Merry almost-Christmas. Here we are, half a year down the line and what I’d hoped - that there might be an audience for it if I wrote weeklyish to whatever seemed right without someone commissioning it - has been given a point by you reading it. There are already thousands of you, which feels slightly surreal.
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.
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....
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
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.
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
Advocaaaaaaaaat - I couldn’t believe my eyes. You are the innovator and the resurrector. Suitably and very seasonal
The EASIEST to make too!
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....
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
Merry Christmas Mark! Thanks for your very entertaining and informative blog! x
Thank you Maggie - Merry Christmas to you too x
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
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
love the playlist -- thank you!!
Thanks Lauren
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.
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
Thank you, Mark on all counts... you’ve helped me so much this year to slay the writing dragon which was a true monster.
OH is away and of course he has our Christmas playlist on his Spotify account, so now I’m diving into yours 🎄🎄🎄
Have a good one.
X
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
Great festive playlist...and a merry Christmas to you and yours x