Tastes and smells can invoke memories of Christmases past.  From the first bite of a mince pie or the smell of a Christmas cake cooking, we are drawn back into our childhoods and thoughts of those we love.

​Back in 2022, I mused on the foods of Christmas Past.  As a child, my mum worked at a Bakery and Patisserie run by two wonderful people who grew up in Germany and Austria and brought with them the biscuits and bakes of their childhood.  It was there that I first experienced mince pies with a melt in the mouth while on their top, which I later discovered were called Viennese Whilt Mince Pies.
​

A few weekends ago, we went to the Chatsworth Christmas market.  It's been a while since we have visited a Christmas market, and the Birmingham one is a shadow of its former self, so we thought this might be a good day out.

The market was beautiful, and we bought many presents for ourselves, but overall, I found the experience difficult.  It's been 10 years since my mother died, and on that trip, all the grief and sadness came back.  I missed her and wanted her with us so very, very much.  Hubby and I spoke about it on the trip there and back; with a 200-mile round trip, there was time.  My Aunt has recently died, and he felt that this had brought back all the loss of my mum.  In the end, I took an afternoon off work and tried to do a hard reset on my feelings.  By the weekend, I felt more in control, and instead of the grief, I was remembering my mum with positivity.

Then, yesterday, our world fell apart.  Hubby gets up early to go to work.  I make his lunch whilst he gets ready.  After that, I go back to bed for an hour or so with the cats.  I was just getting out of bed when I got a call from Hubby.  His mum has died.

​I called work, took the day off and today and am trying to just be here for him as he was when my mum died.

The Christmas season is a time for traditions, and for many of us in the UK, those traditions include the unforgettable holiday treats that filled our stockings and our hearts in the 70s and 80s. These sweets weren’t just for snacking; they were part of the magic that made Christmas feel like the most wonderful time of the year.

Want to hear the extended blog?  Then, you can listen to it on my podcast.  Or just scroll to the end of this blog to go to the recording.

A Rainbow of Festive Treats
What’s Christmas without a splash of colour? Fruit Pastilles, Black Jacks, and Fruit Salads added vibrance and flavour to our holiday bowls. Each candy brought a burst of fruity sweetness, filling the house with a rainbow of festive cheer. Who could resist the thrill of unwrapping a Black Jack or the tang of a Fruit Salad on a winter’s day?

The Chocolate Tin Tradition
Every family had its tin of Quality Street, Roses, or Heroes. The unwrapping, the careful selection, and sometimes a little family “negotiation” over the last caramel or strawberry cream – these tins were a treasure trove of flavours that we’d wait all year to enjoy.

Find out more about the history of Quality Street and why they are individually wrapped on Wikipedia.
​

Obviously not!

​​When it comes to Christmas, few things bring as much joy as a delicious cheese board or a thoughtfully selected cheese gift. Cheese adds that perfect, indulgent touch to holiday gatherings, whether it’s served on a festive platter or gifted to a fellow foodie. So, if you're thinking about adding some cheesy goodness to your Christmas season, you’re in the right place! Let’s explore all the delightful ways to enjoy cheese this holiday.

In this blog, I'm looking at cheese and its role at Christmas.  Want to hear the extended blog?  Then, you can listen to it on my podcast.  Just scroll to the end of this blog to go to the recording