Just as I drive around the corner and pull up beside the driveway, Snoopy's Christmas begins to play on the radio. I pull out from the kerb and begin to circle the block. Dammit, I love Christmas time. I revel in the decorated streetscape; the sparkling lights and tinsel, shop-front elves and angel-adorned lampposts. I look forward to our annual family photograph with Father Christmas, but not quite as much as I delight in those edible chocolate Santas wrapped in foil.
Oh yes, the beach, the barbecues, the break from work and study. I even enjoy Christmas shopping! But that's because I don't buy presents for anyone (other than myself), and the stores are open late, and buyers often get free ribbons and wrapping paper with purchases. But do you know what the best thing about Christmas is, the very best thing of all? Aside from the joyous gatherings - of course - all that friendly festive cheer, and those awkward Neighbourhood Watch gatherings ... (Golly gosh, the kids are how old now? It seems like just yesterday that they were toddlers, splashing and screaming in the backyard pool. Oh, did you say they were in the pool yesterday? Well, amidst it all, some things never change. Indeed.)
Amongst all of the wonder and glitter of Christmas, the very best thing of all, the very very best thing of all, is a brandy snap (with or without whipped cream and summer berries). And don't mention stuffed turkey, or glazed ham, or even pillow-soft pavlovas topped with cream and kiwifruit, as though they even pose a challenge to my beloved brandy snaps. And before you accuse this column of focusing too closely on an oft-considered triviality, or, heaven forbid, a superfluous item on the dinner table, let's examine the allegorical significance of this seemingly humble golden-syrup-flavoured crisp.
The brandy snap is an important foundation for any Christmas dessert; although its delectability is unquestionable, personal preference when it comes to preparation is as varied as the individuals gathered around the table. Obviously toppings alone involve a fair amount of culinary imagination - see aforementioned cream, summer berries, and then you've got chocolate or caramel sauce, sprinkles, a squidge of pav, a dollop of custard ... Naturally, the list goes on.
Perhaps, like me, you prefer them butt naked and ready to eat from the oven or the packet. Ah yes, unembellished and quite simply delicious. Righto, then, and what's the second best thing about the upcoming festive season? Brandy-snap gelato. Yes, it exists. And yes, it's the perfect combination of summertime and Christmas time. Dammit, I love the silly season.
• Katie Kenny has this year completed English studies at the University of Otago.
