ShowOff ShowCase: The One About Christmas

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You can never predict how posts are going to be received by readers. You can spend hours slaving over a post and it receives one reader and no comments, or you can spend five minutes typing on up while sat up at 3am nursing your poorly baby and then the little line on the site statistics chart explodes stellar-ward! While it might have caused a chuckle typing it up using a smartphone application in the middle of the night sat in an uncomfortable Ikea bucket chair, surely it wasn't that funny?

This all got me thinking about posts. Which are the most popular? Which died a death? Which shouldn't have been written? I want to know your posts, and so I bring you ShowOff ShowCase.

Due to the fact that tomorrow is Christmas Day (really? You don't say?!), the theme this week is:

The One About Christmas

Link up your posts, new or old, about your festivities or preparations and share the blog love.

Don't forget to add the badge to the bottom of the post so people can revisit the linky easily, and please take the time to visit some of the blogs linked (or it doesn't really work very well!)

ShowOff ShowCase

The Ultimate Christmas Song (Playlist)

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I haven't taken part in the Listography for far too long and I feel ashamed of abandoning one of my favourite linkies. A few weeks ago, Kate provided us with the theme of 'Top Five Christmas Songs', which I really wanted to do. And then life and other post commitments cropped up and yet again, I missed the flipping linky! At around the same time, @HimUpNorth tagged me in a meme called the 'Ultimate Christmas Song' Meme.

So I've decided to join the two together and give you my top Christmas songs and split them into categories: Carols, Classics, Children's Songs, Modern Classics and Personal Favourite. Bear with me, it's worth it!

Favourite Carol

When I was a young teenager, mum and I would go and see my (elder) sister perform in the schools' concert in St. David's Hall, Cardiff. If I remember correctly, it was a collection of brass bands, wind bands, youth orchestras, choirs, jazz ensembles, etc. and it was one of the things the signalled Christmas to me. My sister played the clarinet and so was in the windband. I always used to feel an enormous sense of pride and love watching her playing on the stage, when she left the group (with age), mum and I continued to go for a few years until I moved away. This was one of the carols that would be sung by the choir but that the audience were asked to join in with, and mum and I used to love belting this one out. One year my best mate sang in our school choir and was one of the lead vocalists for the twiddly bits (technical term? harmony?) that they sing in the final verse. It sounded magnificent! Every time I think of this song, I'm transported instantly back there.

Christmas Classic

It's got to be this one hasn't it? Everyone knows the words and no-one sings it better than Bing.

Children's Christmas Song

This one gets me every Christmas in school! I love listening to the younger children singing it so earnestly, their little voices straining to reach the high notes, and every time I get a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. I can't wait to hear The Boy sing this in his own nativity in the future. (No idea which school this video is of, only one I could find!)

Modern Classics

It's not Christmas without hearing Mariah belting this out at least eleventy billion times in the shops, pubs, restaurants, car stereos and music channels. And, depending upon where I am, I either join in in my head or out loud. It also reminds me of 'Love, Actually' which is my favourite Christmas film. However, I have banned Mr. TheBoyandMe from singing it, it's a girls' song!

Personal Favourite


'nuff said.

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And now I need to pass the baton on of naming your Ultimate Christmas Song (just the one, unlike you're like me and can't settle on just one) and I tag:

The Gallery: Christmas of Yesteryear

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Due to the fact that it's a rather festive time of the year, Tara has got all Christmassy:

So, in keeping with the time of year and all that, this week's theme is: Christmas of Yesteryear.

This is a chance for you to dig into your dusty old albums and air those embarrassing old photos!
It can be last Christmas, one from your childhood, one before children, one from your mum's childhood even.

I knew the picture to use straight away.

Flashback 32 years and this photograph was taken at my second Christmas. Like my dress and socks? Can you tell I was a child of the '70s?

In my childhood home, we had a landing halfway up the stairs which over the years served many purposes. At one point, it was even my elder sister's bedroom when she was a young girl, and the house was still in flats. After this it housed a cupboard with a mirror-tiled wall behind it. This was the natural place for our Christmas tree every year because the fairy lights twinkled off the mirror and it looked completely magical.

I was captivated with it from the first time I saw it, and then as I grew up I would sit on the stairs and stare at it for hours over the Christmas period. Losing myself in the lights and the ornaments, my imagination would run riot and I'd create different worlds.

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The Ultimate Christmas Meme

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I've shied away from memes lately; there seemed to be an influx in November for NaNoNeNoMeNaBloMoProMo and they all seemed a little bit samey. However, I will admit that in not joining in with this one, I am being an Ebeneezer. And so having been tagged by Not My Year Off, Mum 2 Four, The Crazy Kitchen and at least two others (one of which I think was Mummy vs. Work), I shall stop being all bah humbug and get on with it!

