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“Who, Isaac?” I ask.
She nods.
I glance over at him as he photographs Hal.
“Lake Mistletoe is no Paris,” I muse.
“And Paris is no Lake Mistletoe,” Dawn adds.
Norah sighs. “How is that man single?”
Dawn laughs. “Right? If I wasn’t married, I’d be all over him. I wanted to set him up with my best friend, Kelsey, but she’s in culinary school, and between classes and her still licking her wounds over the last man, it never seemed to be a good time.”
“Sela, you should totally take advantage of him,” Norah urges.
“He’s leaving tomorrow,” I quip.
She taps my shoulder with hers. “I know that, but he’s here now.”
The boys return to us, their hands loaded down with bags of salty-sweet snacks.
“The nativity will be over soon. I need to head back to the inn to help Alice finish with dinner prep,” Willa says.
“I’ll find Mom, and we’ll come with you,” Norah says.
“You should come to eat with us, Sela,” Willa invites.
Isaac’s eyes come to me. “I know Cobie would love to spend one more evening with you before we go,” he encourages.
“I’d love to.”
The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg fills the air as we stand around the island in the inn’s kitchen.
With our bellies full of Alice’s chili and cornbread, we all wait for Isaac to impart a lesson in Swedish Christmas porridge.
“Welcome to the heart of Swedish holiday traditions,” he begins. “This porridge, orjulgröt, is a cherished dish during Christmas in Sweden. It’s a thick, sweet rice pudding that is served warm, but what makes it truly special is the hidden almond.”
Cobie leans in, her eyes wide with curiosity. “Why do they hide the almond?” she asks.
Isaac smiles as he expertly measures the rice and milk. “During Christmas dinner, they serve the porridge from a large dish, and as they eat, the person who finds the almond in their bowl receives good luck for the year ahead. It’s a bit like finding a treasure,” he explains.
“But how do they make sure the almond stays hidden?” Cobie asks.
Isaac smiles. “That’s the trick,” he says. “Everyone in the family takes a turn stirring the porridge, making it nearly impossible to tell where the almond is.”
One of the other children asks if they can stir the pot, and Isaac assists them as the porridge gently bubbles.
He patiently continues explaining the significance of the dish as they all line up for a turn to stir.
“In Sweden, Christmas isn’t just about the presents or the feasts. It’s about coming together, sharing moments, and embracing the spirit of togetherness. Finding the hidden almond is a symbol of good fortune and a reminder that life is full of surprises.”
I love how a simple almond can bring so much joy.
Once the mixture thickens, Willa and I help ladle the creamy porridge into bowls.
Isaac tops each one with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a couple of raisins as Trixie passes each individual a spoon.
“Now, the best part. Let’s see who of us is lucky enough to find the almond this time,” Isaac says.
