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Christmas

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Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles Annual Read along 2023

991 replies

RainbowZebraWarrior · 23/10/2023 21:27

Hello all, it's nearly that time!

For anyone who has not already had the pleasure, the annual Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles read along is a real time annual MN tradition.

The book begins on 1st November, however there are a couple of chapters of preamble. That's why I thought I would start thread one now, so that we have time to prepare and fully appreciate Nigel in All His Splendour come 1st November.

Some of us already have the book. For anyone who doesn't, it's a challenge to see of you can pick up a bargain. WH Smith has come up trumps in the past, as has ebay. A rare and precious charity shop find is the holy grail and adds a certain special-ness that simply extends that warm, fizzy Nigel feeling (and some well earned smugness)

I shall make a post each day and we can share our thoughts and feelings on the days recipes, sentiments and indeed Dear Old Nige himself.

Note: Reading by candle light can be particularly enjoyable. Cire Trudon may be one of Nige's candle of choice, but it's somewhat pricey. We don't discriminate against other less expensive brands - even if they are NVN (Not Very Nigel)

Pull up a chair and a cosy blanket and join in.

Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles Annual Read along 2023
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anythingbutlillies · 23/10/2023 23:19

Just to say that the audio book is included in Spotify Premium subscription.

DaisyWaldron · 24/10/2023 03:47

Right, I've downloaded the Kindle version and am off to hunt down candles.

Speedweed · 24/10/2023 04:35

Has anyone done a cookalong? Not necessarily every recipe, but am clearing out my cookbooks so pushing myself to use them more. Any particularly favourite recipes from Nige in this one?

ApolloandDaphne · 24/10/2023 04:53

Ooh this sounds lovely. I might try and find a copy of the book. I have some good secondhand bookshops nearby.

Theoldwoman · 24/10/2023 04:55

Joining in too …

Nonplusultra · 24/10/2023 04:58

So pleased to see this thread. I’ll be listening along on audible as so far my diligent charity shop hunt has turned up nothing.

EnoughIsay · 24/10/2023 04:59

I want to join. I came across this thread last year and discovered this WORLD.

ChessieFL · 24/10/2023 05:04

I’m in! Thanks for starting the thread.

FannyCradocksDoughnut · 24/10/2023 05:04

I'll be joining along too, this sounds right up my street!

SardineJam · 24/10/2023 05:14

I came across the book on a December business trip to the USA back in 2018... bizarrely, it was my treadmill soundtrack (audiobook) and something about being on the treadmill with it being cold and dark outside (early morning pre-work workout), made it the perfect pairing. Since then I've been "spellbound" by it and bought the book a couple of years ago, sadly for me and the book it remains unopened, but will follow along this thread and hopefully get the book out in the open!

GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal · 24/10/2023 05:18

Ooh, I'm quite tempted to join in on this...could get it on my Kindle but would prefer a "proper" copy. Will have to see what I can find!

AlwaysFreezing · 24/10/2023 06:06

I bought this (sorry everyone, 1.99 in a charity shop) but I'm having a reading drought. I have an hours commute to work, so thanks to this thread, I'm going to listen to the first couple of chapters this morning to see if it will reignite my reading mojo. Thanks for the Spotify heads up!

Wolfiefan · 24/10/2023 06:18

I bought this last year but not until December then didn’t manage to read it. This year I shall! Looking forward to this.

CryHavoc · 24/10/2023 06:25

I'm in. I love Nigel

Jojoanna · 24/10/2023 06:31

Sounds perfect !

sparklefresh · 24/10/2023 06:32

AgathaMystery · 23/10/2023 21:43

Oh I have this and have never read it!!

Same! I am going to begin it though! Thanks OP.

Amimaimia · 24/10/2023 06:42

Ah I’m new this year to mumsnet and the Christmas threads have really won me over!

I have bought DS5m a 24 chapter storybook but you’re telling me I can have my own version with recipes included AND it starts in November? Absolutely sold. Now need to actually buy it from somewhere…

Wren77 · 24/10/2023 06:48

Ah lovely! I tried to join in last year but got left behind. We made a Christmas pudding (well 2 actually) and for a first attempt they were really nice!

Have just installed audible and downloaded the book which is VERY exciting - there are a couple of bits on Spotify but I didn't realise the whole book was out there - roll on misty Sunday afternoons, candles on, and Nigel talking about crisp winter days, warming plum puddings and crackling fires (and definitely no cheap scented candles note to self the glade apple and cinnamon scented candle will not cut it this year!)

stayflufft · 24/10/2023 06:50

Lovely idea, OP. Always pick this book up around Christmas time and always kick myself that I didn’t start reading it in November!

ohfook · 24/10/2023 06:51

I bought my copy last year on eBay right after Christmas for a couple of quid. I always fancy I bought it of a mumsnetter who'd just finished the readalong!

LadyPenelope68 · 24/10/2023 06:55

Oh I need to dig out my copy this year. My Mum bought it me for Christmas 2 years ago and I was keeping it ready for last Christmas (didn’t read it the year I got it as wanted to save it for Christmas). Sadly, my Mum died the first week of November last year and I wasn’t interested in reading it at all or in Christmas.

I will get it out and read it this year and think of her every time I read it ❤️

Waitwhat23 · 24/10/2023 07:05

Aha! I've been looking out for this as I really enjoyed it last year.

FinallyFinalGirl · 24/10/2023 07:10

I'm in. I bought the book a few years ago when the thread first appeared, but I never read it or joined in. This is the year!

lazysundaymorningcoffee · 24/10/2023 07:11

I am here and I will definitely join you this year.

I had every intention of joining in last year but always felt 'too busy'. I've since realised the amount of time I spend on Mumsnet and other sites is ridiculous and I must have much more time than I think. So here I am.

No chance to get a dark smoky candle before it starts because I am in the sunny South of Spain until the readalong starts. I prefer to get candles at tk maxx for the bargain and also like to smell them first. But I'm not convinced I'll get much sympathy for that. Ho hum.

The readalong should do the trick of catapulting me straight from the end of summer into cosy Christmas / winter vibes and I am all for that.

If any mumsnetters can share any simpler recipes that went down well that would be appreciated! I'd like to cook a couple of dishes from the book.

seasideoap · 24/10/2023 07:11

I'm in too.

Love reading along

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