St. Vincent’s Nine Morning Christmas tradition

There’s a little Caribbean island – one which you may not have heard about before – and every dusk for the nine mornings before Christmas as the sun starts to rise, all who live there flock into the streets to hear the sound of drums and steel bands filling the air.

Samuel and HermieAndrews, 75 and 70,  talk about their memories of a St. Vincentian Christmas, and the Nine Morning Walk.

Lalah-Simone Springer

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Best ever xmas films!

Christmas has become far too commercial. It’s no longer a religious holiday, but an excuse to demand a long list of worthless possessions that half of us won’t even appreciate in a year’s time. Despite my rantings about the charmless culture of mass consumerism that Christmas has evolved into, there is still an area that xmas excels in-  bringing families together, for better or worse, to spend quality time during the holidays.

There’s no better way to relax with the family and ease the tensions caused from arguments gone by, than with a good xmas film. Some are cheesy, in fact the majority are, some are funny, others are sad, but there’s no doubt that winding down with a good movie is one of the highlights of the season.

The following films are some of my personal faves, but don’t shoot the messenger because there will,undoubtedly, be some classics which have been forgotten or left out, so with the disclaimer well and truly taken care of here goes it with the hit Christmas film list…….

HOME ALONE!

Need I say more than Home Alone.  Macaulay Culkin aka Kevin McAllister is the mischievous little boy who realises that being left at home alone is not so fun as he had imagined it would be. This film just ticks so many boxes, an ageless and timeless classic.

THE SANTA CLAUSE

Okay so I imagine that some people may really want to slaughter me for this one, but I don’t care what anyone wants to say this is THE classic 90s Santa movie. Tim Allen is great in his role as a neglectful father who learns to bond with his son when he takes on the unfathomable role of becoming the newest Santa Claus. It is not only funny, but it has a great cast and was pretty innovative at the time so I have to give this one extra brownie points for raising the bar so high. Let’s just forget that they ever tried to expand the brand with another 3 films….

MARY POPPINS

There can be no doubt that this film right here, is the ultimate Christmas film, as irritating as it may be to, well, most of us – this is a quintessentially British Christmas film. The institution that is Julia Andrews, shines as the unorthodox British nanny who changes the lives of the wealthy family that she is employed to look after. It’s sheer sillyness makes it an absolute pleasure to watch- for anyone who hasn’t had to sit through it more than ten times.

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET

 

Miracle on 34th Street is an excellent christmas movie full stop. Whether you are talking about the original 1947 version or the 1994 remake there is absolutely nothing to hate about this film. It explores the meaning of Christmas in a deeper and more thought provoking manner than most other films of the genre and in my eyes it’s a cinematic triumph.

– Jade S

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nigerian celebration diary

Fireworks, food , new clothes and family these are just a few things done in Nigeria to welcome the Christmas season.

Since it doesn’t snow in Nigeria there is no limitation to the celebration. Well before christmas day fireworks are set off to commence the celebration. All animals are  fattened, only the biggest cow will do.

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Une crèche provençale

Having a crib for Christmas is a very old tradition. It is said that it has been invented in the 13^th century in Italy. But in France we like to consider that the crèche was definitely born just after the French Revolution.

In France, it was born in Provence, a region of southeastern France. But it rapidly became a real French tradition. Every little character is produced from an original mould. Then, it’s dried, and finally it’s painted with bright colours.

So, it is now a tradition for French people to have, next to the Christmas Tree, a little Nativity scene.

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Un réveillon Français

In France, as in many other countries, Christmas is a time for family and for generosity. There are many family reunions, and people usually give each other some gifts.

The celebration of Christmas in France varies by region, but I think the main differences are only about food. We, French people, have a long dinner on the Christmas Eve, on the 24^th of December and also a big lunch on the 25^th of December, which is a bank holiday. But in some parts of France, (especially in the east), La Fête de Saint Nicolas on the 6^th of December marks the beginning of the Christmas season.

The 24^th of December is called the Christmas Eve or Le Réveillon. While adults have a huge dinner (everybody knows French people and their unconditional love for food), children leave their shoes by the fireplace before they go to sleep, so that the Père Noël (Santa Claus) can fill them with gifts.

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Christmas cake the Jamaican way

I’m sitting in my aunt’s kitchen as we speak getting intoxicated on the scent of Brandy wafting through the air- the smell is the familiar- it’s undoubtedly the scent of a West Indian Christmas!

