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!

Yes @LillianGish that's exactly what I love about it, and why I don't at all relate to those who begrudge him his money/lifestyle.

@PumpkinSpicedTea I love the apple drink.

I always feel I can be more Nigel by getting rid of stuff rather than acquiring more.

That's a brilliant way of putting it; I'm going to really lean into this over the Christmas period and beyond. I managed a Low Spend commitment for part of this year but it's my primary response to stress, other than eating which I have to be careful with for health reasons, so I've fallen back into it a bit. I am planning a No Spend commitment for 2025 (other than self care/essentials) so I'm aiming to gently get myself into that mindset over the next couple of months.

I'll try my best! But I actually haven't lived in Scandinavia for most of my adult life so I'm a bit rusty by now. I try to remember what certain flavours like lingonberry and rosehip taste like but I'm not sure I can actually trust my brain these days, heh.

@Midlifeshenanigans I've happily spotted your earlier post. Thank you for helping me to actually be here.
IME life is what is actually happening while we're busy planning how it's going to be, which is all the more reason for finding moments away from difficult realities either to dream or to appreciate the small joys off life.

@LillianGish You've summed up why I appreciate NS, despite having a life very different from his, (though some uncomfortable similar parts) including being a lifelong vegetarian.
Appreciating what we have, and what connects us all, can be a really good antidote to what we don't have, is striped from us, or have never had, that makes us different in other's eyes.

Some come into the world in situations that create solitariness, others find themselves deposited there early, but many will experience it at the other end of life, so an understanding of how to truly appreciate it, is an essential life skill imo.
Amongst other things, I've known a lifetime I will never be able to afford much of what I find wondrous, but it is people like Nigel that caused me to stop and reflect on things like why exactly is that 'favorite Edmund de Wahl olive bowl' considered a thing of beauty to have and use? Do I agree, and if I do, could I learn enough to make something inspired by it that gives me or others the same pleasure?

The answer to which is who knows, but the journey trying, brings so much to life.

@EphemeraleEudemonia a wonderful comment. ❤️

I will be joining in as soon as we get home. Currently enjoying Europa Park I n Germany.

I'm was just pondering where to book for DDs birthday meal in a few weeks when this popped up. Ooh, new champagne bar in Fenwick! Gregg who I wondered (trying to think of a celebrity chef with the first name Gregg)

Nope. Greggs the bakers. Steak bakes paired with the finest champagnes in the world. I feel like it must be an early April fool!

Oh my lord.

There's something for everyone I guess...

I’m joining in under a new name. This is my first year as more than a lurker and very much looking forward to it

😂 Hehe. I've just read a review in The Guardian. Apparently the greggs sausage roll pairs very well with a Bollinger Rosé.

You couldn't make it up!

WWNS? (What Would Nigel Say?)

Definitely NVN!

I actually appreciate a smoking hot steak bake if circumstances are exactly right. But this is one step too close to irony for me.

(Once every 3 years or so, heh!)

I can't do maths today, heh. Now I really fancy a steak bake!! 😆😆

Having loved reading the latest NS on a sun bed in Greece recently and reading out snippets to my husband as possible Pseuds Corner entries, I'm keen. Going to track it down as it's the only one missing from my collection.

Signing in and thanks for starting the thread @RainbowZebraWarrior.

Thank you for starting this year's thread and for letting me join this year. ☺️

I've just started the introduction and wanted to share a few thoughts as they come up.

"Away from the stifling airlessness of summer, I once again have more energy. Winter has arrived. I can breathe again."

This is a perfect description of my experience! Thank you, Nigel! Every Summer I go through a serious period of depression and suicidal thoughts, which I now know is because I'm autistic and have the most severe sensory overload throughout Summer. It gives me a lot of fear about the approach of the warmer months, and the cooler months are when I try to come back to life (as much as I can!) as well as prepare myself for the heat the next year.

Today's Autumnal activities have included picking some of the last flowers from the garden while clearing it and getting it ready for a new season, knitting socks with a candle lit and Christmas music playing, making a batch of lentil and vegetable soup for lunches and preparing a mug of hot chocolate to drink while reading CC in my new pyjamas. I'm trying to decide whether to bake a treat this afternoon.

I'm going to save the rest of the introduction for another day, but now want to go back and read everyone's posts! 🌲🌲🌲

@NowLightOneThousandChristmasLights

I'm also planning to take it easy and see what I fancy, no pressure! I'm using it more for inspiration (and enjoyment) as I'll need to vegan-ise all the recipes and I also don't drink and hate raisins/sultanas etc! 🤦🏼‍♀️

@MintRobin Do you have to have Spotify Premium to listen to the audiobook? Sounds delightful!

@EphemeraleEudemonia Thanks for your comment about solitude. I love anything that romanticises alone time, and actually find myself able to feel most festive and Christmassy when I'm on my own. Quietness is very festive to me!

@WhatIsUp Hi. Myself and my DD are both Autistic and struggle with sensory issues in the heat. We also have EDS which means we have temperature intolerance. DD struggles more than I do, but we both breathe a sigh of relief as the winter months approach. I think it is also to do with less expectations (e.g. expectations to constantly be outside as the weather is 'lovely' everyone having barbecues etc)

Welcome.
Lovely display of veg/fruit

@WhatIsUp Yes, i think its included with premium. I've just started the introduction and it's fab being able to pop my earphones in when I'm walking the baby in the pram. Will also listen some evenings with a candle and comfy blanket if i can get the time haha!

Nigel reads the audiobook and he's got a lovely voice so it's very relaxing! Hope you enjoy the read through!

Brilliant. I was cossetted through a difficult autumn last year by this thread and can't wait to give it another go.

Also, have just remembered that in an unaccustomed fit of advanced planning, I picked up some Emma Bridgewater Christmas mugs on Ebay - how soon can I get those out, I wonder? I'm thinking 1st December is reasonable.

And...am already knitting a Christmas Wreath, though I've done the easy stocking stich bit and have ground to a halt on the poinsettas. Will have to get my mum to help me on the technical bits...

@BishyBarnyBee mine are coming out on 1st Dec. 🎄🎄🎄

Yes, when other people are tucked away inside it feels more acceptable, doesn't it? Hopefully we can all enjoy the next few months!

Some lovely comments and also smile-making ones too. My son and I definitely have conversations about which bowls and cups we use - it’s great to have a shared interest in studio pottery. He’s asked for high quality matcha and a whisk for Christmas, VN!

I have finished a snuggly hat in soft Aran, hand dyed by a local maker. I was on a knitting side quest from a side quest so am semi back on track now 🤣

@Bimblesalong I am in awe of all your knitting projects! My grandmother was an extremely good knitter/seamstress and I have always wished I could do it too, but I just don't have the patience/focus to learn.

Your son's Christmas request has made me think of one of my old haunts: the souschef website. I've banned myself from perusing there because I always find something I want... <sigh>