MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE-MINCE PIES!

 

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

A COMPLETE A-Z ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

G IS FOR GARLANDS

H IS FOR HOLLY

I IS FOR ICE SKATING

K IS FOR KING'S COLLEGE

J IS FOR JOKES IN CRACKERS

L IS FOR LIGHTS

M IS FOR MINCE PIES!

It is estimated that more than 800 million mince pies are eaten in the UK over the festive period. These delicious pastries filled with mincemeat are offered to guests, served as a pudding, enjoyed during carol concerts, and are the perfect warming treat after a wintry walk.  (I enjoy mince pies without the mincemeat-but I am from America)  They are a delicacy that has been around since the Middle Ages.  As with many traditions, they take on religious importance, too - with established recipes for mincemeat featuring 13 ingredients to represent Jesus and his disciples.  Classically a mixture of dried fruits, spices, sugar and suet are cooked with alcohol to create the rich mincemeat filling.  Mince pies can be made in moments using store-bought or homemade mincemeat, so are perfect for unexpected visitors - simply keep pastry to hand in the fridge, too.  Serve with brandy butter or a dollop of cream.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Love, Bernadette

Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information about training!

Newest book available on Amazon and website.

Enjoy!

Bernadette M. Petrotta

Founder & Director

Polite Society School of Étiquette

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

A COMPLETE A-Z ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

F IS FOR FATHER CHRISTMAS

Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, St Nicholas...    he goes by many names, but in the United Kingdom, it is the anticipation of the arrival of Father Christmas, delivering gifts on Christmas Eve and filling the stockings of those on the 'nice' list.  The legend of the figure has many different origins, some of which have been fused to create the character beloved by children at Christmastime.  Saint Nicholas, a bishop known for his kindness and generosity, is the start of the legends, and devotion to him encouraged the giving of gifts to others.  The Dutch named this figure Sinterklaas, which in turn became Santa Claus in English, and the popular name used in the The United States.  The English Father Christmas has become wholly synonymous with the American interpretation of Santa, but it also has roots that go back an unknown pagan figure who lifted people's spirits during the bleak winter months.  This man wore robes of green and a holly crown - much like the depiction of the ghost of Christmas Present in Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Love, Bernadette

Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information about training!

Newest book available on Amazon and website.

Enjoy!

Bernadette M. Petrotta

Founder & Director

Polite Society School of Étiquette

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

A COMPLETE A-Z ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

E IS FOR EGGNOG

A creamy concoction of eggs, milk, cream, spices and a splash of rum has become a popular American indulgence over the festive period.  It began life though in medieval England as a 'posset' - a similar drink of warm milk enriched with wine or ale.  There is much debate about how the name evolved - some point to 'nog' as stemming from noggin, a wooden cup used to serve alcohol; others that 'grog' was a term for rum, and thus egg and grog became egg nog.  It is often served chilled, but it can also be enjoyed as a warming drink on chilly nights, as suggested in this deliciously Christmassy recipe.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Love, Bernadette

Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information about training!

Newest book available on Amazon and website.

Enjoy!

Bernadette M. Petrotta

Founder & Director

Polite Society School of Étiquette

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

A COMPLETE A-Z ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

D IS FOR DINNER IS SERVED!

Much of the build-up on Christmas Day is for the dinner - a roast with all the trimmings.  For many, a turkey is the centerpiece, although a traditional goose is becoming popular again, or an alternative choice is a large joint of beef,  Timing to ensure everything is served at the same time, often for a large number of people as extended families gather together, can be stressful.  But whatever you select to be served, it will be delicious for this most important of family meals.

I especially love turkey and I have recently decided since my family is quite small to roast a turkey breast in my oven.  It makes its own gravy too.  You just put a roasting bag and it comes out perfectly!

Merry Christmas to you all!

Love, Bernadette

Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information about training!

Newest book available on Amazon and website.

Enjoy!

Bernadette M. Petrotta

Founder & Director

Polite Society School of Étiquette

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

A COMPLETE A-Z ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

C IS FOR CARDS

In this modern age, sitting down to handwrite a letter to friends and family rarely happens.  The yuletide season evokes a touch of nostalgia, though, and an opportunity to send glad tidings to those we care about.  Take the time to spend an evening writing a thoughtful message and make sending the card worthwhile, perhaps adding a letter reflecting on the past year to those acquaintances not seen for a while.  Displaying a large number of cards received can often be tricky - a string around a room or up a staircase can be helpful for pegging cards onto.  After Christmas, look for local charities that collect cards for recycling.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Love, Bernadette

Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information about training!

Newest book available on Amazon and website.

Enjoy!

Bernadette M. Petrotta

Founder & Director

Polite Society School of Étiquette

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

A COMPLETE A-Z ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

B IS FOR BAUBLES

The baubles hanging on the tree can often tell the stories of Christmases past.  Boxes are carefully brought down from the attic and lovingly wrapped treasures are freed from tissue paper and old biscuit tins.  Each bauble is given its special place, from vintage finds to those made by a child, to an old favourite passed down through generations and a new one or two to mark the current year.  Though trends may come and go, and new color schemes become desirable, often the tradition and ritual of bringing these old friends out just once a year mean many of us stick to a style and palette that can be built upon year on year, to create a truly personal expression of Christmas that evokes memories to cherish.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Love, Bernadette

Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information about training!

Newest book available on Amazon and website.

Enjoy!

Bernadette M. Petrotta

Founder & Director

Polite Society School of Étiquette

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

A COMPLETE A-Z ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

A IS FOR ADVENT

Christmas anticipation and preparations truly begin with the commencement of advent.  In churches, this may fall on the Sunday nearest the 30 November, but for secular celebrations, 1 December is the usual starting point, with many using an advent calendar to count down the days leading up to Christmas Day.  This may take the form of a traditional pictorial card calendar with windows to open each morning, usually with a small missive or festive icon behind.  Children (and adults) may also delight in versions with a chocolate behind each window.  Homemade options can be a lovely family tradition to bring out annually and can be personalized day by day with a thoughtful trinket or favorite item of confectionery.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Love, Bernadette

Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information about training!

Newest book available on Amazon and website.

Enjoy!

Bernadette M. Petrotta

Founder & Director

Polite Society School of Étiquette