ONE FINAL THING…
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring...
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FEATURE SARAH FEELEY, KATY MCLEAN PHOTOGRAPH © STOCKFOOD / CLIVE STREETER
avouring rituals and traditions unlocks the magic of Christmas. When Father Christmas slides down the chimney and into our homes on Christmas Eve, the treats that greet him vary considerably from country to country. Milk and cookies are traditional in America, whereas elsewhere in the world tangerines, nuts, fruit cake and even rice pudding are left out for him. In England, the tradition is to leave Father Christmas something a little stronger to keep him warm on that cold December night – a glass of sherry or port, with a plate of mince pies, plus carrots for the reindeer. When English children awake on Christmas morning filled with anticipation, spotting his now-empty glass, and only crumbs and a few carrot tops left on the plate, is the thrilling proof that ‘he’ – Mr Claus himself – has visited their home.
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