  • The Christmas song I can even listen to in June is…

"All I want for Christmas is you" by Mariah Carey.

  • Hot chocolate, egg nog or mulled wine?

Hot chocolate (but not too hot because I don't like hot drinks). Why in God's name would anyone drink egg nog? And mulled wine is quite frankly, minging.

  • When do you put your decorations up?

Normally a fortnight before, however this year we were at the Tots100 Christmas party that weekend so I did it the weekend before.

  • What are you having for Christmas dinner?

Oh well, where do I start?

Starter: spinach & blue cheese roulade

Main: four bird roast (for the meat-eating men) or filo parcel with leeks and asparagus in a white wine sauce

Sides: roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach and peas, brussel sprouts, honey roasted carrots and parsnips, swede and sweet potato mash, pigs in blankets (meat & veggie ones), stuffing, cranberry sauce, onion gravy.

Pudding: Home-made Christmas pudding using Mummy Mishaps recipe (adapted) with one of the following: brandy sauce, brandy butter, brandy cream, Tesco Finest Chantilly cream.

  • What’s your favourite Christmas tradition?

Long-standing one is shopping in Wally's Delicatessen in Cardiff. More recent one is getting The Boy to help decorate the tree and put the star on top.

  • Have you ever gone carole singing?

As much as I think I could win the X Factor, no-one else agrees, so no.

  • When did you discover the truth about Santa?

That he's real? Every time I watch Polar Express, Miracle on 34th Street and Arthur Christmas. If you think anything else, then shame on you!

  • How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

Lights first, then gold tinsel, then a selection of gold and natural decorations, although red seems to be creeping in. I used to have one in the living room too but have no space for that so it's going in the porch with silver baubles etc.

  • All I want for Christmas is…..

Sleep. Please?

Now I tag:

Christmas Crackers (For Mums)

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Here is my final selection of top-tips for last-minute stocking fillers for mums!

It's a traditional present but you can't really go wrong with toiletries for mums. However, this gift set is much nicer than the usual selection pack as it is part of Radox's Smoothies range. Containing both the gorgeous bath smoothie and shower smoothie, it's indulgent, fruit and perfect for this time of year with its rich berry smell. Also included in the gift set is an exfoliating glove for perfectly smooth skin.

Available from Superdrug.

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 When my great aunt died two years ago we realised that she was the last of her generation in the family and that there wasn't anyone else to ask about the time that Great, Great Uncle Jimmy got stuck on the farm due to chickenpox and had to stay there for a few days until he was well enough to return home, or other such stories. They are ridiculous but part of our family history. There are a great range of books out for different family members, the 'Dear Mum, from me to you' journal is one of them, and a perfect way of recording all those titbits of information which aren't official but make the person more alive than any birth certificate can.

Available from Find-Me-A-Gift for £11.99

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What mummy doesn't like chocolate? Or to be told that you're the best mum in the world? Well clever daddies can combine the two together with this personalised bar of chocolate from The Chocolate Library. The message on the back allows for 80 characters with the giver's name on a different line (saving character space), and you can choose between milk or dark chocolate. The bar is broken up into small pieces which make them perfect for treats!

Available from The Chocolate Library for £4.95

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Unlike my cynical husband, I am a believer in homeopathic and alternative remedies; millenia of natural remedies can't have been that wrong. One of my favourite brands if Nelson's, and they have out a fabulous healing and soothing Arnicare Bath & Massage. It's a dual purpose balm, because you can eithe pour just two caps into a bath or massage the balm directly into the skin to massage away aches. The invaluable natural properties of Arnica Montana will help to soothe and relax after a tiring day. Calendula, Evening Primrose and Sweet Almond Oil naturally hydrate and nourish the skin whilst the Lavender and Grapefruit essential oils help to melt away tension and relax the mind.

Available from Boots for £8.19

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If you prefer more of a cream to a butter, why not try the La Fee Noire (The Black Fairy) and the gorgeous aromatherapy body butter? Also made with Calendula and Rosehip, the cream is a perfect treatment for pre and post-natal skin, as well as being suitable to use on babies. Other yummy ingredients are shea butter, cocoa butter and coconut oil. It smells delicious!

Available from La Fee Noire for £20.00

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Isn't it beautiful? This stunning felt rose brooch was made by the very clever and talented Karen Rao. Karen is a felt artist who designs and makes a range of stunning brooches, necklaces, neck wraps and hats taking inspiration from the natural world. I adore this dahlia brooch and the delicate petals of pink, along with the dewdrops on the leaves. There is a brooch pin and a clip on the back making it very versatile.

