The build-up to Christmas Lunch.

 

All I really need to buy now, are the Sprouts.

I suppose like most households, on the big day we have a glass of fizz and some small things to eat before we tackle the main event. We spoil ourselves with a bottle of good Champagne (Canard Duchenne) with some Foie Gras, Caviar, and Smoked Salmon, on Ritz crackers. Then we relax whilst opening a few unwanted presents, before the roasted beast comes out of the oven to rest, and the Sprouts are put on. By this time all the extras (stuffing, pigs, etc) are already done!

We've done the exact same thing on Christmas Day since I was born.

One of my most memorable Christmases was when I was about 6. My mother had bought, or maybe had made herself, a HUGE cracker that hung from the ceiling. Inside were sweets, toys, and fruits. It was magical, I can still remember being allowed into the drawing room, and seeing it hanging there. It must have been about 4 feet long, although at the time it seemed like 10.

For several years we used to go to our Welsh hilltop cottage for Christmas. My mother had family up there and it was a wonderful time to all get together. The cottage was on the very top of a hill overlooking Wales, by the side of Offa's Dyke. Drifting snow was often a problem; and there was no proper road to the house. We loved it.

Many Christmases were later spent in France, where Christmas itself, and roasted Turkeys, were not on the French radar. We ate Duck or Goose until around the late 1990's when Turkey became more available. The French themselves still prefer Capons.

I do like Christmas, but I don't like that the hype seems to start right after Easter these days; only giving way to a month of Black Friday shopping in between.

It's now not long before the big day, and we have the tree, a wreath, and twinkling lights all setting the scene for the biggest food-fest of the year. I can hardly wait.

We will only be four at table this year, but, luckily, they're four of my very favourite people (of course)!