Bites of Nostalgia

Christams 1981 in a mince pie

Photo Credit - BBCWales archives

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Isn’t there something quite nostalgic about taking the first bite of a mince pie?  For me, it’s a little round pastry that carries with it the weight of so many childhood memories, often of a simpler more innocent time. 

I’m not a huge fan of large mince pies, but there is something quite delicious about the mini version, especially Tesco Finest range. I devoured my first mince pie this morning, and it was like a portal back to one particular Christmas of my childhood. 

The most vivid memory was of Christmas Eve back in 1981, I was 7 years old. I woke to a blanket of snow that apparently clung to the ground well into February.  The drifts were so high, I recall my dad venturing out with his trusty spade to carve paths through the thick snowy layers, while mum was busy prepping Christmas dinner.  I remember smelling the wafts of gravy, the kitchen filling with roast turkey and all its trimmings, freshly made trifle and mince pies dusted heavily with icing sugar. My mum certainly loved cooking up a feast. But do you know, I never really appreciated mums cooking back then, although I have such fond memories of her cooking and baking the best chocolate cake ever.  

Another extreme winter I remember vividly, was 1986 when we lived on a farm, well it was more of a small holding.  Hay filled barns, surrounded by grumpy sheep, horny rabbits, a pony and a rather naughty donkey.  It was an idyllic childhood and a time I always reminisce about during December, but I wonder why that is? Maybe because I remember there was an overwhelming sense of freedom amidst the sprawling fields, occasionally interrupted by the distant sound of a farmer’s tractor. Or maybe because I didn’t have a care in the world back then.  I rode my pony from dusk till dawn, and to this day I remember thinking, life as a cowgirl was god damn near perfect.

I certainly feel like I lived my ‘life with ease’ back in the 80’s. And I know why, my life was so much simpler and less overwhelming, because there were no mobile phones or social media notifications to distract me. My days were filled with child’s play, enjoying adventures as though I was in a series of Huckleberry Fynn & Tom Sawyer.

It’s incredible how a simple taste or smell can whisk us back to moments so vivid, they’re almost tangible right?  That little luxury mince pie took me right back to those innocent days, the crunch of snow underfoot, trekking with my pony and the warmest of family laughter lingering in the frosty air.

I’m wishing for a very white Christmas this year.

Until the next time

Take care & stay safe xx