Available directly from Karen Rao for £10.00

I was sent these items for the purpose of this review. My opinion is honest and unbiased.

Culinary Christmas

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What festive foods will you be exploring over the Christmas period? I'm going with the following items, see what you think.

A meal is not a meal without crusty bread as either an accompaniment or a starter. Imagine crusty bread, balsamic vinegar and rich, fruity olive oil. I love dipping and swirling the bread, and the contrasting taste and textures is fantastic. There is no better olive oil than Filippo Berio with its rich, fruity taste and Italian heritage.This Christmas they have released a special, limited edition 1L tin which features one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The unique, limited edition tin is stunning and going to be well used over the Christmas period along with crusty bread for dipping, on the roast potatoes and honey-roast parsnips, and along with some honey and lemon juice for salads.

Available for £6.49 (RRP)

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Most cooked meals in this house during Winter are accompanied by cranberry sauce. I adore it, to the point where five years ago my dad bought me a picnic hamper packed full of jars of the red, fruity sauce and I managed to get through every jar before the expiry date!

At Christmas time, the humble cranberry deserves the special treatment and that is what Owen Potts has done:

This cranberry sauce has been blended with honey to create a sweet and delicious accompaniment to the traditional Christmas meal. Made with over 40% cranberries and over 10% honey, you know that you're going to be getting a quality sauce on your plate on Christmas day.

Available from main supermarkets for £1.89 RRP

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As far as my dad is concerned, the Christmas Day buffet tea is not complete without a jar of pickled onions. He's not the only one now either. I thought I'd managed to not marry my father but Mr. TheBoyandMe and he agree on this requirement.

Garner's Pickled Onions are a tad more special than the regular jars on supermarket shelves. The traditional pickled onion is marinated in an exclusive new blend of rich spiced vinegar with whole mustard seeds, something that my dad will enjoy immensely. The spices make the onions more seasonal while the mustard seeds provide that additional burst of flavour to waken up tastebuds after the dullness of turkey and stuffing. All presented in a beautiful Kilner jar which helps to seal in the flavour and freshness during the Christmas period.

Available from most supermarkets.

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I get a bit bored with the usual Christmas pudding, Stöllen cake, yule log etc. at Christmas time. I love cheesecakes and a New York style cheesecake is my most favourite. The English Cheesecake Company have a range of sumptuous cheesecakes which are a perfect addition to the Christmas dining table.

Feast your eyes on this baby:

This is a Brandy Snap Cheesecake. Isn't it a thing of beauty? Seriously! Look at the depth of that base and the curls of the brandy snaps! And trust me, they were gorgeous and crunchy, sweet and smooth. The thick vanilla, cream mix of the cheesecake is completely luxurious and laced with a hint of brandy butter. It is smooth and leaves the most amazing after-taste. All on a thick digestive base which is sweet and crunchy and a delicious contrast to the thick cream.

If you're after something different for a Christmas dessert, then you really should investigate their range. Why should the most important meal of the year be let down by a Value Christmas pudding?

Available for £26.50 from The English Cheesecake Company

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Christmas is not Christmas in our family without a tub of biscuits, and which better biscuits to go for than Fox's? This Christmas, Vinnie the gangster panda has put together a selection in a Limited Edition tin.

It's got all the traditional favourites in there: Choc Fudge, Original Ambers, Party Rings, Jam & Cream Rings and Butter Crinkle? But if anyone goes anywhere near the Golden Crunch Creams, then I shall harness my inner Vinnie, and there will be a war!

Available for £8.00 in Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrison's

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I'm not a fan of nuts, I think they taste like wood which amuses Mr. TheBoyandMe greatly. However, he adores nuts and every Christmas we have bowls of different types lying around on surfaces. His favourites are pistachios and this year he'll be trying these from Wonderful Pistachios.

With four flavours out (Roasted & Salted, Salt & Pepper, Sweet Chilli and No Salt) there is a flavour to suit everyone. As Mr. TheBoyandMe likes nuts and spicy flavours, I gave him the Sweet Chilli to try out. "Sweet Chili isn't precisely a traditional flavour, but it's not excessive; after the first mild kick, it settles into a very pleasant spicy feeling that lingers for a while afterwards and gives a certain more-ishness that makes it difficult to stop eating them!"

Available in most supermarkets now.

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There's now't better to accompany a cheeseboard for Christmas Day supper than a lovely selection of pates.

These scrummy pates and terrines from Castle MacLellan in Scotland are divine and very high quality. Between the pair of us we've sampled the crab terrine, the salmon pate and the oven-roasted mushroom pate. There are some imaginative flavours which would suit the Christmas dinner table well.

Keep an eye out for these in supermarkets.

I was sent samples of these products to try for the purpose of this review. Our opinions are honest and unbiased.

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