The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater. Read Along Thread 2022

[Dillidilly]

INTRODUCTION

Nigel begins his Chronicles proper on 1st November, but there is a lovely, quite lengthy introduction we can dip into during the second half of October.

Last year, posters were also kind enough to share where they had found cut price copies of CC, so hopefully anyone late to the party still has time to find a copy before we start the first chapter.

I had forgotten the lovely introduction. Together with the beautiful photograph at the very beginning of the book, flipping through it and seeing his headings reminded me of why I loved it so much last year!

I've had one in Kathmandu too. Christmas dinner in theYak and Yeti with decorations obviously from the 1930s. Very very odd.

I make the Jamie Oliver gravy every year (minus star anise), I love the process and it makes fabulous gravy.

I got to make and enjoy the aubergine recipe last night, at last. Really recommend it.

I loved the chapters on the Magi and markets too. This reminded me of one of my favourite memories, my go to happy place when I want to fall asleep.

It’s Christmas, we are in Lapland, and I’m lying on my bed which is right under the window. There is a lit paper or foil gold star in the window. Behind it massive snowflakes are falling. My children are in their beds in the same room. We are watching The Hobbit in Finish. We are all cosy and warm……and this star in the window makes me feel like a small child again.

That's lovely fiscal!

I have not dipped into this thread since the pre-reading build up. Looking forward to catching up and sharing the festive spirit with you all soon 🎄

I've neglected to post todays date, and subject.

It's November 25th

And

Advent Calendars.

I'd bold it but, you know!

It's a lovely piece about advent calendars. I'll make an effort to dig mine out in time. I must say between a cloth one with pockets for Lindt truffles and my candle, I tend not to bother with the old paper one. His is a thing of beauty though!

Well, wouldn't you know!

Tonight’s chapter made me nostalgic for the pure joy of counting down the days til we would visit our grandparents for Christmas (on Christmas Eve, of course, as that’s when it’s celebrated in Denmark).

I remember the old-fashioned paper calendars, and how much I enjoyed discovering what was behind the door every day. No need for chocolate - the anticipation was reward enough, never mind the reveal! As is traditional back home, a treat was had on every Sunday of Advent instead - nothing elaborate, really, just homemade biscuits, a pastry or maybe a little bag of sweets or a pair of hair clips. What made it special was that it was wrapped up in a pretty package that sat out on the side during the day and I knew that I could finally open it in the evening after dinner; I loved that little ritual, and I especially loved being allowed to stay up a little later than usual to spend extra time with my mum. As a young child that felt like a real treat!

Really enjoying all the reminiscences. I have wonderful memories of the Christmas markets when we were living in Berlin - my favourite was the huge one that filled the Gerdarmenmarkt in the shadows of the French and German cathedrals, but also the little stalls that sprung up in little corners all over the city so that the winter air was permanently scented with gluhwein. So many of the decorations we hang on our tree were bought in German markets, also our neighbours gave both my children Advent calendars filled with sweets and that we still get out and refill every year. I have just been out today to get a selection of goodies to tuck in all the pockets - as much of a tradition as a stocking in our house.

@picklemewalnuts
Our advent calendar is a wooden one, bought at York Saint Nicholas Fair twenty years ago at least - so it is quite VN.
Got to dig it out of the conservatory first, though!
Other job this weekend is the cake, unfortunately not one of Nigel's - it's my DMIL recipe, tweaked to be gf. It's very good, and popular, some years I've made 10 as presents - this year as I am managing with a kitchen that is falling to bits (I'm getting a brand new one in March), so only two will be made.

His advent calendar is absolutely gorgeous. Ours is one with pockets I fill with chocolate for DDs and is much-loved, coming out every year.

I'm going to give my Christmas cake its last feed tomorrow having made it back in September. Then ice it next weekend I reckon.

I must admit I have caved this year and bought a Reese's advent calendar. I do love a peanut cup! Normally I take time to hunt out a non commercial calendar with the most Christmassy picture. I remember quite clearly the First advent calendar I ever got with chocolate in. It was back in the mid sixties. Chocolate calendars were unheard of then, or at least not in the darkest corner of Somerset where i lived. My brother's godfather was an airline steward and travelled all over Europe. He brought us all chocolate calendars back from Vienna. They were truly things of beauty and we thought they were wondrous!

I remember the first time I heard of one- a friend had it from America. In 70s.

The first time I had one I was disappointed by the lack of pictures and variety of chocolate shapes. My inner Nigel clearly formed quite young!

My advent calendar is knitted and filled with chocolate liqueurs for DH and I, yesterday’s chapter inspired me to get it out and filled.

We have another refillable one which is tiny stockings pegged on a line. 1yo DD doesn’t have chocolate yet but she’s dead keen on socks so I might just unpeg one each day for her to play with

After years of not bothering with a Christmas cake, Nigel has inspired me. I’ve a part used pack of fruit soaked in brandy in the cupboard that I picked up very cheap post Christmas. And using a Delia scale it up or down guide that I’m loosely following to get quantities of everything else as I’m using ingredients up Wish me luck
Copenhagen is lovely pre Christmas as are the German markets, can’t manage a visit this year but a short holiday to a Christmas market is definitely on the list for next year, maybe Sweden that sounded delightful.
I’ve had the occasional warm location Christmas but it’s never the same.

We’re not making a cake this year, which I’m rather regretting after reading that chapter...

Instead I’m making a German fruit log/cake thing from the Advent book.

I love Copenhagen anyway (obviously, with it being home!). Tivoli gardens is gorgeous at Christmas, beautiful with all the lights. But Sweden/Norway are better for snow.

Our local Christmas market opened this week. It's French (although I am in Italy) and rather expensive but still nice to wander around. There's mulled wine but I prefer the champagne and oysters!

We always have a paper advent calendar. My grandmother used to send one to me and then my mum started sending one to my kids too. Unfortunately, due to Brexit-related postal shenanigans, it's got too tricky so I get my own. I find the chocolate ones are frequently a bit disappointing so I prefer a pretty paper one - and I get my chocolate fix elsewhere. ☺️

@Swissnotswiss I’d definitely choose oysters and champagne over mulled wine!

I have had a couple of beauty calendars in years past. It was fun and I enjoyed having a surprise treat every day, but ultimately I found the waste too much so I probably won’t do it again.

I have a box of truffles set aside, which I plan to eat as advent calendar chocolates. That said, last year I failed soundly, after a stressful day. Suddenly there were we with no chocolate left. Hopefully this year will be more mellow!!

*27 November

Vienna, a city of sugar and whipped cream.*

I’ve set out the Advent candle holder, ready to light the first candle later when it’s dark. 😊

(I’ll read today’s chapter later, with the candles lit and a freshly made mince pie!)

Beautiful! I made today's at church, and neglected to get a photo! Not as tasteful as yours, Tangled.