When my mum died we found a container of her handmade festive favourites in the freezer. I eat one every year and reminisce about past Christmases with her

Every year on 1 December, I’ll open the freezer and know that Christmas has finally come. Hidden away in a large Tupperware box are mince pies that were handmade by my mother.

For the past 20 years, I have been slowly making my way through them by eating one on 1 December every year. With their rough, thick pastry cases and delicious handmade whisky-soaked mincemeat, each pie fills me with joy and nostalgia, as I reminisce about past Christmases with my mum.