How to posh up your Christmas with Jacob Rees-Mogg I The Daily T

Key Concepts

• Traditional Christmas Observance: The 12 days of Christmas, Advent as a period of preparation, and the historical evolution of Christmas customs.
• Etiquette & Social Graces: Proper timing for gift-giving, handling unwanted guests, and navigating social situations during the festive season.
• Christmas Traditions & Rituals: Debate around Christmas trees, decorations (tinsel vs. no tinsel), Christmas dinner, and the role of traditions like crackers and carol singing.
• Social Commentary & Class: Observations on differing Christmas experiences based on social standing, and the clash of generational values.
• Alcohol & Festive Consumption: Discussion of appropriate drinks (champagne, eggnog, Bucks Fizz) and responsible drinking during Christmas celebrations.

The Proper Way to Do Christmas: A Detailed Summary of the Daily Tea Discussion with Jacob Rees-Mogg & Laura Windsor

Introduction: The Embodiment of Tradition

The Daily Tea episode features Jacob Rees-Mogg, presented as the embodiment of Christmas tradition, and etiquette expert Laura Windsor, to discuss the “proper” way to celebrate Christmas. The conversation ranges from the theological origins of the season to practical advice on navigating family gatherings and festive etiquette.

1. Defining the Christmas Season: Beyond December 25th

Rees-Mogg immediately establishes that Christmas isn’t simply December 25th, but rather the feast of Christmas Day and the subsequent 12 days, culminating in the Epiphany. He humorously points out that, according to the Serbian Orthodox Church’s calendar, Christmas could technically extend as late as February 14th or 15th. He emphasizes that Advent is a distinct period of preparation, often misconstrued as part of the Christmas celebration itself, advocating for a return to fasting and prayer during Advent, followed by a more substantial celebration on Christmas Day. Tim Stanley notes the current trend of treating Advent as Christmas, leading to a feeling of excess and exhaustion by the time Christmas Day arrives.

2. Navigating Social Minefields: Etiquette & Unwanted Guests

The discussion quickly turns to the potential pitfalls of the festive season. Windsor stresses the importance of kindness and tact when dealing with difficult guests, suggesting changing the subject or avoiding direct confrontation. A hypothetical scenario involving a politically outspoken “Uncle Pete” (implied to be a figure like Nigel Farage) is presented, highlighting the challenge of managing potentially disruptive conversations. Strategies include careful seating arrangements to minimize interaction and diverting attention with games. Rees-Mogg acknowledges the potential for cultural clashes, particularly between generations, but notes his own children tend to become more conservative as they age.

3. Festive Consumption: Champagne, Eggnog & the Bucks Fizz Debate

The panel debates the appropriateness of alcohol during Christmas. Rees-Mogg advocates for champagne, even referencing Winston Churchill’s penchant for drinking it from silver tankers as a tradition to be encouraged. Windsor allows champagne on Christmas Day, but cautions against inebriation. The discussion then turns to eggnog (deemed acceptable) and Bucks Fizz, which Stanley describes as an “affectation” from the 1980s, while Rees-Mogg dismisses it as infantilizing. Windsor firmly declares Bucks Fizz “verbot.”

4. Christmas Decorations: Trees, Tinsel & Tradition

The origins of the Christmas tree are explored, tracing its roots to Queen Charlotte and Prince Albert. Rees-Mogg argues there’s no strict “right” or “wrong” regarding Christmas trees, noting their relatively recent introduction to British tradition. He mentions the medieval practice of decorating with branches and leaves. A lively debate ensues regarding tinsel, with Stanley passionately defending its “unashamed 1980s” aesthetic, describing a tree adorned with everything from teddy bears to candy bars. Windsor prefers the elegance of angel hair, while Rees-Mogg acknowledges his wife, Helena, takes charge of the decorations. The discussion also touches on tree toppers, with Windsor firmly rejecting fairies in favor of a star.

5. Christmas Day Rituals: From Stockings to Dinner & the King’s Speech

The discussion details the Rees-Mogg family’s Christmas Day routine: children waking early to discover gifts from Father Christmas (including a Terry’s Chocolate Orange in every stocking), a joint present opening around midday, and a champagne-fueled celebration. Rees-Mogg admits to never eating breakfast. Windsor suggests traditionally stockings are checked after breakfast, with presents opened later, around the time of the King’s Speech. Stanley recounts a childhood tradition of enduring mass before opening presents, while Rees-Mogg attends both midnight mass and a morning service, taking advantage of the theological distinction between the two.

6. The Christmas Dinner: Turkey, Vegetables & Culinary Preferences

The panel debates the ideal Christmas dinner. While acknowledging turkey’s American origins, Rees-Mogg defends it as a traditional choice. Windsor prefers game birds, while Stanley expresses a strong dislike for turkey. A heated discussion ensues regarding vegetables, with Brussels sprouts receiving mixed reviews. Rees-Mogg reveals his aversion to most vegetables, except for Brussels sprouts, while Windsor dislikes cauliflower cheese. The discussion also touches on the tradition of setting the Christmas pudding alight, with Rees-Mogg delegating this task to a member of his household staff.

7. Post-Dinner Entertainment & Clearing Up

The conversation shifts to post-dinner entertainment, with Rees-Mogg describing parlor games like “shrouds” and “consequences” played on Boxing Day. Stanley jokingly suggests a Monopoly board might be thrown in frustration. Windsor emphasizes the importance of clearing up as you go, maintaining a tidy table throughout the meal. Stanley confesses to a tendency towards obsessive tidiness and seeks advice on managing the post-Christmas mess.

8. Concluding Remarks: Dickensian Christmas & Generational Shifts

The discussion concludes with a reflection on the ideal Christmas atmosphere, described as “Dickensian” with a focus on tradition and family. Rees-Mogg acknowledges the changing dynamics of Christmas celebrations, noting the influence of American customs and the potential for generational clashes. The conversation ends with a wish for a Merry Christmas and a preview of an upcoming investigative series.

Notable Quotes:

• Jacob Rees-Mogg: “Christmas is the feast of Christmas Day and the 12 days following… If you want to go on, you will like this, Camila. When I was answering questions as leader of the house, we had promised to do something by Christmas. And so I found that the last day you could say was Christmas was if you went from the Serbian Orthodox Church…”
• Laura Windsor: “It’s about festivity, isn’t it? And bringing joy and laughter into our house.”
• Tim Stanley: “It’s only dry if it’s not well cooked.”
• Jacob Rees-Mogg: “I tend to give my children things that I think are worth giving them. So I don't have a monetary limit, but sometimes you get something that is very inexpensive, but you think hits the nail on the head.”
• Jacob Rees-Mogg: “You should kneel down when I say that.” (referring to the theological significance of Christmas)

Technical Terms & Concepts:

• Advent: The period of preparation leading up to Christmas.
• Epiphany: A Christian feast day commemorating the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ.
• Vigil Mass: A mass celebrated on the evening before a major feast day.
• Jeroboam: A large wine bottle holding approximately four liters.
• Coupe: A stemmed glass used for champagne, characterized by a broad, shallow bowl.
• Bucks Fizz: A cocktail made with champagne and orange juice.
• Mimosa: A similar cocktail, often used interchangeably with Bucks Fizz.

Logical Connections:

The conversation flows logically from defining the Christmas season to discussing the practicalities of hosting and navigating the festivities. The discussion seamlessly transitions between theological considerations, social etiquette, and personal anecdotes, creating a lively and engaging dialogue. The recurring theme of tradition versus modernity is woven throughout the conversation, highlighting the tension between preserving established customs and adapting to changing social norms.