My grandpa’s signature fish curry is the highlight of my family’s Christmas lunch

My entire family congregates at my grandmom’s house in Vizag every year for Christmas. I would look forward to seeing my aunt who stays in Kolkata and other relatives from Kerala to join us every year. The house would be packed with cousins running around making merry while the elders would catch up over cooking festive delicacies and sipping homemade wine. I loved to eavesdrop on the talks my uncles and aunts would be having, without getting noticed. There are plenty of fond memories, however, one childhood memory stands out the most. As a kid I would help my grandfather decorate the Christmas tree, but once, when I was may be around 12 or 13 years-old, I decided to do all the decorations myself and my grandfather said, “Okay, go ahead.” And for almost six-and-a-half hours I struggled but couldn’t fix a thing! Everything I tired to hook on the tree, was falling off. Later in the evening, when he came back and saw the mess I made, he laughed and said, move, “I’ll do it.” And he fixed everything in just half an hour (laughs).

And the Christmas lunch! My grandma’s mixed fried rice is legendary in my family circles, not to forget the plum cake. But the highlight of the Christmas lunch is my grandpa’s signature fish curry. He makes it with coconut milk and all, and it’s so yummy. It’s been almost four years since I had his fish curry as I was busy with work commitments. I hope I get to celebrate Christmas this time with my
family in Vizag.