Reader Question for the Community: What are your Christmas sine quibus non?
A reader question for the community:
I have a question for the community which has given much sound direction: what are the holiday traditions which we can never give up? Decorations, food, gifting, etc,.?
A freshly cut tree, wreaths, eggnog, my wife's authentic Dresdner stollen, pretty seasonal music, lots of candles, hoping for snow, and THOUGHTFUL gifts (not the singing bass for example)for close family.
We make a traditional Swiss fondue every year on Christmas night. The recipe was collected by my parents in the 80's from their dear friend who is from Geneva. A fresh cut tree is a must- how people erect fake trees is beyond me.
I used to love fondue. We had a killer recipe from a Swiss restaurant at the bottom of Smuggler's Notch ski area in Vermont. It has five different cheeses (cheddar, gruyere, emmentaler, appenzeller, and Swiss wine-maker's cheese), and it was made with beer rather than wine and a bit of rum rather than kirsch, and a dusting of fresh nutmeg.
One time, I brought this to a dinner party. It was such a hit the hostess got a little annoyed as people clamored for the recipe, but not for recipes from her dinner. We were never invited back, so that was the last time I brought that fondue outside the house.
Catherine Deneuve’s favorite chocolate cookies. The recipe was published in the New York Post in 2002, thereabouts. It’s a “knock off” from patisserie Pierre Herme. My daughter stopped there to sample the original version. Her verdict, “yup, they taste just like my Dad’s.”
"This bayberry candle comes from friend, so this holiday eve burn it down to the end. For a bayberry candle burned down to the socket brings joy to heart and gold to the pocket."
A fresh cut tree that my husband cut, making boilo, and using all of the very sentimental ornaments on the tree that we've collected over our lifetimes. --Holly in PA
For the last few years we have been enjoying brandy alexanders while opening presents on a quiet Christmas evening by ourselves. Seems like a tradition that will stick for us.
Editor, Salt Water New England - The Modern Guide to The Thing Before Preppy, since 2010. Co-founder, Short Sims. From a 12th Generation New Englander.
NEVER NEVER NEVER GIVE UP ONE THING.
ReplyDeleteAll the above.
ReplyDeleteI don't think my husband and I will ever give up the fresh cut tree. I'm looking at mine right now (smile).
ReplyDeleteEgg nog, unfortunately. At 57, my body does not thank me for it.
ReplyDeleteLove egg nog - it's the holidays...enjoy !!
DeleteA freshly cut tree, wreaths, eggnog, my wife's authentic Dresdner stollen, pretty seasonal music, lots of candles, hoping for snow, and THOUGHTFUL gifts (not the singing bass for example)for close family.
ReplyDeleteBest Regards,
Heinz-Ulrich
Egg nog, with a little bourbon or scotch. At 75 my body thanks me for it.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm Jewish so...
ReplyDelete;o)
So...no holidays in December?
DeleteIt is the same for Thanksgiving. On the night before we build a fire in the fireplace and cook hot dogs over the flame.
ReplyDeleteStrong ale. It's got to be over 7% ABV.
ReplyDeleteOyster stew on Christmas eve.
ReplyDeleteWe make a traditional Swiss fondue every year on Christmas night. The recipe was collected by my parents in the 80's from their dear friend who is from Geneva. A fresh cut tree is a must- how people erect fake trees is beyond me.
ReplyDeleteI used to love fondue. We had a killer recipe from a Swiss restaurant at the bottom of Smuggler's Notch ski area in Vermont. It has five different cheeses (cheddar, gruyere, emmentaler, appenzeller, and Swiss wine-maker's cheese), and it was made with beer rather than wine and a bit of rum rather than kirsch, and a dusting of fresh nutmeg.
DeleteOne time, I brought this to a dinner party. It was such a hit the hostess got a little annoyed as people clamored for the recipe, but not for recipes from her dinner. We were never invited back, so that was the last time I brought that fondue outside the house.
Aiken
Will not give up the Glögg, live candles around the house, and live candles on a real tree...
ReplyDeleteBourbon with a tiny bit of egg nog.
ReplyDeleteLots of fresh green boughs to decorate the hearth.
Catherine Deneuve’s favorite chocolate cookies. The recipe was published in the New York Post in 2002, thereabouts. It’s a “knock off” from patisserie Pierre Herme. My daughter stopped there to sample the original version. Her verdict, “yup, they taste just like my Dad’s.”
ReplyDelete"This bayberry candle comes from friend, so this holiday eve burn it down to the end. For a bayberry candle burned down to the socket brings joy to heart and gold to the pocket."
ReplyDeleteA fresh cut tree that my husband cut, making boilo, and using all of the very sentimental ornaments on the tree that we've collected over our lifetimes. --Holly in PA
ReplyDeleteFor the last few years we have been enjoying brandy alexanders while opening presents on a quiet Christmas evening by ourselves. Seems like a tradition that will stick for us.
ReplyDeleteWe're French so definitely a crèche provençale (nativity scene) and fine food.
ReplyDelete