The Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles Readalong 2026

[RainbowZebraWarrior]

Hello all, it's that time of year again!

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 Christmas Chronicles (Notes, stories and 100 essential recipes for midwinter) is a diary form book which begins on 1st November, however there are 25 pages of Introduction. That's why I start the thread now; to allow time to prepare and get ready to start together proper come 1st November after the Introduction has been done.

Regulars to the thread already have the book. For anyone new, it's a challenge to see of you can pick up a bargain. Vinted has come up trumps in the past, as has ebay. A rare and precious charity shop find is always a bonus. Don't forget, you can also listen along to Nigel's dulcet tones via Audible.

I shall post daily (where there is an entry) and we can share our thoughts and feelings on the days recipes, sentiments and indeed Dear Nigel himself. Observations of nature and annecdotes of the seasons are also welcomed along with general genial chit chat!

So a hearty welcome to old friends and new, and don't forget that reading by candle light is particularly enjoyable. Cire Trudon may be one of Nige's candles of choice, but it's rather pricey. We don't discriminate against other less expensive brands - even if they are NVN (Not Very Nigel)

Pull up a chair, light a candle, grab a cosy blanket and join in!

Photograph of The Christmas Chronicles just by way of reference:

Thanks for the thread. I read along with you all a couple of years ago and this time I’ve bought myself a copy so I can do the same again.

Ooo, I'm in! I didn't manage to finish last year, but I made the apricot brandy, which was divine 😍

New house, better kitchen, I cannot wait! (Except I need to find my copy of the book, which is in one of the many boxes in the garage)

Checking in. Book at the ready for my 4th CC readalong I think

I’ve never done this is sounds great! I will read the intro by the 1st yay
i love this cost Christmas stuff

Trudon at the ready! Love the intro - my favourite bit if I’m honest.

Wafts in. Perfect for a stormy day, thank you @RainbowZebraWarrior

Lovely checking in looking forward to it. Book to the ready just need a nice candle! Thanks for the thread @RainbowZebraWarriorx

Thanks @RainbowZebraWarrior, checking in again. Saw your seaglass wreath on the other thread - lovely! Candle lit (St Eval Bay & Rosemary) and CC at the ready!

Hello, may I join too? I’ve seen the title on my feed each year but have no clue what this is…? I don’t think I even know Nigel… but fancy something new!

I'm here, the introduction is one of my favourite parts of the book too. Candles and fountain pen all ready.

Bookmarking (virtually)

I'll be starting with you again and hopefully manage to get further than the last couple of years. I've read the book once fully on my own , but reading along with everyone will be nice.

I’ve missed this every year. This year I shall try and join in.

Of course you are very much welcome to join. I'll try and explain better than my woeful opening post (I may be guilty here of expecting everyone to know what I'm talking about)

Nigel Slater is a food writer who produced a book in 2017 called The Christmas Chronicles. It starts with an introduction which basically embraces winter. It then evolves throughout a series of entries like a diary (it's not every day, but almost) throughout the winter months from the 1st of November until early February. He covers recipes mostly, but also touches on folklore and traditions. I post an intro to each 'chapter' and we discuss here wether we have made the recipes he talks of, or how we feel about what he is saying. He covers his childhood, and how he feels during the winter months.

Some things are more obvious; for example, making a christmas cake or pudding, or cooking a goose or turkey at Christmas time. Other things cover the candles he likes to burn during winter time, visiting christmas markets etc. It's a lovely read, and most of us who follow find it comforting during the darkest months of the year.

One thing to note, we probably don't have his money, therefore, it isn't meant to be some sort of competition. It's about carving out time, having five minutes to breathe, and appreciating what you do have.

Ideally, if you have the actual book (or follow on audible) then you can immerse yourself in a world of recipes, anecdotes and traditions, but even if you don't have the book, it's a lovely thread to follow.

Ultimately, winter and christmas time can be quite stressful, and following a beautifully written book can be quite a lovely thing to do. One thing it shouldn't be is yet another 'obligation' we already have too many of those in modern day life. It's just a gentle, lovely, cosy thread that you can dip in and out of x

Thank you @RainbowZebraWarrior

It was so dark this morning. Bit of a shock after the mild weather to find ourselves looking at winter. The weather obliged with cold and wet though

I'm in!
So pleased to see you all again.

Thank you for the new thread @RainbowZebraWarrior,checking in and looking forward to reading along with you all again.

I'm here. Life is very difficult at the moment, so I am tending to lurk rather than post, but I shall be reading along and making things when I can

Loved this thread last year - I normally get what I think is SAD, but my mood was much more stable and positive through the autumn and winter. Plus using a daylight lamp too - felt like a good combo.

I’ve been waiting for this! Thank you @RainbowZebraWarrior

I usually drop out early December but, this year, I’m determined to finish the book ( and the thread 🙂). No excuses. I’m newly retired and have oodles of free time ( apologies to all the hard working mums out there who will be run ragged x).

St Eval candles and cozy blankets at the ready. Log burner primed. I may also get my angel chimes out.

I've seen this thread over the years, but I only bought the book discounted in spring ready for now.

Thank you for the heads up re the intro part. I'll get cracking with that. I'll admit, I really don't know anything about Nigel Slater, but I love this time of year and good food!

Hello all! Checking in for my second year, with Nige and a cuppa.

I'm sorry to hear abput your challenges @Confusedmeanderings I hope you find a tiny bit of respite here.

Welcome to the new peeps and especially to those New to Nigel. Hope you enjoy the pretty much unfettered fandom which is only occasionally tempered with a small acknowledgement that most of us do not have Nigel time or money. Poor chap clearly works hard making a living as a writer which can't be easy either.

Popping in to say hello . I’ve had this book 4 yrs now and never read it , there was always something else to do . Well now I’m just retired and was not looking forward to a long dark winter I now have an excuse to light a candle ( not Trudon because that is in my Harrods Home Fragrance Advent Calendar, happy Christmas to me ) switch on my fairy lights and absorb my book with snoozing dogs at my side and a very large marshmallow filled hot chocolate .