as only you Maura can write them. I’ll be praying that your septic system, water, and electrical systems function properly and your loving hubby doesn’t have to take a plunge into the toilet 10 minutes before Christmas dinner like my hubby did before Thanksgiving Dinner. Blessings, Jeanne
What time do you eat this feast and do you deliver?
I’d never seen Mad Men until a couple days ago, when I bought Season 1 on Amazon for $9 as a digital download. Holy cow. Why didn’t anybody tell me about this sooner?
Have fun cooking Christmas dinner! Remember: Worse comes to worse, you can take the family out for Chinese on Christmas Day!
I’m sure your dinner will be amazing, Maura! No one is allowed in my kitchen when I’m cooking either!
I hope you and your family have a lovely holiday!
Hugs,
Wendy
Can’t wait until tomorrow to taste your delicious dinner and partake of your excellent hostessing skills. Love, Mom.
Can’t wait to read all about ‘The Feast’ on Monday
I haven’t stepped into the kitchen ever since I moved back…too many cooks is my excuse!
have a Wonderful Holiday with your family and may the joy of this season stay with you always
Hugs, H.
p.s. Will have to watch this Mad Men!
lol. brilliant.
Well best of luck with the feast or rather i hope the feast went well.
Happy new year Maura
I hope the dinner went well! I can’t wait to read about it!
Don helped with that stuff. He helped with that stuff all the time. He paid Carla. That’s right, don’t you forget Betty has a maid — or she did until she fired her this season.
Crystal
http://www.crystalspins.com