Perhaps I am too old for

Christmas? That I have reached Boxing Day relatively unscathed is something for which I feel grateful.

I was, as always, invited to spend the day with Middle Cat's extended in-law family. Her partner's family take it in turns to host the day. All I am expected to do is provide some of the food. I am happy to do that although I know there will be too much food. There is always too much food. It is one of the things which always concerns me about Christmas.

As Middle Cat and I were getting our contributions out of the car two members of the next generation arrived, followed by two more. 

"Congratulations!"

"Yes, congratulations!"

 They were greeting each other enthusiastically. I looked at Middle Cat.

"She's pregnant - so they are getting married," she told me.

I just nodded. Once it would have been a matter of great shame but now....? I just hope it goes well for them. I started thinking about what would be a suitable gift. Normally I give a copy of AA Milne's  "When we were very young" but I am not sure it will be appreciated this time. Oh well...there are at least another nineteen weeks to go. I can think about it.

I suppose it was that which set me thinking just how different this next generation is in that respect. They are kind. They are friendly. They are "good with kids" and "respect their elders" but they are very different. 

The younger generation was all over the place. "No Cat, go and talk to Baba!"  

(Their grandparents were there. They are old enough to be my parents. The grandmother is one of those truly lovely people. She is an excellent cook, a dressmaker, a gardener, wise counsel and much more. Her husband is one of those quiet people who takes in everything and will sometimes make a very astute comment - the sort that can put an end to to an argument. They also speak excellent English. I like them.)

Nobody speaks Greek anymore. Middle Cat no longer has to worry about trying to follow a conversation. I don't see her wince every time I try to say a word in Greek.  The next generation does not even know the language of their great-grandparents. Their parents would not think of sending them off to "Greek school" on Saturdays. They no longer go to church. That stopped as soon as they were old enough to rebel. 

Eventually everyone expected for lunch had arrived. Plates were heaped high from the food laid out. Middle Cat looked at my much more modest amount and muttered, "Better put some more salad on that so it looks like a lot." She had a point. I added more lettuce leaves and other greenery. It was enough. 

I made sure I was a good distance from the person who has extreme left wing views and likes to engage in political conversation. That meant listening to a discussion about getting tattoos in Bali (the under thirty years of age males) and the cost of clothing themselves and their young (the under thirty years of age females). I do not care in the least for tattoos but that was fine. I was not expected to even show an interest. 

The clothing conversation was one I did not intend to participate in either but, quite suddenly, one of the young ones asked me about knitting. Could she still learn? Was it difficult? She had seen some "cute" tops but they were not good quality. We discussed it with her grandmother joining in. There was suddenly a connection there as her great-grandmother described the dress she had worn on a special occasion as a child. And yes, she would be the one to teach her great-grandchild to knit.

"Let her teach you," I told M... later, "It will give her great pleasure. Once you get the hang of it you can do a few rows at night and relax while you do it."

She looked uncertain, "Mum can't knit or crochet or do any of those things."

I thought of her mother. She is definitely not interested in anything like that. 

"No, I know that but it would be another Christmas present for your grandmother if you showed a real interest in learning."

She gave me a grin and helped herself to another slice of a very traditional delicacy. 

"First of all she can show me how to make this!" 

There might be some cooking classes coming up - and that would also be a good thing.