The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater: Read Along Thread 2

[Dillidilly]

Here's our new thread!

I'm having such problems with the site, please could someone post a link to the old thread for me?

@FireworkParrot

I've just read December 14th and agree with Nigel that stockings should contain little treats. In our house stockings are filled by Father Christmas for my DDs (the presents under the tree are from family and friends.) They contain small gifts...this year some hotwheels cars, a small teddy, temporary tattoos, new toothbrush, gingerbread men, chocolate and a couple of other bits and bobs.

And that's how it should be. None of this thing which is rife on mn where Santa brings the biggest gifts costing loads of money.!

If we put the baubles on the floor my husband would step on them-he did it with fairy lights one year, just after making sure they were all working!
That's definitely a LTB offence

Yes @FireworkParrot, that's how we always did it for our children.

My copy doesn't have a December 15th 😒

I've found you! The thread had dropped off my list!

Not much to report in terms of Nigel, simply enjoying reading along. I liked reading about the oranges in the stocking though - I always do it and DH and DS are 'huh?' So now I have a story to tell them.

I went to a very chi-chi Christmas food market over the weekend but managed to restrain myself to only buying a new tree ornament. I like to get one on my travels every year, sadly there's not been too much of that over the last couple of years but it was nice to get something new. Tree is up (plastic - I'M SO SORRY NIGE but once you buy one you have to keep using it) and looking pretty nice if I do say so myself.

@StormyCornishSeas Nigel misses out odd days here and there x

I have just caught up with the book. It is lovely to have something calm to read after all the horrible things that are going on in the world. The bit about him putting the tree up on his last Christmas with his mum is so sad.

I am going to make his chocolate spice cake.

The way Nigel talks about chutneys and pickles almost makes me consider giving a go to his chutney recipe. I do not need chutney! I still have homemade chutneys knocking around with labels from 2018!
But I did make cranberry sauce and had with Brie sandwich. It was lush!

Hey everyone 🎄🎄🎄

I’ve been absent for a while - going through my customary slump in the first week or two of December...just been focusing on keeping the hygge alive and not putting any pressure on myself to do too much (which for me translates to doing nothing much at all).

I did make the duck with pearl barley and red cabbage - well my homage to it, at least, made with duck legs instead of a whole bird, and it was really delicious. I ate it all with gusto and only remembered about the photo as I was finishing off the last few bites. 😄

I’ll do a read back of the thread and also catch up on the book tomorrow, hopefully.

A little bit of poncing for today...

I’m ill atm so saving my catch-up on the Chronicles until I’m on the mend. I’ve got the banana and cardamom cake at the top of my ‘to make’ list once I feel better.

Ive been listening to the podcast version in the evening and it's very soothing.

I have bought a copy of the book to give to my mum as a present but seriously debating getting one for myself! Do you think it's ok to start it after Christmas? Would you start from the start or just dip into the actual date?

@Plantsandpuddlesuits I think you can dip in and out as you wish x

This isn't really to do with the book but you lovely lot will understand

Our church has just cancelled all Christmas services.

I cried.

The beautifully haunting carols by candlelight gone, the christingle, midnight mass. Question mark over Christmas day.

Feel like the sparkle has gone.

They will be streamed but I'm deaf so it's just grim trying to listen online 😭

Ahhh @Plantsandpuddlesuits that’s such a shame and I completely understand why it’s upsetting.

I'm so sorry @Plantsandpuddlesuits 😢 ❤

Thanks both. It was going to be our first time back at church since feb 2020. I used to run Sunday school. But covid.......

Sigh

anyway I'm just about to settle down with a large mulled wine and start on nigel

As I've said, I bought a copy for my mums present but have decided to keep it for myself and will get her another one!

Plantsandpuddlesuits I hope you enjoy catching up with Nigel. I understand your disappointment.

We have finished work snd nursery for Christmas and my Mum is coming tomorrow.

@HollyandIvyandAllThingsYule

A little bit of poncing for today...

I’m ill atm so saving my catch-up on the Chronicles until I’m on the mend. I’ve got the banana and cardamom cake at the top of my ‘to make’ list once I feel better.

That's so pretty @HollyandIvyandAllThingsYule

My friend that I bought a copy of the book for made the banana bread the other day and said it was really good.

I got up early this morning and managed to sneak downstairs without waking anybody up. I love it when this happens but its a rarity as rambling creaky old house means footsteps do not go unnoticed!

Just popped the lamps on, made myself a pot of tea, I don't usually make a pot if its just me but thought nigel would approve especially as its a vintage teapot I love the ritual of tea making i don't know why. Alas we have no milk jug so I've brought the entire pint bottle through (we have a milkman) which somewhat spoils the aesthetic somehow

Anyway, tea, lamp, blanket and nigel, a perfect start to the weekend!

I've just sent a copy as a Christmas present to a dear family friend!

I only work part-time, so I finished yesterday. Mr Dilly is on his way right now to pick up the youngest from uni. All our other Christmas plans are in disarray, as the DD who was coming for Christmas tested positive earlier in the week along with her partner ☹

I've managed to read every day so far, and have been really enjoying that little slice of peace and mindfulness. I have a rare neuromuscular disease, which can have its moments, so Nigel has been a lovely reason to sit and rest too.

I am in awe of all of you with littlies, Guides, full-time jobs, etc, etc...I hope Nigel has helped you all to grab even an occasional little bit of peace and quiet xxx

Hello all, just checking in. @Plantsandpuddlesuits @Dillidilly I am so sorry the wretched Covid is messing with your Christmas. We were planning on a couple of trips out in the run up to the big day, but we have decided to hibernate instead as DH is CV and wants to avoid Covid if at all possible. Plus I don't fancy either of us getting it over Christmas.

Some lovely poncing there @HollyandIvyandAllThingsYule, hope you feel better soon.

Thanks @Claudethecat we will still have a lovely Christmas at home anyway with the children. Debating a Christmas day beach trip!

Having the Moderna booster on Tuesday has really kicked my bum this week, but I am feeling better today and I am still planning on trying the apricot brandy tonight if anyone else is!

@Savemesome

Having the Moderna booster on Tuesday has really kicked my bum this week, but I am feeling better today and I am still planning on trying the apricot brandy tonight if anyone else is!

I had my booster (Pfizer) and my flu jab at the same time it wiped me out for about 3 days!

No apricot brandy here but I'm planning sugar plum gin later If that counts 🤣

@Plantsandpuddlesuits it definitely counts! Sounds like a perfect drink for the weekend before Christmas