A Little Hospitality

You might think that hosting an open house for 100 people would be stressful or worrisome.  All day yesterday, my friends inquired with sympathy, "Have you been working hard all day?"  I just smiled.  Really, all I did last night was show up at my own party.  Our wonderful maid, Ana, cleaned the house squeaky clean on Monday; and my friend Ruth volunteered to make all the food!   She showed up with pans and pans of delicious tamales, rice and beans, set it all out on the table and replenished the food all night long.   I think everyone agreed we ate some of the best tasting tamales in Santa Barbara, last night. (She even cleaned my kitchen afterward!)

Let me pause to say a few words about tamales.  I've always been vaguely aware of the Christmas tamale tradition, but it wasn't until I moved to Santa Barbara that I realized what a huge deal tamales are around the holidays. Stores stock mountains of corn husks and pallets of pre-made masa, the corn-based dough that forms the bulk of the tamale. There's someone in almost every office whose fund-raising group sells tamales by the dozen every December — and believe me, there are plenty of takers, even among folks who usually make their own everything. Why? Tamales are heaven's food.  And no wonder.  I looked up the ingredients this morning and read that the recipe calls for pounds of lard!   I've never actually tried to make tamales myself.  There's really no need when it's so easy to buy the real deal in this town...

It's been a while since I entertained so many people all at once in my home. I love entertaining. Hospitality does not have to involve a lot of time and effort really.  All day yesterday, I was remembering my mom and how much she loved to entertain.  I have very fond memories of the parties my mom used to put on for her friends, and I can still see her in my memory, laughing and relaxing once the party started!  She was a wonderful example for me.  Hospitality, is also one of those characteristics that seems to come with the job of Pastor's Wife...  "contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." (Romans 12:13) It could be one of the more demanding parts, but I chose to make it a fun part of the job!

We had a full house last night--standing room only.  One friend asked me, "What is the most number of  people have you fit in your house before?"  I answered, "Right now!" 

And today we have at least 10 lbs of sweets left over!  After everyone was gone and the last dish was cleaned up in the kitchen, I commented, "What in world are we going to do with all these sweets?"  Ciza quickly chimed in, "Eat them, of course!"  

So here's to the holidays! 

Plenty of leftovers!!