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Christmas preparations tips
As the daylight hours dwindle and the layers of clothing pile on, it can only mean one thing—winter has arrived, and with it, the buzz of Christmas preparations. The season of indulgence, joy, and togetherness is upon us, so it’s time to start planning how to make the most of it.
Get ahead: Avoid stress with early prep
The key to a stress-free Christmas lies in planning. Nobody wants to be stuck in a hot kitchen while the family is enjoying Snowballs, playing Trivial Pursuit, and watching the King’s Speech. If you’d rather not spend the big day peeling spuds, now is the time to get the hard work done.
In our household, preparing for Christmas is less of a chore and more of a cherished tradition. By tackling certain tasks early, we make space to enjoy what really matters—time with loved ones
Christmas Eve Eve: The glazed ham tradition
For us, the festive season officially begins on Christmas Eve Eve (yes, that’s what we call the day before Christmas Eve). Every year, I cook a glazed ham, which serves as an easy and delicious meal after a hectic day of preparation. It’s a family favourite: moist glazed ham, crispy chips, and a rich fried duck egg.
This simple meal sets the tone for the Christmas break and ensures there’s one less thing to worry about as the festivities gear up.
Christmas eve: Prep like a pro
Christmas Eve is when the real work begins, as the main preparations for the big day take place. By evening, the kitchen is filled with the smells of spices, butter, and herbs. Here’s how we tackle the essentials:
Perfect roast potatoes
Parboil and fluff your potatoes, then leave them to dry out in the fridge overnight. This ensures they crisp up beautifully when they hit the hot fat on Christmas Day.
Stuffing with a twist
Get creative with your stuffing. While cranberries are a classic choice, why not try apricots or even prunes for something different? Roll the portions in advance for easy cooking.
Veggie prep made simple
Peel, chop, and slice all the vegetables ahead of time. Carrots, for instance, can be prepped and left in a pan with butter, caster sugar, water, and star anise, ready to be cooked on the day.
Brussels Sprouts upgrade
Par-cook the sprouts, then combine them with chestnuts, bacon, and onion marmalade in a roasting tray. They’ll be ready to pop in the oven alongside the main event.
Brining the bird
An overnight brine (at least eight hours) with herbs and spices ensures your turkey is full of flavour and stays wonderfully moist.
Boxing Day bliss: The leftover roast sandwich
In our house, the Christmas feast doesn’t end on the 25th. Cooking extra of everything means we can look forward to our Boxing Day tradition—a fully loaded leftover roast sandwich. With James Bond playing in the background, it’s the perfect way to wind down after the excitement of Christmas Day.
Make time for memories
While a perfect meal can feel like the ultimate Christmas achievement, remember that it’s the people around the table who matter most. Give yourself enough time to join in the fun, relax, and soak in the memories.
Why not toast the moment with a festive drink? If mulled wine isn’t your thing, a Winter Spritz—a blend of Aperol, Prosecco, and ginger beer, garnished with an orange slice—might just hit the spot.
Merry Christmas from our family to yours
So, as you enjoy the Christmas preparations, remember to keep it fun, savour the moments, and prioritise the people you love. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas filled with joy, laughter, and good food.
Cheers to the season!
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