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The Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles Readalong 2026

34 replies

RainbowZebraWarrior · Yesterday 12:09

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!

OP posts:
PifcoFairyLights · Today 09:12

Thank you @RainbowZebraWarrior . I love these threads and look forward to them each year.

Carriemac · Today 09:24

Popping in to say hi , just finished a stressful hosting event at my home for work colleagues so now I can concentrate on making my Christmas run up nice for me and my family . Special this year as as DS2 is coming home from Oz for 3 weeks

AGlessandahalf · Today 09:53

Thank you for the thread - I have watched from afar for many years but have now purchased my own copy and look forward to a glorious Christmas season with you all.

RainbowZebraWarrior · Today 10:18

HannahDefoesChristmasHamper · Yesterday 21:37

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

It will be slightly lighter tomorrow for a while, but gosh the nights will be dark quickly. I know this happens every year, yet it still takes me by surprise how fast it happens. Even though it's been cold up here for ages.

OP posts:
RainbowZebraWarrior · Today 10:18

WeMeetInFairIthilien · Yesterday 21:37

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

That looks beautiful! ❤️

OP posts:
RainbowZebraWarrior · Today 10:21

I am just pottering and listening to introduction on audible and just reached this bit so thought I would pause for a bit.

"And yes, I know the world is a shitstorm at the moment, but we all need a safe harbour"

Never has this felt more apt.

OP posts:
PifcoFairyLights · Today 11:04

It really is apt.

It is horrible weather here but I am forcing myself to go put in a little while. Might check out Homesense for any St Eval bargains. I am planning on cracking open the CC later.

Taytocrisps · Today 11:58

Checking in and my book is at the ready. I always join the thread and fall by the wayside, so it's a triumph of optimism over experience. The next two months are a really busy time of year for me, between work and Christmas events. I've also signed up to a course which finishes in January. However, I love NS's style of writing and it's nice to do a little bit of reading and reflecting around this time of year (or at any time of the year, for that matter). And if I can find twenty minutes to doomscroll or browse on MN, I can surely find the time to read his diary entries, which are quite short iirc. I think I just need to be a little more organised and put a reminder in my calendar, so I don't forget to do my reading on the relevant day.

EphemeraleEudemonia · Today 17:09

Slides into corner.
Thank you @RainbowZebraWarrior for hosting this lovely thread again.🎄
Will probably be lurking a fair bit hoping to see lovely things (and try and make our own versions of them!)
Life has continued to get more and more challenging here, so this years Christmas challenge is a further falling back on what we already have, can forage, trade, or make, while still leaning into all things Nigelesque and enjoying everything!

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