I don’t like the idea of contemplating Christmas before my birthday, but we are where we are. Zara’s is hosting their Christmas preview evening, wherein the festive treats that will be filling the shelves over the next few months are available to be sampled, along with a glass of fizz. The advent calendar (already ordered) samples are to die for, I try some of the salami for the first time and I could be tempted by a small one but even I would be defeated by the full-size instance. The proper Christmas selection box truffles are not yet firmed up, so they remain a mystery for now, but I’m promised that some of the classics are still there, even if I am mourning the loss of the gingerbread espresso martini.