Hello 2013!

I was supposed to blog during the Christmas week but I couldn't be bothered. The Husband and I went out with family and friends and spent some lazy days in between so I decided to just take the whole week off blogging. I will be sharing our Christmas week holiday in the coming days but in the meantime, here's how we said hello to 2013.

This is probably our most non-fussed NYE preparations. I usually have a lot of things up my sleeve during NY celebrations because the event calls for an abundant table. It is Filipino tradition to have a lot of food on the table such as fruits (should be at least 12 different ones to signify each month of the year), something sweet and sticky, something noodly (for long life) and some meat (Lechon or Ham). For this year, we went on the minimal side of things. I'm so relaxed from our Christmas week holiday that I wanted to continue being one til New Year.

I baked Turkey Ham. Compared to my former baked hams, this was the smallest but definitely the fastest one to bake. Saved us time and electricity.

The plan was to cook Spaghetti but my Mom told me that since 2013 is the year of the Water Snake, she was told that a dish with soup is more auspicious. So I cooked Beef Pho instead as it had noodles and soup at the same time.

For something sticky, we bought Leche Flan instead of cooking Biko (which I did last year).

For something sweet, a round Japanese Cheesecake with fruit toppings.

And of course, the fruits!  We've got 15 different fruits that completed our simple but abundant table.

My Mom also sent us some Prosperity Candles that we lit at 11:30pm. 

At the stroke of midnight, we watched the Sydney fireworks on TV and then said a prayer before we ate Media Noche.

The traditions we have at home is not so much about superstitious beliefs. We do it for fun and it is always cheerful to welcome the new year with table laden with good food.

Happy new year to all of you! I hope we all have a great and abundant year ahead. Always be blessed! Live, savour and be grateful.