From uncomplaining donkey to traitorous wren, animals have always played a part in Christian iconography. The Field examines their role in celebrating Christmas
THE FIELD
Chocolate and Christmas pudding fridge cake
Don’t forget about the pud when the time comes to use up the Christmas leftovers. You may be planning turkey sandwiches and curries – but the Christmas pud can be…
Christmas salad. A light, leftovers lunch
Festive feasting is certainly a joy but the time will come to take a break from the indulgence. Philippa Davis’ Christmas salad makes a delicious light lunch, and will helpfully…
The Field’s favourite dogs in the snow
The weather outside may be frightful, but nothing will convince our gundogs to stay at home. As the snow continues to fall, cancelling sporting days and putting the 4x4s to…
The Field’s Christmas gift guide for dogs
The sporting sort are easy to please at Christmas – a new bit of kit is guaranteed to go down a treat. And pampered pooches will be indulged this season…
Royal coat of arms: spotted nave gazing
The Royal coat of arms is just one of the fascinating things you may spy in a local church, while your mind wanders wickedly from the sermon. But where did…
Behold, angels: the origin of angels
Angels are integral to our Christmas tradition, from featuring in nativity scenes and carols to adorning the top of the tree, but few are aware of their pre-biblical origins. These…
Log from the black forest
If you are among figgy pudding nay-sayers this Christmas, don’t let them go hungry. Philippa Davis’ log from the black forest is a traditional chocolate yule log with a black…
Luci Maclaren, sporting artist
Luci Maclaren uses a unique, contemporary style to paint traditional sporting scenes. Having impressed her family and gone down a storm in the Shires, she is now the Belvoir Castle…
The name game: how to name a gundog
The name of your shooting companion deserves a certain amount of thought. Human names, gunmakers and gamebirds are all popular choices, though each have their pitfalls. Follow David Tomlinson’s advice…