The Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles Readalong 2024

[RainbowZebraWarrior]

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 good few pages by way of introduction. This is why I start the thread now; so that we have time to prepare and settle in.

A lot 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.

I shall post each day and we can share our thoughts and feelings on the day's recipes and sentiments. It's particularly lovely to share any memories and personal traditions (as Nigel himself does)

Note: Reading by candle light can be particularly enjoyable. Cire Trudon may be one of Nigel's favourites but they are somewhat pricey. Share your festive finds here, even if they are at the cheaper end of the scale and possibly NVN (Not Very Nigel)

Pull up a chair, grab a cosy blanket, and light your candle of choice. It's that most wonderful time of the year!

I read along last year but did not post.

I am really looking forward to it but will probably name change soon.

Thank you so much for starting this.

DD is doing it with me this year - at the ripe old age of 15.

Ooh this sounds fun! Have ordered book. £15.55! Bargain!

How lovely! My DD is 12 and she knows how much I love Nigel. Hopefully she might also join in one day. For now, she just wanders past my room of an evening smiling and usually says "listening to Nigel again?"

Loved doing this thread last year but just wasn't in the headspace to follow along with the (lovely) year round one so pleased to see this year's thread.

I have already started to make the hot apple drink from Christmas Chronicles because it is so very nice and is perfect for this time of year (if a bit earlier than the book!)

Just a quick note from me about pressure.

We all know how hectic life can be. It's OK to dip in and out. It's OK if every evening you don't get that long imagined perfect half hour to cosy yourself with a candle and a catch up with Nigel.

I'm not putting pressure on myself to cook much this year. As @NowLightOneThousandChristmasLights has already said, I've tried most stuff I already fancied and know which I like and want to repeat. I just like the peaceful pace and Nigel's gentle style of writing. I like the comfortable familiarity of this lovely tradition, and the memories it evokes.

That said, I do hope you all get at least five minutes time out each day. It's so important for our wellbeing.

There isn't any need at all to cook along if you don't want to/don't fancy it/can't make it work. The threads have always been about everyone enjoying the gentle hygge however best suits them.

@LillianGish I remembered what I was going to ask you! Did you take over the thread a couple of years ago (maybe three? 🤔) when the previous host was taken ill? If so you also did a lovely job of CC guardian. I don't remember her name (I think it was Dillydilly? 🤔) but I sometimes think of her and wish her well.

Ooh I've got that set. Cosy Nights sits on my dressing table and the Christmas Wish is currently on my bedside table. I've used the Perfect Peace one, and now need to repurpose the jar for a home made candle.

Evening all, I have lurked on previous threads with my CC to hand! Best time of year IMHO 🎅
I discovered this evening that you can get a signed copy of. A Thousand Feasts from Waterstones....just to add do the Nigel collection
!Signed copy

The sitting room is full of boxes because I've got all my Christmas decorations unpacked to go through them and declutter the things that no longer spark joy. It's probably going to take the greater part of the day tomorrow...but when that's done I'll be all set to start reading.

Never even heard of the Christmas chronicles until this thread but I have access to the audio book via spotify. Think this sounds lovely and with my blanket, cuddly cats and many scented candles, I'm keen to join in. Sounds perfect for this time of year.

Thanks for this. The year before last was my first year and I couldn't keep up at all. Last year I dipped in and out but didn't chat much but felt better about it.

The only recipe I tried last time was the apple drink and it was delicious.

Thank you for starting this thread, @RainbowZebraWarrior. I have just found the book on my library's Libby app.

You are correct @NowLightOneThousandChristmasLights. I did step into the breach a couple of years ago. I have to say I’m not so much into making all the recipes as marveling at aspects of Nigel’s life style. I had to laugh at someone further down the thread announcing they are joining despite not really liking Nigel (sacrilege!) 🤣 It is a very cosy place to hang out. Can’t quite bring myself to crack open the introduction yet as it has suddenly gone back to summery temperatures here - I was out and about with no coat again today. Once the clocks go back and DD and I do our Halloween walk round Père Lachaise I should start to feel a bit more hivernale!

I’ve lurked previously but never cooked anything from the book , but this year I hope to make apricots in brandy , in fact I was tempted to buy some fruit in liqueurs from marks , but now I will try to be VN instead
happy reading !

There's also a podcast:

https://up.audio/podcasts/itunes1444767211

Available on other platforms...

In common with some other posters, I have been here the last few years but fell by the wayside due to life getting in the way.
I shall endeavour to get a bit further this year!

Wonderful, @AnotherOneGone

Thanks for getting us all started @RainbowZebraWarrior . My copy of CC has been dusted off and I'm raring to go!

My book is ordered on Amazon!!

Many thanks to everyone for the lovely threads and especially the work that goes into running them, and also a special thanks to @Midlifeshenanigans who I hope is doing ok and to see on here.
Wanted to post before midnight, so going to catch up the thread now.

Ahh lovely thread!

Just a quick heads up for anyone wanting a Christmas Planner this year. This Wrendale one is lowest price in 30 days (lowest I've seen) I know a fee people who have them and love them.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wrendale-Designs-Christmas-Planner-Rockin/dp/B0BSR7B551/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=26KG9H9KIT8Q9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fR9LF0dwKoPKoQhqBe77DoGX5vjSKuuovqEtUFsRt_-MP_m2MQjCO1UVKXwsLtWj327z3r4PVIIfm10PAB7dmZC5tjC7K1qQ8_hf9TN0HvjPfUM6FYrCpgOWYp3WufLobeqKMhKK9yzDzyTWT06Vf-gSaCLRE0lvDUeACk4kz13meYzgg1dXhLPbu0xK0Ij7kvT9irwxHCyAjxUJ6aQMmA._rY9-WDWjspzvcJj7FQKVAiJCTnL3xjASqrlgngIaLw&dib_tag=se&keywords=christmas%2Bplanner&qid=1729707566&sprefix=christmas%2Bplanner%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-4&th=1&psc=1

@LillianGish I must confess I'm ever-so-slightly tongue-in-cheek about my aspirations to Be More Nigel. That's not to say I don't admire his perfectly curated home and his quiet luxury lifestyle! I'll have that please! I do enjoy his food writing a great deal, and of course I love the Christmas Chronicles. I would say I'm appreciative without approaching full-on worship level. 😉😁

This year I shall be quite content to just marvel - I am on a mission to simplify my life as much as possible.

@RainbowZebraWarrior My Christmas planner makes me happy every time I use it, with all its cheerful animal illustrations.🎄

@ClaudineChronicals I had clocked the spelling but I thought it might be some pop/ironic reference I wasn't getting. 😆

Joining in - I have my copy ready (a bit chewed at the corners after the labrador thought it tasted good).

This year I shall be quite content to just marvel - I am on a mission to simplify my life as much as possible -,in fact I find Nigel is perfect for inspiring me to do just this at Christmas. Once you get beyond his eye-watering expensive taste in candles in fact he’s all about appreciating what you’ve got. I love him because so much Christmas inspiration elsewhere is about making lists and buying more stuff - he’s more about encouraging you to use your favourite olive bowl (admittedly his is probably made by Edmund de Wahl), drink from your favourite glass and in fact a lot of what he describes are quiet, solitary moments in his rather sparse home rather than Nigellaesque huge gatherings. I always feel I can be more Nigel by getting rid of stuff rather than acquiring more.