The Laboratory

Friends of the Advent Calendar will know that one of the highlights of visiting the Norwegian Christmas Fair (see 3rd December) is buying the traditional marzipan pig. Strictly this is a German/Nordic tradition for New Year's Eve, but marzipan is for life, not just for new year! One of our highlights of our holidays this year was visiting Lübeck, the home of Niederegger brand marzipan, and a specialty of Northern Germany. As well as the shop, cafe, and museum, we also made it to the outlet store for marzipn bargains! In the museum there are lifesize models of famous Germans made entirely out of marzipan, and a marzipan nativity and elves.

Our neighbours have started to put their Christmas lights on, but it's all a bit low-key at the minute. In Zurich, Switzerland, however there are no holds barred. The switching on of what they like to call “Lucy” heralds the start of the Advent season. People gather to see the 23,000 light crystals shine out for the first time, spread over a distance of 1km. These lights on Lowenplatz are made from recycled bottles: Fortunately our Advent Calendars arrived in the post yesterday, so we can share with you the amazing goodness and value of Chocolates Direct, the one-stop supplier for all your chocolate needs ( https://www.chocolatesdirect.co.uk/ ) For Sarah, Jelly Belly, and for Adam, Niederegger marzipan from Lübeck, Germany

If you're a fan of Christmas specials, then McDonalds has a real treat for you. Instead of the usual "Festive Pie", this year they have introduced the "Chocolatey Banoffee Pie". Delicious! And if you're after something a bit more traditional, why not try a Marzipan Pig? This delicious paste of almond, milk and sugar is the most common shape for a Nordic Christmas and is usually the prize for whoever finds the hidden almond nut in the Christmas rice porridge. Yes, they hide nuts in porridge!