Compliments of the Season

[Scott Monty]

We're about to head into December, the month in which the only Christmas story in the Canon occurs. I refer of course to "The Blue Carbuncle."

It's that time of year when Sherlockians 'round the world send each other holiday cards with the Canonically and politically correct phrase "Compliments of the season," as we gird ourselves for goose dinners.

Personally, I look forward to the 3rd Friday of every December, when the Friends of Irene Adler meets for our annual dinner of goose with chestnut stuffing, and the Sherlockian greeting cards that I give and receive. A fellow Irregular that I know sits by the fireplace on Christmas Eve and re-reads "The Blue Carbuncle" as his gift to himself.

So, that brings me to ask you: what Sherlockian traditions - either through your local society or individually - do you celebrate at this time of the year?

[SandyK "Esmerelda"]

The Three Garridebs of Westchester County (NY) hold a Blue Carbuncle dinner on the closest Sunday to the second day after Christmas they can manage. This is a very light-hearted affair, with Sherlockian carols (well, parodies), toasts, skits, and very short papers, if they can be called that, all in a comedic vein. Those attending can even order goose, if they choose! The mascot for this event is a rubber goose, though some insist that the goose is well disguised as a rubber chicken.

[John C. Sherwood]

Like Peter Blau, I have a Sherlockian holiday tree that has graced my residence each year since about 1990. I don't suffer from "tree envy," so I freely admit mine is small, suitable for tabletop placement. It boasts a variety of themed ornaments, the requisite being a small goose wearing a blue pendant jewel.

There's a severed thumb and a small box of solidified coarse salt into which two mismatched ears are tightly glued. There's also a model bicycle, a couple of small beagles (Pompey and Toby), a small paper with the scrawl "++++", etc. The angel that adorns the top has no wings but sports gray hair, a rolling pin and an apron -- obviously Mrs. Hudson. Over the years it has inspired not a few comments from curious visitors!

[Nigel]

I don`t have a tradition I`m afraid but I rather like the idea of sitting by the fireplace on Christmas Eve (with a glass of brandy from the tantalus no doubt) re-reading that particular tale.

However, since I am currently (and anxiously) awaiting delivery of a copy of, "The Best of the Pips: A Collection of the Writings About the Writings By the Members of The Five Orange Pips Scion Society of The Baker Street Irregulars (1955)", which I just bought on e-Bay, I`ll probably unwrap and read that instead. My Christmas present to myself that will, I hope, be an oasis of peace before the following mornings chaos.

[Julia Huggins]

I'm a Red Circle member, so I'll be at Peter Blau's for the Sherlockian tree-trimming; great hosts, great company and since I've already passed "The Test", great fun!

I have a soft spot in my heart for OTR and films about this time of year, so I'm sure some of the Rathbone/Bruce radio shows (break out the Petri wine and Grove's Bromo Quinine) some Hammer/Cushing, and Ronald Howard viewing will be taking place.

Happy Holidays to all.

[John C. Sherwood]

Every year, it seems, a performance commitment seems to pull me away from the East Coast during the week of Peter's tree-trimming. As a result, I've yet to be able to attend, but not for a lack of desire. Someday, I will be there!

[Ann Margaret Lewis]

I haven't got a tradition, but since I now have a fireplace, I might just do what Nigel suggested below - light the fire, sit in my rocking chair and read BLUE. Then go watch the Jeremy Brett version and see what they changed. ;)
--Ann

[Bones]

Late compliments of the season to you all. Since graduate school has me in a bind with work, my traditions have been sacrificed...epp! I know. However, every year I do read The Blue Carbuncle. Then, I totter off and watch the Jeremy Brett version and listen to lovely Clive Merrison in the BBC radio adaptation (which I prefer).