Stirring it up...

To the horror of my Scottish friends I confess that I do like to partake in 'Stir-up Sunday' (an informal term in 'Anglican' churches for the last Sunday before the season of Advent). Whilst it may get its name from a verse in the Book of Common Prayer, which begins with the words, "Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people", these days it's all about the making of Christmas puddings on that day.

For the uninitiated, this modern ritual basically entails getting a whack load of ingredients, including a healthy splash of booze, and chucking them together in a large bowl. Then everyone gathers round whilst the stirring takes place and wishes are made. Then its steamed for 8 hours. Its quite an epic ordeal but definitely kick-starts the festive season is style.

(Apparently in recent times, two-thirds of British children surveyed, revealed that they had never experienced stirring Christmas pudding mix - so its not too late - get stirring everyone!).

 A whole heap of ingredients

 Christmas puddings!

Almost ready for the stir

Videoclip: Stirring it up