A Maltese Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve started with coffee in bed and a lovely little lie in. We then set off with a pastizzi picnic in tow to see the west of the island. We loved driving through the small villages though some roads were like driving on bridleways haha! Impeccably navigated by Kate, who took great delight in spontaneously pulling into places. We were headed to the Dwejra Cliffs, but first stopped at the “Ta Pinu national shrine”. We heard that many people make pilgrimages here due to strong links with miracles. Within the beautiful cathedral there were rooms dedicated to these miracles, adorned with stories, thank you letters, bike helmets, plaster casts, etc.

We next stopped at “Wied Il-Mielaħ window” which is an interesting rock formation, all the more interesting today with the big waves crashing against it/up the channel creating beautiful shimmers of rainbows as the sun met the spray.
When leaving, Kate suggested I pick a prickly pear… which ended in prickly fingers!

We then spotted a craft centre and pulled in, buying a handmade new prickly pear theme Xmas decoration, and enjoyed a coffee/beer. After this we admired the waves some more at Dwejra bay, and enjoyed our picnic overlooking these from the shelter of the car, out of the blustery wind.

On our 25 minute drive back across the island we passed the remains of the disused aqueduct, and called at a few shops to try get some food Maya liked. She seems to have gone off her sister’s hypoallergenic stuff, but happy enough on Sheba.

I then did some baking, trying out a cake in the Ninja, and some oat cookies (yum) whilst Kate finished the paint by numbers project!

The evening was extra special. We sat in the square at Qala (the next village on) eagerly awaiting the procession we had read about. It was a little late starting and we had to take a chance and follow some strangers to find the start, but it was very sweet - children carrying signs and stars, followed by a marching band, and finally 4 teens bearing a crib with baby Jesus. It wound round the village streets and we followed behind a little while, before darting off to snag a space in the Parish Church ready for the service. This was not like a service we were expecting - more like a jazzy Maltese school assembly - singing, trumpet players, carols, a play, finishing with a raffle/lottery, the prize of which was a large model stable and characters.

We returned home, got snuggly, played with the girls, and watching one of our favourite films - the Grinch.

A different but very special Christmas Eve!Les mer