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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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VickyEadieofThigh · 24/10/2023 22:04

I ordered a "good condition" 2nd hand copy from Amazon this afternoon - I'm looking forward to this thread making me feel a bit more Christmas's because I must admit that I don't much. It's only my partner and me every year for Xmas, mind!

MaitreKarlsson · 24/10/2023 22:08

Ooh can I join? Seen this in previous years.
Do I need to buy the book for photographs, or is the Kindle version OK?

Sportycustard · 24/10/2023 22:09

I stumbled across a reference to this annual Christmas readalong back in August and managed to bag a bargain £3.99 good second hand copy then, so I'm excited to join you all.

I didn't realise candles were involved so I may have to raid the cupboards and see what lurks within!

RainbowZebraWarrior · 24/10/2023 22:13

MaitreKarlsson · 24/10/2023 22:08

Ooh can I join? Seen this in previous years.
Do I need to buy the book for photographs, or is the Kindle version OK?

If you want to listen to the audio, I'll happily post photographs from the book on a daily basis (or at least, as often as there are any)

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Stoic123 · 24/10/2023 22:18

Just dug out my book this morning (and then ordered myself a Carmelite candle- ouch 😬)...and have now found you all.

I tried to keep up with last year's thread but failed. This year I am hoping to carve out a bit more time for gentleness, self-care and calm in the run up to Christmas. Nigel is a good companion for that. Looking forward to reading the delightful intro this weekend.

@SeaPool - wishing you happy memories.

AnneShirleysNewDress · 24/10/2023 22:19

Can I join? I already have the book.

KrazyboutKillian · 24/10/2023 22:21

@lucysmam
thank you , I have had candles from them before ( and forgotten about that company ) , their coffee one is gorgeous, off to have another look

LizzieSiddal · 24/10/2023 22:22

I’ve just ordered a copy after reading this thread. A read along sounds a fabulous thing!

RainbowZebraWarrior · 24/10/2023 22:26

Speaking of lurking, @Sportycustard I had a good old lurk around our local charity shops this afternoon. It was a veritable smorgasbord of festive delights. I got some lovely glass baubles and had a leisurely rummage as for once I was on my own. They had both new and donated Christmas candles and it was all in good nick. I've always dreamed of walking in and finding a proper fancy candle in the bargain bin, but it's never going to happen. Walking through the door is always rather exciting though. Just like Christmas itself - full of anticipation and promise!

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Wolvesart · 24/10/2023 22:43

Have the book and I’m facing our first Christmas without GPs over for dinner. The DC is a teenager, so this could be the right time to do this

Woollyjumpersandtomatosoupweather · 24/10/2023 22:48

I have this book in my "to read" pile from last year! I'm in!

MinnieMountain · 25/10/2023 05:37

I’ve just bought a copy. It sounds like a lovely build up to Christmas.

YuletideSolace · 25/10/2023 05:40

It really is.

I mean, some might find Nigel a bit too...something or other...but I find his writing incredibly soothing. And the photographs are little works of art.

Witchbitch20 · 25/10/2023 07:33

May I join in?

Life is not great at the moment and could do with a distraction.

DarlingCoffee · 25/10/2023 08:27

Joining! Managed to get an autographed book off eBay signed by Nige himself. Very excited to re-read.

SilasMarnerJekyll · 25/10/2023 08:44

I'm in! The book is on order and it's just what I need to get me in the mood for the season ahead.

InglouriousBasterd · 25/10/2023 08:51

Marking my place! I wanted to do this last year but couldn’t find a reasonably priced copy - just got it for free on Prime for Kindle. Never quite the same as a real book but I will settle!!

HughCanoe · 25/10/2023 09:02

Witchbitch20 · 25/10/2023 07:33

May I join in?

Life is not great at the moment and could do with a distraction.

I'm sorry for whatever you are going through 💐I hope the book proves to be a small solace

MarisPiper92 · 25/10/2023 09:11

Joining! I've been on the previous couple of readalongs, always feels like Christmas when Nigel comes out. His self-confessed candle snobbery is my favourite chapter, but unfortunately I have Santa Maria Novella tastes on a St Eval budget.

ApolloandDaphne · 25/10/2023 09:11

I've ordered the book from my local bookshop. I also have a lovely brand new Diptyque candle as that seems to be part of the experience! Looking forward to it.

boodlebeep · 25/10/2023 09:11

I'm intrigued. I've downloaded the kindle version as I do all my reading on it. I'd love to join in.

Waitwhat23 · 25/10/2023 09:17

MarisPiper92 · 25/10/2023 09:11

Joining! I've been on the previous couple of readalongs, always feels like Christmas when Nigel comes out. His self-confessed candle snobbery is my favourite chapter, but unfortunately I have Santa Maria Novella tastes on a St Eval budget.

One of my favourite things to do in Florence is to wander around the SMN Farmacia. I can only afford a small soap there though!

Countmeout · 25/10/2023 09:18

I got the book ages ago. Remarkably knew where it was this morning. Will try to follow along.
I love Nigel and his kitchen. Will have to try and find a free version to listen to as well. He is so relaxing to listen to.

RainbowZebraWarrior · 25/10/2023 09:43

Good morning all and welcome to new 'members' of our gentle little Nigelesque world.

I'm just flicking through the few pages in the introduction part for the next six days till we start proper. One thing I feel is very apt is on page 10 and it was @Stoic123 that made it jump out at me as it's about self care.

Our lives cannot always be about other people, love them as we do. We need some time for ourselves. I am never, ever without a book, but I do read differently in the winter. My feet curled underneath me, a blanket over my legs.

Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles Annual Read along 2023
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OddBoots · 25/10/2023 12:02

I have been on MN years but seem to have missed this in previous years but I would love to join in, I have Prime so I have picked up the Kindle version. Thank you for this.