What does Santa expect from the modern middle-class home?
Monday, December 24, 2012 at 9:30AM 
When I was a kid, the food that one left out for Father Christmas on the 24th was straightforward - sherry, mince pie, possible carrot for Rudolph. In recent years, however, things seem to have changed. “Reindeer food” (aka oats in a gift bag sold at Christmas Fairs for 50p a go) has become popular; whisky is edging out unfashionable sherry, and my own daughter insists on cups of tea. This leads me to wonder what the good MC person should leave out to feel they are au courant, and to not disappoint Santa? A hearty home-made soup in a John Lewis flask would be practical. Brief instructions for the Nespresso machine might be appreciated if he’s flagging. And perhaps sherry might once more be acceptable if one made it a Pedro Ximinez in a bit of artisan glassware.
Obviously any carrot should be organic, but what else do you reckon, middle-class revelers and wassaillers? Do let us have your suggestions and secrets. After all, we wouldn’t want your house to have nicer gifts than ours, would we?
Reader Comments (3)
Santa appreciates irony, so something from Pippa's 'Celebrate'? Pheasant goujons, perhaps.
Rudolph got an Abel and Cole carrot. FC had Manzanilla La Gitana sherry and a good old chocolate digestive. My husband and I are late with lunch after having to spend time doubled over with your book. Have you eavesdropped on us for the last year perchance? Thank you for an inspired Christmas present x
I so wanted the "magic reindeer food" to be true!!