A Christmas tradition practised across Europe and the Balkans, Dragan’s mother used to plant Christmas wheat every year at her home in Split.

The idea is that the colour, lushness and height of the wheat planted in a bowl or on a plate, will determine the prosperity of the year ahead.

This year, we were in Split in November, and I picked up some Christmas Wheat seeds in a local supermarket. On St Lucia’s Day, 13th December, I planted them back home in Devon, and four days later they had sprouted on the kitchen window sill. I was so surprised, I squeaked out loud and made Dragan jump.

This morning, 24th December 2022, our wheat is over 20cm tall.

We hope this augurs well for 2023, for us – and for all of you too.

Best wishes and fingers crossed,

Penny & Dragan