No Pie for Me on Christmas December 26
So, last night I called my extended family up on the phone to wish them a Merry Christmas. They were in the U.S. and had just eaten a turkey with the works (complaining a lot about how full they were!) They told me that after they digested the turkey a bit they were going to eat home-made pies.
I got to thinking about those pies. I thought, “I’ve done my Mexican bit. I’ve eaten romeritos and bacalau. I’ve survived without Christmas cookies, without fudge, without gingerbread, without pie…. pie… pie.” I was picturing home-made apple pie. The kind made with cinnamon and a dash of lemon juice.
I asked my husband to take me out to buy pie. I knew it wouldn’t be as good as home-made, but at least I could have some. First we stopped at a sweetbread bakery chain. I went in by myself, reading the “yes, we’ll be open on the 25th” sign on the door without comprehending that that was foreshadowing for the rest of my search for pie that night. I grabbed a tray and some tongs and began to cruise the almost empty shelves. I made it to the cake cooler and didn’t see any pies. I asked about pie but the lady working there told me that they don’t do pie, but do have cheese cake.
I can’t eat dairy products, so that was out. I considered the cakes, but they all looked loaded with milk and cream. I considered other options, looking at the overpriced, flavorless looking Christmas cookies in cute little cellophane baggies, but decided not to settle. I headed out the door and we drove off in search of more options.
Everything was closed. Entire grocery stores were closed: locked up and completely dark. A restaurant that also makes its own baked goods was closed. Some restaurants and taco stands were open, but none that sold breads or pies.
We thought that at least it meant that all those people who work in stores for so little money were at home with their families enjoying Christmas (though, surely not eating pie) and we felt happy for them. I’m still pie-less this Christmas because I just don’t feel like making it myself.