Christmas Message

Its been a low-key build-up to Christmas this year, I’ve been working exceptionally hard for the season along with many of my colleagues so I’ve not had time for much in the way of preparation. Last weekend we went for our annual shop at Fortnum and Mason and as we wandered around the Oxford Street/Regents Street vicinity we couldn’t help but notice the muted nature of the Christmas decorations. Not only devoid of religious symbolism but clearly a budget affair with a distinct air of fear for the future.

We were disappointed to be told by staff at Fortnum & Mason that they had run out of perennial favourite dark chocolate and macadamia nut biscuits this year, which are not only exquisitely delicious but come in the most beautiful traditional biscuit tin but as luck would have it after moaning about our loss to the chap behind the till he recalled that he had seen a box secreted away in a corner somewhere and nipped-off to procure some for us, thus completing our shopping trip to perfection. How I love Fortnums.

We are having a quiet Christmas at home this year where I’ll be doing my annual demonstration of Anglo-Saxon cuisine which my wife finds quite exotic in comparison to the Spanish custom of Christmas lobster. Today I’ll make a start on her favourite, chestnut stuffing which takes a long time to prepare properly from natural ingredients but seeing as it’s an annual event its worth the time; it’s a shame people so often can’t be bothered to do it properly.

Our first Christmas together, 2003

This year has been a big year for the growth in the popularity of the internet, particularly of social networking so it probably isn’t too surprising that YouTube now has a page for the Royal Family called The Royal Channel which includes the Queen’s very first Christmas message to the Nation. There are no amusing clips of the corgis yet and I look forward to Google brandishing its “By Royal Appointment” stamp sometime in the New Year.

So, following in the footsteps of the Monarch I’m going to take this opportunity to utilise social networking myself and wish all my visitors, regular and new a very Happy Christmas.

All the best
Wolfie