Light, symbolism, preparations and traditions at Christmas, two films and my favourite Christmas carol sung by the Blind Boys of Alabama and Chrissie Hynde
Exactly how I make my Ham (via my mother and Irish Grandmother). I must look out for the Knorr Madeira gravy when I’m in Brittany. I was an infant teacher, I remember the Nativity Plays, ensuring every child had a role, we started planning at the first staff meeting in September! I’m reading a lovely book, called In the Bleak Midwinter, with a daily meditation using Rossetti’s poetry as a prompt.
What a lovely collection of Christmas information and thoughts. I enjoyed comparing the Irish traditions to my childhood traditions in the USA. There are some similarities -- we had more ham than turkey, for example -- but although we were Catholic, timing of when to do this and that was more flexible. Desserts were pies and, of course, a multitude of Christmas cookies.
I discovered "Christmas cake" when I moved to France and some of my British colleagues would make them and bring one to work. I think they are one of the most delicious desserts ever! I also quite like trifles, but haven't tasted them often.
Such a lovely post Caroline. Perfect reading whilst listening to carols on Classic FM and candles lit on this dull Cornish afternoon. I am not particularly religious but am fascinated by different faiths and beliefs and teaching RE at school was a favourite lesson of mine and the children.
I don't like the commercialism of Christmas. I went to see a Christmas film (not my choice) with my neighbours this week that had Santa, who was very buff due to all the workouts in his North Pole gym, kidnapped and had to be rescued by his chief minder played by The Rock. Oh dear!! Last night I watched a Norwegian film on Netflix called Snow Sisters set at Christmas. No CGI, beautiful to watch and a film with meaning. I know which I preferred.
On a last note, I'm afraid I'm going to have to disagree about jelly in a trifle. xx
Your stories of Catholic traditions remind me of my youth. There were seven of us in Catholic schools run by nuns. My ancestors left western Ireland in 1846, 1847 for Ontario Canada. The early settlers here were given 100 wooded acres free to be cleared and farmed within a certain period of time. We needed settlers back then. My great grandfather Fitzgerald ploughed the land even at night with a lamp on his tractor.
Hello Catherine.Thank you for sharing about your family and Irish ancestors. I had wondered where you are from. Canada - it’s a country I hope to visit in the next few years.
I was lucky enough that the nuns that taught me were intelligent, kind and had a modern sense of humour. Others in Ireland were less fortunate in their education - but much positive change has happened more recently.
Ploughing by night with a lamp - it was a tough, labour intensive life. My paternal grandfather in Ballycastle, County Antrim was a champion ploughed with his horse.
The Irish in Canada, fared well over time, eventually moving to towns and cities, further generations becoming educated. When we were young, there were many large Irish Catholic families in our Toronto neighbourhood. We don’t see that today.
Thanks so much for your valuable feedback Judith. How fascinating 1that your maternal grandmother is Irish too!
I suspect that the caramelised sugar coating and pineapple rings may have come back from the US via my maternal grandmother’s three sisters - they all emigrated to east coast US - I met them in the 80s, when I travelled to the US on a student J1 visa. During WWII and post war, sugar and other foods were rationed.
Exactly how I make my Ham (via my mother and Irish Grandmother). I must look out for the Knorr Madeira gravy when I’m in Brittany. I was an infant teacher, I remember the Nativity Plays, ensuring every child had a role, we started planning at the first staff meeting in September! I’m reading a lovely book, called In the Bleak Midwinter, with a daily meditation using Rossetti’s poetry as a prompt.
A beautifully written and crafted article which some personal memories and touches but also provides plenty of treats for the rest of us
Thoroughly enjoyable read
What a lovely collection of Christmas information and thoughts. I enjoyed comparing the Irish traditions to my childhood traditions in the USA. There are some similarities -- we had more ham than turkey, for example -- but although we were Catholic, timing of when to do this and that was more flexible. Desserts were pies and, of course, a multitude of Christmas cookies.
I discovered "Christmas cake" when I moved to France and some of my British colleagues would make them and bring one to work. I think they are one of the most delicious desserts ever! I also quite like trifles, but haven't tasted them often.
I love "It's a Wonderful Life" as well!
Thank you so much Betty for your welcome feedback. I do love Christmas, the traditions and the foods.
Such a lovely post Caroline. Perfect reading whilst listening to carols on Classic FM and candles lit on this dull Cornish afternoon. I am not particularly religious but am fascinated by different faiths and beliefs and teaching RE at school was a favourite lesson of mine and the children.
I don't like the commercialism of Christmas. I went to see a Christmas film (not my choice) with my neighbours this week that had Santa, who was very buff due to all the workouts in his North Pole gym, kidnapped and had to be rescued by his chief minder played by The Rock. Oh dear!! Last night I watched a Norwegian film on Netflix called Snow Sisters set at Christmas. No CGI, beautiful to watch and a film with meaning. I know which I preferred.
On a last note, I'm afraid I'm going to have to disagree about jelly in a trifle. xx
Thank you so much for your feedback Brigitte. We’ll have to agree to disagree over jelly in a trifle. Such fun!
Your stories of Catholic traditions remind me of my youth. There were seven of us in Catholic schools run by nuns. My ancestors left western Ireland in 1846, 1847 for Ontario Canada. The early settlers here were given 100 wooded acres free to be cleared and farmed within a certain period of time. We needed settlers back then. My great grandfather Fitzgerald ploughed the land even at night with a lamp on his tractor.
Hello Catherine.Thank you for sharing about your family and Irish ancestors. I had wondered where you are from. Canada - it’s a country I hope to visit in the next few years.
I was lucky enough that the nuns that taught me were intelligent, kind and had a modern sense of humour. Others in Ireland were less fortunate in their education - but much positive change has happened more recently.
Ploughing by night with a lamp - it was a tough, labour intensive life. My paternal grandfather in Ballycastle, County Antrim was a champion ploughed with his horse.
The Irish in Canada, fared well over time, eventually moving to towns and cities, further generations becoming educated. When we were young, there were many large Irish Catholic families in our Toronto neighbourhood. We don’t see that today.
Lovely. It’s great that we all have our versions of Christmas. Yours is so full and abundant, I enjoyed reading your descriptions so much.
Thank you so much Francey - I appreciate your feedback as usual.
Some great tips, recommendations and memories of yesteryear there Caroline - love the holly watercolour
Thank you so much Marion
Thanks so much for your valuable feedback Judith. How fascinating 1that your maternal grandmother is Irish too!
I suspect that the caramelised sugar coating and pineapple rings may have come back from the US via my maternal grandmother’s three sisters - they all emigrated to east coast US - I met them in the 80s, when I travelled to the US on a student J1 visa. During WWII and post war, sugar and other foods were rationed.