Somehow the topic of past Christmas memories took over our conversations among friends. It was traditional foods that introduced ambrosia into the discussions. That word alone carried me to our childhood kitchen. The blue cabinet doors were perpetually swinging open to the tins of spices and canisters of sugar and flour.

Mother would be stirring in a cloud of flour while Daddy attacked the coconut with hammer and nail. That pounding and aroma of freshly sliced oranges meant ambrosia was about to be a part of our Christmas tradition one more year. (I would learn in later years that grated coconut didn’t call for a hard hat to obtain!)

When Daddy finally succeeded in piercing the coconut, its milky juice would be strained for another coconut dessert. After challenging scraping and grating of the portions of coconut, Mother would begin that tasty concoction. Bananas, lots of crushed pineapple and sugar would complete the dessert.

As a child, opening presents on Christmas Eve was the evening’s hi-light, but as I grew older, I learned to appreciate the grand finale that my parents served to all our family — trays of crystal bowls filled with super-chilled ambrosia and punch cups holding a boiled custard that always possessed an extravagant flavor.

When did the transition take place — my deeper appreciation for those Christmas delicacies? It was the maturity of understanding that life truly is like a vapor — time may hold the memories but no one can hold onto time. The years bring change. Families add members, and age witnesses the removal of others.

For me, Christmas will always be the celebration of Jesus — the greatest Gift ever given to the world. Because of that Gift of Love, my parents were able to express the joy of continued “giving” to their offspring. They shared abundant and sacrificial love that pointed me to Jesus, the perfect Model of love.

Our fridge holds this Christmas’ traditional boiled custard. Ambrosia is on my list for a post-Christmas delight. Both will be reminders of past Christmas joys and the certainty of change.

Hopefully our families will enjoy and appreciate these delicacies as we celebrate our eternal, immutable Savior.

 

Camille Anding