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Jo Thompson's avatar

Advocaaaaaaaaat - I couldn’t believe my eyes. You are the innovator and the resurrector. Suitably and very seasonal

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Mark Diacono's avatar

The EASIEST to make too!

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Orla's avatar

Merry Christmas to you too Mark, and thanks for making me chuckle this year.

I've recently received your "Spice" book (Christmas present to me!) and I'm enjoying perusing it while recovering from an evil cold/not COVID bug. Some interesting spice "experiments" to perform in the New Year, methinks.

Delighted to see Tracey Thorn on your Christmas playlist, as her album has become the traditional soundtrack for decorating our Christmas tree, along with Bing and Frank, and the Phil Spector Christmas album.

I agree that I find it hard to hear "Fairytale of New York" now, even though it's a great song.

See also "Come On Eileen", although I love everthing else from Dexy's Midnight Runners.

Have you heard of Whamageddon? https://www.whamageddon.com/

The good thing about being poorly for the past 2 weeks is avoiding all the Christmas music I don't want to hear (although I do have a soft spot for "Last Christmas", being a teenage 80s kid....

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Thank you Orla. I'm chuffed you like the book and the playlist! I love the Tracey T album too - I went to see Everything But The Girl on their first album tour, with the excellent Woodentops supporting and of course she and they were just wonderful. And yes, I agree on Dexys too!

Whamageddon is new to me but was already ruined by my 17 year old daughter!

I hope you are feeling better, and that you have a fantastic Christmas x

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Maggie's avatar

Merry Christmas Mark! Thanks for your very entertaining and informative blog! x

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Thank you Maggie - Merry Christmas to you too x

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Jason Ingram's avatar

Fantastic playlist Mark, but I would expect no less 😊🎄⭐️. I have really enjoyed all your posts this year, can’t wait to hear more from

you in 2023. Have a wonderful Christmas Mark Xx

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Thank you Jason! Delighted you think so. And thank you - great to know you are enjoying them. Wishing you a great Christmas an a marvellous 2023 xx

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lauren dubinsky's avatar

love the playlist -- thank you!!

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Thanks Lauren

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Julia Matusik's avatar

My maternal grandmother was a great lover of advocaat at Christmas and I remember as a child being allowed a sip. I loved the thickness of it and remember being intrigued by its very lurid yellow colour. My grandmother is long gone but it’s such a vivid memory. I always associate it with Christmas and the cold and given that summer in Tasmania has barely made an appearance this year, the weather might be perfect for a homemade version. Have a great Christmas.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Advocaat is weirdly Christmassy isn't it, and yet I'm not quite sure why. What a lovely memory. Those moments of being allowed something grown up can etch very deep. Happy Christmas to you and loved ones and thank you for being part of here

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Dec 16, 2022
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Mark Diacono's avatar

Thank you Jane, and I'm glad to have been some help with the writing - your book is much anticipated for 2023! Happy Christmas to you and OH x

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