Normally we pay homage to our Swedish links on Christmas Eve, but we were alone this year, so we didn't bother; preferring to wait for 'the big day'.
My late Mother-in-Law (Mor-Mor) was Swedish, as is Kellogg, and of course Lady Magnon is half-Swedish. Certain cultural traditions need to be respected.
Normally our Bock (a straw, red ribbon covered, Goat) is given centre stage on the table, when we sit to eat Sill with boiled Potatoes, and drink hot Glögg (punch). But all these things are back in France.
The only thing we have here is the spinning angels candle-light, which is quite old. It belonged to my late Mother-in-law, and was always a part of her Christmas Eve celebrations.
Yesterday, however, we were not alone. Kimbo, Susie, Harv' and Ollie all joined us, and that calm was quashed. We ate, we drank, and we laughed; all probably too much.
We wondered how many households in the UK (and elsewhere) were sitting down to EXACTLY the same meal as us. No doubt millions. Turkey, Sprouts, and the now essential Pigs in Blankets, would have graced the tables of the rich, the poor, and everyone in between. Sparkling wine, still wine, and possibly fortified wine would have also been consumed as we all ate, watched the Queen, and pulled our Crackers. Glasses would have been raised, and toasts made.
Facetime allowed us to speak with family 'down under' as well as in 'the Caribbean'.
We had a wonderful day, and I trust you all did too. Now another short calm before the Covid-muted revelries of the New Year.
I send you my continued good wishes.
32 comments:
Is it possible to laugh too much? It sounds like a wonderful day to me!
You have the exact same spinning angels candlelight centrepiece that I used to have. It was my mother's and she gave it to me, but I could never find the right size candles for the holders so I couldn't use it after the old ones burned down to nothing. I don't have it anymore and don't even remember where or when I gave it away. I miss it. I am also part Swedish, (DNA 40%) from my mother's side, although she was German, from my great grandmother back to 1824, her family is Swedish.
Your feast looks fabulous. Here in hot Australia I just had cold ham and salad.
Laughter, and plenty of it, is obligatory in this house.
Those angel lights are available everywhere these days, which is rather a shame as we always thought of them as rather special and unusual.
I like the Swedish people; they always seem so pleasant and kind. We also have some Norwegian family.
Glad you had a good time xxx
Your reference to the spinning angels candle light made me smile. My mother and father had one of those which they always lit at Christmastime. I hadn't thought of it for many years until now. Thanks.
Glad you all had a proper sparkling Christmas day, and also for reminding us of the spinning angels. Can't keep a good idea down.
We sure did.
I wonder what happened to it. Siblings maybe?
Glad your Christmas Day could be special.
We had a really lovely Christmas. Having family around the table for a good feast is always special.
I would have loved to have ALL our children, and their children, with us for Christmas, but I fear that is hardly now possible as they all live so far from each other. But having just one lot with us was very special.
My husbands parents had the spinning angels too. We had a lovely day with all 3 sons and their families...all tested negative, (apart from the baby and the 3 yr old!)
Our lot were all tested become arriving, and all were (thankfully) OK.
Cro, I also have an Angel Chimes. And looking at the box it came with, it says... original Swedish design and established in 1948.
But I couldn't help noticing that your one needs a cleaning with some Brasso. You'll be absolutely shocked how shiny and gold it comes up with Brasso, like brand new when you first saw it.
Actually, I did say to Lady M 'not to clean it'. I think it looks nice as it is, and anyway, if I cleaned it I would have to do the same every year.
Your Angel Chimes certainly struck a note! We also had them when I was a child in the ´50s.
Your Christmas Day sounded much like ours !!!! I’m always a little stressed , trying to keep it all hot !!!! My Mum & Dad had the Angel chimes ….. I’m not sure what happened to it ! So pleased you all had a lovely Christmas Day in Brighton. XXXX
They seem to be more common than I'd imagined. I'd thought they'd begun to be mass produced by Habitat.
Yes, we had a lovely day, then they were off back to London at 7am. Too short a trip, but they'll be back again next weekend. They love it here.
A happy family day. Like us. Cheers
Like everyone, I hope.
Hello I was born in 1957 and remember the angel chimes as a small child. I still have them.x
A splendid feast, enjoyed by all.
Your Brighton holiday celebration with family sounds outstanding and a very good time was had by all. You will be the "go to" for all celebrations. Your move to Brighton brings many benefits...
Looks and sounds delicious, Cro! What a happy day. I can't make out your sprouts clearly - can I ask how they were done?
Sounds and looks like a wonderful family celebration! Merry Christmas!
I only encountered them after I was married, when Swedish traditions were encountered for the first time.
Very English; no Prawns on the BBQ.
We're having such a lovely time, that we're not even anticipating our return to France; for the moment!
The Sprouts were out of picture. They were firstly boiled (not overly), then fried with bacon and Chestnuts. Delicious; I love them.
And all done in exactly the same manner as when I was a child. Nothing has changed.
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