Countdown to Christmas

If you wish some guidance in how to make your Christmas unforgettable with handmade decorations, lovely food and especially less stressful, then read carefully the following instructions. Although not every point will be relevant for your own Christmas Celebrations, it will give you an exact idea where to start and a lot of ideas what belongs to an unforgettable Christmas.

Throughout the year

Save left-over wool (yarn) and fabric from knitting and sewing projects to use in decorations. Look out for interesting buttons, aluminium etc. in junkshops and markets to make tree ornaments and to decorate other designs. Collect seashells when you visit the seaside.

October

Make a selection of preserves and relishes, such as Crab-apple and Lavender Jelly or Christmas Chutney, to serve with cold meats and pies.
Pick seedheads, such as poppies and Chinese lanterns (winter cherry) and ornamental grasses and hang them up to dry.
Stich embroidery decorations and gifts.

November

First week
begin to make Christmas tree decorations, using all non-perishable materials you have collected throughout the year, such as aluminium foil, papier-maché and sequins.

Second week
make moist and rich Christmas Cake

Third week
Feed Christmas Cake

Fourth week
Make traditional Christmas Pudding.
Plan the Christmas Dinner:
- consider the number of guests and their food preferences before you plan the menu
- order turkey, goose, beef or ham
Continue to feed Christmas Cake.
Gather fir cones and twigs for decorations, e.g. such as napkin rings.
Make an Advent Calender.

December

First week
Make light jewelled Fruit Cake.
Make mincemeat for Mincemeat Tarts.
Continue to feed and moist the Christmas Cake.
Compile a complete shopping list for the main Christmas meals under headings for the different stores or the various counters at the supermarket.
Continue to make decorations for the Christmas tree and table.
Make your own Christmas cards and giftwrap.
Help the children to make their own Christmas cards, gifts and decorations.

Second week
Make almond paste to cover the Christmas Cake.
Shop for dry goods such as rice, dried fruits and flour.
Order special bread requirements.
Order milk, cream and other dairy produce.
Make Cumberland Rum Butter or Brandy Butter.
Decorate the Christmas tree.
Put up paper chains and other decoration indoors.
pick evergreens, such as ivy, blue pine (spruce), and make a wreath for the front door.
Make orange pomanders.
Decide on the theme of the Christmas table and make place cards, gift bags and crackers to match the tablecloth and napkins.

Third week
Make tartlets and other cocktail savouries and freeze them.
Cover the Christmas Cake with icing, leave a day and cover and store.
Bake Gingerbread Plaques for edible tree decorations.
Make candle pots and displays using the dried grass and seedheads.

Fourth week
Shop for chilled ingredients.
Buy wines and other festive drinks.
Decorate mantelpiece with evergreens and candles.
Wrap presents in handmade paper and gift boxes and place them under the tree.
Display decorations with candy and chocolate.
Make a note when to take out the meat from the freezer.

23 December
Shop for fresh vegetables.
Make flans.

24 December
Assemble Christmas salads and refridgerate dressing separately.
Make stuffing for meat.
Cook poultry giblets to make gravy.
Deffrost cocktail pastries.
Prepare all other foods.
Place Santa Toy Sack and hang stockings up.
Fill gift backs for each table setting.
Prepare paper, pens and other materials for party games.

Christmas Day
Cook and serve Christmas Dinner and enjoy your stress free, lovely and home-made Christmas!