There are many colours associated with Christmas such as the red of holly berries, of Santa Claus or Father Christmas outfit; the green of fir trees; the gold of candles and stars; the whiteness of snowy fields.
Red is the colour that is considered the greatest excitement, and is also the colour of the month December. As the religious symbol, it stands for fire, blood and charity.
Green is the symbol for nature, youth and the hope of eternal life. It is for this reason that Christmas is a feast of hope, with a newborn child as its central symbol.
White is the religious symbol, which stands for light, purity, joy and glory. White is seen in the robes of Christmas angels, in Santa’s beard and suit trimmings, as well as in Christmas snow and snowflakes. In Northern Europe and in some of America, snow covers the ground at Christmas.
Gold stands for sunlight and radiance. It is the colour of the Christmas stars, tinsel, candles and lights. Many artists show Christ in a pool of light, or with a bright halo around his head.
CREATIVE CHRISTMAS PARTY FOOD
Would you like to impress your friends at the Christmas school party? Why not try these “cool”’ recipes which, with a little help from an adult, are not difficult to follow and will surely be a hit with your friends.
Cheese Balls
Ingredients
200g crumbled blue cheese
200g Cheddar cheese
1 pkt of cream cheese
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Milk or single cream (optional)
Method
1. Have cheeses at room temperature.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cheeses, dry mustard, onion powder and Worcestershire sauce. Blend well with a mixer. If the mixture is too dry add some milk or single cream.
3. Form into a ball, roll in walnuts. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
4. Serve with assorted crackers or Maltese biscuits.
Chocolate Coconut Bars
Ingredients
4 cups crushed crackers
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup icing sugar
2 cups shredded coconut
1 can evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup slivered almonds
300g chocolate chips
Method
Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix the crackers, butter and icing sugar. Pat into the bottom of a 9” x 13” pan. Bake 10 minutes. Mix coconut, milk, vanilla and almonds. Pour over crust and bake 10 minutes at 350°F. Melt chocolate chips over a pan of boiling water (ask your parents for help with this bit of the recipe) over low heat and spread on top of bars. Cool. Cut into small squares.
Makes about 24.
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Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
Method
Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat butter and sugar. Add egg, vanilla and almond extracts and beat well. Slowly add flour and salt. Once mixed, divide in half and chill for 1 hour. Once chilled, roll out dough and use your favourite holiday cookie cutters to cut out dough.
Bake for eight minutes or until golden brown. Let cookies completely cool, then frost and decorate to your heart’s content!
Frosting
1/3 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
*½ teaspoon almond extract
*1 teaspoon lemon juice
(*Use one or the other, or none at all, adds extra flavour)
Beat butter and sugar together, add a little milk, vanilla extract and any one of the flavours. Cover cookies and decorate with icing.