It is thought to be unlucky having decorations still up after Twelfth Night. 

But, with all the paperchains; miniature mangers and Christmas tree fairies back in the loft/garage/recycling bin, all potential curses can vanish and normal service can be restored; although possibly not mealtimes.

As a kid growing up in the “Gateway to the South” I questioned if it was deemed to be tempting fate by still serving some form of cold meat, so frequently, up to and well after January 5^th – and also, whether my mother had been sponsored by the creators of bubble & squeak?

I assumed she had been given Mrs Beeton’s “A million and one things to do with cold meat” for Christmas, as this seemed to be a daily serving (in various guises) at mealtimes before I returned to school.  I often wondered if my school books smelled of bubble & squeak due to its constant preparation throughout my holidays?

I had this irrational fear, usually during double chemistry, that the teacher might ask accusingly if anyone had brought sprouts or cabbage into the school?  While I knew bringing Player’s Number 6 in wasn’t permitted, had a sudden rule been introduced where no pupil could bring in anything which had been fried and several weeks old?

So, when someone says “bubble & squeak is not just for Christmas”  – they’re not lying.