An Edwardian Christmas by John S. Goodall

Today I’m featuring a treasured possession that comes out every Christmas in our house. An Edwardian Christmas by John S. Goodall contains wonderfully detailed scenes of a nostalgic Christmas from times past.

If you’re lucky you may be able to find a copy in a second-hand bookshop or buy a used version online.

Below are some of my favourite scenes in the book.

Hmm, a bit different from battling with your trolley around the supermarket or clicking on items to fill a virtual basket.

The candles are lit in the vestry and the choir is warming up so it’s time to hurry through the snow to the local church for Midnight Mass. But don’t worry, Nanny made sure we’re well wrapped in scarves and gloves.

Decorating the Christmas tree is a childhood memory for a lot of us but how many recall needing a step-ladder to do it? The maid is thinking, I’m going to have to clear up all those needles after Christmas…

This kitchen looks positively calm which I don’t think is representative of many of us who take on the responsibility of cooking Christmas dinner. Mind you, we probably don’t have this many helpers! I do hope Cook is taking that turkey out of the oven rather than putting it in otherwise there could be a long wait for lunch…

No slumping in front of the TV to watch the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special or a decades old blockbuster but civilized entertainment for all the family around the pianoforte.

Would you mind awfully passing me another slice of smoked salmon… I don’t know about you but my Boxing Day buffet never looks like this. Where are the turkey sandwiches, the tin of Quality Street and the tub of Twiglets? (Sorry, I’m showing my age. I meant the hummus, smashed avocado and sourdough bread.)