Jamaicans as you may know love some good ‘ole rum and when it comes to making festive cakes, not a lick is spared. Not only is the cake mix littered with spirits before it’s even in the oven, but it’s then doused with liquor  for several days after it has been baked. Mmmm pretty good stuff, no?

If this sounds like your idea of culinary heaven, then you’ll be extremely pleased to know that I like Santa have come bearing gifts. I’ve kindly brought you all a recipe to give you that Irie feeling that only a good Caribbean cake can deliver, so make sure you’re ready to bring on the boozy brandy and currants, and kick back to enjoy the xmas countdown.

-Peace and love  – Jade S-

Recipe courtesy of JamaicaMix.com

Ingredients

1 lb Butter or margarine, softened
1 lb Dark brown sugar
1 doz eggs
1 lb Flour
2 tsp Vanilla extract
2 tsp Baking powder
2 tsp Baking soda
2 tsp Burnt sugar (found in Caribbean markets)
Cinnamon and nutmeg to taste
1/3 cup Rum
2 fruit mixture
1 lb Prunes
1 lb Raisins
1 lb Currants
1 lb Cherries

• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until pale yellow. Add 2 eggs at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla and burnt sugar.
• In a medium bowl, sift together all dry ingredients. Add slowly to the large bowl, mixing well. The batter will be very heavy. Add about 2 cups of the fruit mixture (more or less according to taste). Mix well. Pour into well greased and floured cake tins. Bake at 350 degrees for about an 1 hour or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
• Once the cake is cooled (do not remove it from the tin), pour approximately 1/4 cup of rum over it. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Check the cake every 2 to 3 days. If it becomes “dry” add some more rum. Continue in this manner for 1 month. (You might not have to add any rum to it after 2 weeks, but keep checking it.)

Fruit Mixture: Chop fruit in blender or food processor. Put into a jar which can be tightly sealed. Cover the contents with rum and seal the jar.

Keep in a cool, dark place. This should be done at least 1 month in advance of the cake. If you don’t use all of the fruit mixture, don’t worry…it will keep for years! It’s also a great topping for vanilla ice cream

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French Poularde de Noel (Capon stuffed with chestnuts and truffles)

Ingredients.

2 shallots, salt and pepper, 1/4 teaspoon thyme

1 tablespoon butter

1/4 pound sausage meat and 1/4 pound small sausages

1/4 pound bread crumbs, soaked in milk to cover for 10 minutes

1/4 cup Cognac

2 fresh mushroom caps, sliced, 1 large black truffle, 1 pound chestnuts

1 three-pound chicken

1 carrot, chopped, 1 small onion, minced, 1 celery stalk, 1 sprig fresh thyme

1 bay leaf, 2 sprigs parsley, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup Port

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Dutch gezelligheid

The Dutch like to party. Not only do they celebrate Sinterklaas on the 5^th of December, they also

celebrate Christmas three times: Christmas Eve (24^th). First Christmas Day (25^th) and Second Christmas Day (26^th).

Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve most Catholics go to church, the Protestants go to morning service. During both services people will sing typical Dutch Christmas songs.

Since 2004 there are too little churches for all the people that want to go to the Christmas services. Normally, very few Dutch go to church, but it has gotten quite popular to go to a Christmas service. Especially in the churches of Amsterdam it’s a social event rather than a religious event.

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The Time Out London advent calender

Want to do some christmassy stuff in London but don’t you know where to go?

Time Out London has the solution: the Time Out London advent calendar.

Everyday you can click on one of the numbers and there will appear a new suggestion.

Easy does it.

Just click here.

~ By Steffi Posthumus

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Lucia day is coming up on Dec 13 – This is how the Swedes do it

By Madelaine Triebe

Saint Lucy’s Day, or Lucia as it is commonly known, is celebrated on Dec 13 in Sweden. Although not being a public holiday it is a popular event celebrated in schools, hospitals, offices and churches all around the country.

Since kindergarten Lucia is something very familiar to Swedish kids. Weeks before the day with capital D mini elections are held in schools to choose the main role of the procession, the “Lucia” herself, the lead singer with candles in her hair. As the celebration involves quite a lot of singing, it is a plus that the girl being the Lucia actually has a voice, but speaking from own experiences the election of the Lucia among young kids can be very much based on the prettiness of the girl.

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