In December which is marked by the Christian Christmas and the Jewish Hanukkah there are always gatherings of the family. If the snow and ice hasn’t made the road unpassable, I like to take a drive on nights like this. Houses are adorned with magnificent illumination on these holy days. Whirlwinds of beautiful lights swirl from both sides of the road.

New Englanders are famous for being thrifty, but it’s this time of the year they don’t care about their electric bills. Copious amounts of beads of lights drip from the eaves, all lit up in a myriad of colours. And there inside the houses are big Christmas trees decorated beautifully.

Something I always feel at this time of year is that a home isn’t just some place people live, it’s a way to pass on a message to passers-by. The bonds that tie a family together don’t just manifest themselves, the lights symbolize to the outside world the love that is born inside. That is exactly what is called “Holiday Spirit”!

It’s the message of love to the outside world. America doesn’t have a custom of gift giving but this season is special. This is a time when you choose something for your heart for those around you. Christmas cake is one of those special gifts.

Fruits marinated in liqueur and piles of nuts. The cake itself is basically something that holds all the fruit and nuts together! When baked to a rich heavy colour, wrap in a brandy-drenched cloth and leave to sit in sugar.

Personally I like to slice off small pieces and serve it with dark coffee after dinner with family or friends late at night. This rich harmony is the perfect wake-me-up for chatting into the night. On nights when drops of water freeze into icicles on the window it’s best to leave the illumination on …