We’ve all heard them – the infamous fruitcake jokes. Why is history like a fruit cake? Because it is full of dates! Why do fruitcakes make ideal gifts? Because the Postal Service has been unable to find a way to damage them. Although we might poke fun, we must admit that Christmas wouldn't be the same without it. To our family it's not a joke, we love the Christmas Fruit Cake that's been in our family for many generations.

No British Christmas is complete without a Christmas Cake. We have had this tradition in our family for years now. My mom has always made this wonderful fruit cake and the grand kids usually help her add all the little figurines each year. We keep thinking that they are getting too big but each year THEY LOVE IT.

My sister and I usually make sure we get our share of the cake after Christmas Day is over. It's delicious with coffee. I've already had several pieces.

All Christmas cakes are made in advance. Many make them in November, keeping the cake upside down in an airtight container. A small amount of brandy, sherry or whisky is poured into holes in the cake every week until Christmas. This process is called “feeding” the cake.