What did Santa Claus bring you?

[richardfinegold]

Well, hopefully one gets what they want, if not what what they need today . Merry Christmas everyone

[cria]

A bar of chocolate from my wife. I don't eat chocolate. She does.

[gurnemanz]

Two books. Both Teutonically tinged. Both look up my street.

The Stasi Poetry Circle - Philip Ottermann
Wagner's Parsifal - Roger Scruton

[Serial_Apologist]

Two books. Both Teutonically tinged. Both look up my street.

The Stasi Poetry Circle - Philip Ottermann
Wagner's Parsifal - Roger Scruton

If anyone gave me anything by Mr Scruton, they would have to be utterly unaware of my views on him! A dear friend of some 60 years' duration sent me three bottles of red wine in a wooden box, courtesy Virgin Wines - one Chilean (I don't think I've ever drunk Chilean wine, which is said to be very good), one Spanish, one South African. I feel sure this must have cost considerably more then the calendar I sent her and her husband. I am waiting on a CD, presumably, which may come as a surprise, from A Composer based now in Wales, whom I've mentioned on the forum a few times. I am resisting checking his website for clues.

[smittims]

For some years now we've decided we have everything we want whereas our relatives may be a little short of cash so we've said ' please, no presents; a nice card or a photo of our grandsons would do very well' .

This has worked, but for one dear person . So, full of turkey, pudding and mince pies, I sit to open my present and its...

...a box of chocolate biscuits ' Er, yeah, thanks, I'll, erm, have it later...'

[gurnemanz]

If anyone gave me anything by Mr Scruton, they would have to be utterly unaware of my views on him

My dear wife is fully aware of my aversion to Mr Scruton but I assume her awareness of my Parsifal obsession took precedence. Also, I have enough socks to keep me going. Happy to give his book a chance.

[Dave2002]

A bar of chocolate from my wife. I don't eat chocolate. She does.

Love it!

Re Chilean wine, also mentioned, it's often rather good. We didn't have any of that - but those who have received it should hopefully enjoy it.

Spin Machine - a game - arrived and it's rather fun. At first it seems like a severe challenge, and then one realises that perhaps real life politicians train up on games like this one.

https://www.shop.parliament.uk/products/spin-machine-the-serious-or-satirical-political-card-game

[french frank]

Collusion (I assume) between younger members of family: bottle of 7-year-old vintage port from M&S and small Stilton from Sainsbury's. WhatsApp message this morning from (also) young hostess for Boxing Day buffet: no coffee or alcohol (except spirits) so BYO if wanted. I have packed a bottle of Pouilly Fumé and coffee-making equipment into my rucksack.

[smittims]

Hope you enjoy the day. We're having a quiet one, having recovered from yesterday: nine round the table.

[Petrushka]

For my 70th Christmas I decided to splash out and purchased as a gift to myself the British Library facsimile edition of Shakespeare's First Folio from 1623.

This is the most beautifully printed and bound volume I have ever seen in my life. It's an astounding work of art in its own right and a true collector's item. Opening this awesome volume just took my breath away.

Wondering if anyone else has bought it. It's not cheap but it's worth it.

[Pulcinella]

For my 70th Christmas I decided to splash out and purchased as a gift to myself the British Library facsimile edition of Shakespeare's First Folio from 1623.

This is the most beautifully printed and bound volume I have ever seen in my life. It's an astounding work of art in its own right and a true collector's item. Opening this awesome volume just took my breath away.

Wondering if anyone else has bought it. It's not cheap but it's worth it.

Good for you.
But how sad that even the BL site can't get it right:

The significance of the First Folio cannot be underestimated.

Oh yes it can, but obviously not by you!

https://shop.bl.uk/products/shakespeares-first-folio-facsimile

[Petrushka]

Good for you.
But how sad that even the BL site can't get it right:

The significance of the First Folio cannot be underestimated.

Oh yes it can, but obviously not by you!

https://shop.bl.uk/products/shakespeares-first-folio-facsimile

Yes, I also noticed that howler but the book is what matters. Goodness knows how opening a mere book can move one beyond understanding but this one achieves something quite remarkable. Breathtaking.

[CallMePaul]

A painting of a Curlew by a local Leeds-based artist, plus Steven Isselis' guide to Bach's Cello Suites, which looks very interesting on a quick scan.

[french frank]

One thing I'll say for the younger generation of the family - they know how to pick a bottle of wine. Or in this case - and fair enough - a half bottle of 2015 Château Suduiraut Sauternes on Boxing Day. That's going to need something special in the way of cheese.

[Barbirollians]

Roquefort FF - made for Suduiraut.