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 dithered in front of a scented candle in Lidl today, thinking of Nigel. What stopped me was not his complaints an synthetic scents, but remembering I have many already 😂

Heheh. I have a big, posh, all natural one that I got for Christmas last year. I’m quite sure it’s at least halfway to Nice Enough for Nigel. But so far I’ve used it as an ornament in the living room! 😁

Citrus and Sandalwood. Might treat myself and light it throughout November...I don’t generally believe in saving things ‘for best’ so it definitely needs using at some point!

That was the kind of scent! There was a rosewood and something, and a cedar wood and something. I was so tempted!

I may break out my national trust winter spruce a bit early

In the spirit of the thread I would say if you have them use them - no need to go out and buy more. Find a lovely candle holder or pot to stand them in (even a few tea lights in jam jars can can add that cosy, twinkly, hygge effect).

Absolutely. I’m not going to buy anything this year if I already have something similar.

First item on that list will be the jar & numbered advent candles; I’ve got a Georg Jensen calendar block candle that I only started burning ever so slightly last year - it hasn’t even reached the 1 yet! Second item is a Christmassy fragrance blend - I already have bay oil from last year and I’ve got Bergamot oil that I use for my baths. This year in Dec I’ll mix those to make a (hopefully) nice blend. If I see the Advent book at anywhere near half price I’ll allow myself that, but if not I’ll only add Christmas recipe books to my collection if I find them in charity shops.

I have just purchased these little advent candles.

theforestandco.com/products/advent-candle-holder-or-storage-jar?_pos=4&_sid=c91d22bef&_ss=r

Oh no! They don't come with candles. Now I shall have to shop for some. What an error to make.

The jar is still very cute! I’m sure you can find the candles on amazon (or other online retailer).

I usually have an inexpensive dinner candle knocking about. I use a ruler alongside it to mark 25 increments +1cm, then write the numbers on.

A sharpie, or metalic marker works well. Scratching with a skewer also works.

I've an old fashioned candlestick, the 'wee Willie winkie' kind, that I use.

So that's my usual advent candle, I'll post a photo when the day comes!

I’ll settle for any candle that can elevate my room fragrance above ‘damp Labrador’.

Currently something from TK Max is doing a good job!

I've finished the introduction as I had a rare evening to myself so enjoyed it while I had peace and quiet.

Picked up a copy I ordered at the library , I didn’t realise it was so many pages ! Also haven’t had chance to read all this thread but already feel I should go and harvest my quince to put in a bowl , again I didn’t know they had a fragrance and have had them in our garden for 30 years 🤦🏻‍♀️

I've finally given in trying to go back to sleep and have decided to come downstairs and read the introduction. I've turned on the lamps and lit the glade smelly candle (on clubcard offer at Tesco this week). I'm tucked under my heated throw and all is quiet in the Weasel household. I'm actually a little excited, it doesn't take much when your middle aged and knackered 😆

Look at this little heap of jewel like splendour! I do love opening my veg box. It's got things I'd never actually stump up for- fennel, persimmon- but do enjoy.

Oh yes I feel like it’s Christmas every time I get our box. I choose what’s in there though so it’s not a surprise. But still, it makes me happy. Little parcels of goodness! At this time of year I especially love the squashes and pumpkins.

In addition to my bargain eBay book I downloaded it on audible and listened to the introduction yesterday - wonderful.

Just read the introduction. I love his writing. My first baby is due the week after next and I'm so looking forward to us cosying up together over the beautiful winter season.

@Novella12 ahh how lovely! A CC thread baby!! Congratulations and good luck with bringing little one into the world. 😊😊

Started the intro this morning, I forget how
long it is. Seems too soon in some ways, its so mild (I was out in a vest top yesterday and not cold).

I like the diy advent candle idea posted upthread so am going to look around and see what I can come up with myself instead of buying something. I don't think we have any dinner candles (except black ones that drip 'blood' down their sides for Halloween). Pinterest here I come!

I'll be reading the intro one morning this week, while it's half term and the girls are likely to be in bed for hours 🤣

I think we might soak the fruit for Christmas cakes today, to bake either tomorrow or Tuesday 😋

Thank you @NiqueNique! Feeling terrified, excited and exhausted all rolled into one at the moment 😂

How wonderful...you've added another level of joy to the thread! 🥰

I had my baby this time last year and, if I forget the struggle and fuss, it was magical to hunker down at home and be cosy and enjoy her newbornness. Enjoy!

I started the introduction earlier - it felt right to wait until it was dark! I’m longing for the cold days, wrapping up in coats and scarves and then coming home to a warm drink. Nigel’s writing is very evocative, and it’s given me all the feelings I get as we creep towards Christmas. It helps that the house smells of Christmas cake after my baking today!