There’s something quietly magical about this time of year. The clocks have gone back, the evenings stretch longer, and the world outside feels as if it’s drawing breath before December arrives in all its sparkle. Inside, fairy lights begin to wind their way around bannisters and bookshelves, and the first notes of familiar carols play softly in shops. That unmistakable scent of winter creeps into the air, spiced apple candles, gingerbread lattes, cinnamon, cloves, and woodsmoke. And here in my little corner, that means one thing: The Christmas Lace Notes are back.
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Every November, without fail, I find myself dusting off the same comforting rituals. The lace pillow comes out of its box, ready for winter evenings filled with the quiet click of bobbins. A soft blanket appears on the arm of the sofa, and the fairy lights — slightly tangled from last year — begin their annual dance of defiance as I try to coax them back to life. There’s a ritualistic joy to it all, as though each small act signals the start of something precious.

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The Origins of Our Beloved Christmas Day Feast

There’s something truly magical about Christmas Day in the UK - the twinkling lights, the festive cheer, and, of course, the sumptuous feast that brings everyone together.

But have you ever paused between bites of your Christmas pudding to wonder about the origins of these traditional dishes? Let’s embark on a culinary journey through history, supported by classic literary references, to uncover the stories behind our favourite festive foods and drinks.

Along the way, we’ll see how the Christmas spirit, as captured in timeless tales, still influences how we celebrate—both in what we eat and in the compassion, generosity, and joy we share.

I've included a link to the Christmas stories I am talking about on Project Guttenberg so you can download them.  Why not take the opportunity to indulge in Jolabokaflod, the Icelandic tradition of giving a book on Christmas Eve, by reading one of the classic stories in this blog?

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.
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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.
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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

... Well Christmas presents.

Just last week I was talking with a colleague about how time managed I am.  I have to be.  Working for an agency with numerous clients I'm juggling the need of my clients, the agency and myself, each and every day.

Add to that that I am remote working so people think I'm available at anytime because 'I'm home' and two demanding cats and ... well, get the idea.  

So, why is it that I leave making presents and gifts until the very last moment?  It's not like Christmas is a surprise.  It happens at the same time.  EVERY.SINGLE.YEAR!

​Every few minutes, today, someone has walked past with their dog, partner and / or children. Everyone is happy and out with a purpose as the shops are closed, so they are either visiting someone or just enjoying being outside.

The origins of this are shrouded in the myseteries of time but what we do know is that back on Christmas Eve, 1948, The United States Air Force issued a communique stating that an 'early warning radar net to the north' had detected 'one unidentified sleigh, powered by eight reindeer, at 14,000 feet, heading 180 degrees'.  

Associated Press pass this 'report' to the general public and was intended as a one off event.

Today, 6th December, is the feast day of St Nicolas of Myra. 

​Amongst other things, he was known for his habit of secretly giving gifts and over the years following his death in 343CE, his name gave rise to varients of Santa Claus from such things as the Dutch; Sinterklass from Saint Nicolas.

We would always go to Shinners, the big department store, where my Grandmother worked.  It would either be for the staff children's party or to visit Santa's Grotto.  Either way, we didn't pay to visit Father Christmas as it was part of my Grandma's staff Christmas present.  Other people attending would pay.

I would sit on Santa's lap, tell him what I wanted for Christmas, promise to be good, have our photo taken and be given a gift.