Takoyaki; a winter break tradition

Every year, during the winter break from school, my family whips out the takoyaki maker. It typically comes out of storage around the 27th of December. The reason for that is because it is the one time of the year that we are all in the house before dinner time! 

We do mostly have family meals together throughout the year, but we don`t usually have time to prepare them together. So my husband or I prepare the evening meal. Throughout the school year, due to school commitments, such as club, and afterschool activities, such as piano lessons, the children don`t often have a chance to help with the evening meal. But for a lovely week or so during the winter holidays they do. And they love nothing more than a `takoyaki party`! 

Takoyaki is a great meal to make together. The children make up and mix the batter and take turns pouring it into the Takoyaki maker. They pop some tako (octopus) or sausage into each and top with nira as well as other ingredients of their choice. The Takoyaki is in the center of the table, and they take turns turning the octopus' balls until they are golden all over. 

Do you have a takoyaki maker? Do you use it often?