When I was a child in England before the war, Christmas pudding always contained at least one shiny new sixpence, and it was considered a sign of great good luck for the new year to find one in your helping of the pudding.

In this quote, Michael Korda reflects on a nostalgic Christmas tradition from his childhood in England before World War II. He recalls how Christmas pudding, a beloved holiday dessert, would often contain a sixpence, a small silver coin, hidden inside. Finding the sixpence in one's serving was seen as a sign of good luck for the upcoming year, a tradition that added an element of excitement and mystery to the Christmas meal.

The inclusion of the sixpence in the pudding was part of a broader cultural practice, where small objects were hidden in festive foods to bring fortune and blessings. In the case of the Christmas pudding, the sixpence was believed to bring prosperity and luck for the year ahead. This practice was particularly popular in the early 20th century and was a charming part of the Christmas celebration in many English homes.

Korda’s mention of this tradition offers a glimpse into the more simple and charming aspects of Christmas before the disruptions of war. The act of hiding the sixpence was not just about the coin but about the joy and anticipation it created for the children. It was a way to make the holiday feel even more special, filled with surprises and the promise of good things to come.

In essence, Korda’s quote evokes a sense of nostalgia for a time when Christmas traditions were simpler, yet rich with meaning. The sixpence in the Christmas pudding symbolizes the holiday's ability to bring both joy and hope, even in the smallest of ways, and serves as a reminder of the warmth and optimism that Christmas brought to families.