The most wonderful time of the year can easily become an extremely stressful event, but with careful planning and forward thinking you can make this year the easiest Christmas it has ever been.
The main concern around Christmas is just how much we spend. Set a specific budget (whether per person or in total) and stick to it.
you are buying for and stick to your first list. Use your pre-planned budget to determine who is getting what – and don’t waver on this.
Hitting the supermarket on Christmas eve is risky business – but if you write a detailed list and split it into categories, you’ll know exactly what you need before you’re hit by the rush. TOP TIP: Take a friend or family member with you so that if you forget any bits when you’re already half way round you can send them back to get it.
If your Christmas feast is the thing you fear most, plan it out in advance. Determine what takes the longest (usually the juicy turkey) and then plan in your side dishes accordingly. Parsnips, carrots and roasties can all be popped in the oven at roughly the same time, but sprouts (love them or hate them) can take no time at all. You can make your gravy months in advance, freeze it and then its one less thing to think about leading up to Christmas.
Does someone have a special request for your Christmas dinner? If they want mash and it wasn’t on your menu, get them to bring enough for the entire table. There is always someone who can fit in 3 courses of turkey and then pudding after that, ask them to bring a trifle or box of chocolates to share among your guests (because Christmas pudding really isn’t for everyone!).
Once your Christmas feast is cleared away, its time for you to let your hair down. Pour yourself a festive tipple and savour every moment of it of the rest of your Christmas. Sing Christmas carols, dance to Slade and enjoy a mince pie or three. No doubt, you’ll be planning a lavish feast of leftovers on Boxing Day – so make sure you take some time to enjoy the joy and merriment of Christmas.