The feast

As it's Christmas Day I thought I'd talk about the feast this morning.  In English Christian households, Christmas dinner has almost become a religion of its own.  We call it The Big Day, and everyone is expected to produce a marvellous meal.  Families who haven't seen each other for months - or maybe even since last Christmas Day - gather together to eat far too much.  

There's lots of material for our stories there. What about the obese woman who's finally tackled her overweight and doesn't want to put all the pounds on again?  Does she risk offending her new mother-in-law by refusing her ample portions?  What about the guest whose religion forbids him or her from eating what is offered?  

Family feuds that have run for years resurface at Christmas.  We're all expected to play Happy Families at this season, but the reality for the person who is cooking the feast is a lot of stress and hard work.  What if the cook goes on strike on Christmas morning and refuses to feed the family she hates?  And yes, the massive burden of producing Christmas dinner usually falls on a woman.  

Perhaps this year the son who is trying to break free of his controlling father will finally stay away.  His feast might consist of cheese on toast in a damp bed-sit, but if it means he's finally claimed his life that would be its own kind of celebration.  

In Panthera : Death Spiral my characters celebrate the successful end of their mission by a feast on the terrace of the game lodge where they're staying.  It's the first time the three Hunters have been together for years, and along with eating some delicious game they get to renew their bonds with each other.  That's the best kind of feast, good food with good friends.

Whatever your feast is today, enjoy it, and keep an eye out and your ears cocked for material for next year's stories as you eat.