When it comes to celebrating Christmas, every family is different. We all have our own traditions when it comes to the festive season and although we probably repeat the same things each year, it’s very easy to forget a few things along the way, especially if most of the preparation is left to just one person (you know who you are). Based upon the Christmas that I have grown up with, here is a quick check-list to scan down to make sure that you’re as prepared as you can be.
Food & Drink
Making a list of what meals you’ll be having over the Christmas period will help with making sure you’ve got everything in that you need
If you’re preparing the Christmas lunch you might need: turkey/duck/goose/chicken, potatoes, vegetables, stuffing, pigs in blankets, cranberry sauce, bread sauce, gravy, Christmas pudding, custard, brandy sauce, cream, ice cream
Do you have to cater for vegetarians or anyone with food allergies?
Most shops will be closed on Christmas Day and some will be closed on Boxing Day, so make sure you have everything you need until at least the 27th December
Don’t forget the chutney, pickle and mayonnaise to enjoy with the cold turkey
Check the cupboards for plastic containers, kitchen foil and cling film to help with storing the leftovers
Snacks and nibbles will always be useful, especially if you are expecting guests
Do you have something you can bring out in an emergency in case of unexpected guests?
Drinks: Have you stocked up with wine, Champagne, soft drinks, juice, milk and tea and coffee?
Gifts
Best to double check your list of friends and family to make sure you haven’t forgotten anyone Check all your hiding places to make sure you’ve retrieved all the gifts you’ve purchased (When I was a little girl, I once received a gift on the 28th December from my Auntie because my Mum had hidden it under the bed and forgotten all about it)
Make sure all the gifts have tags firmly attached so you know which gifts are which
Have you remembered gifts for the pets in your family?
Keep all the Christmas gift receipts in an envelope in case anyone needs to return anything
Decorations
If you’re having a real Christmas tree, soaking it first will help it to last longer and prevent the needles from dropping
If you have an artificial tree, retrieve it from the loft/garage/cupboard in good time
Don’t forget to check any decorative lights and change any bulbs that are dead
Retrieve your box of decorations and replace/repair any tinsel, baubles or candles that have been damaged since last year
If you like to display your Christmas cards you might want to stock up with string, pegs or blue tack before the cards start dropping though the letter box
A door wreath will provide a festive welcome for any guests to your home
Entertainment
Find out what’s happening in your local area that the family can get involved in
Buy a copy of the Christmas TV guide so you can prepare in advance for all the repeats that will be shown
If the Christmas TV schedule doesn’t float your boat, stock up with DVDs to keep the family quiet
Stock up with batteries for any gifts that need them
Retrieve the board games and the playing cards from the cupboard – something for all the family to get involved in
If the board games are a little ‘old hat’ for your family, make sure the games controllers are all charged up and ready
Visiting Friends & Family
If you’re planning a long car journey, make sure the car is fully fuelled, check the tyres, the oil and coolant and stock up with emergency supplies in case the weather turns bad (shovel, blanket, water, snacks)
Don’t forget to check the train/bus timetables before setting out in case a reduced service is in operation and remember to take you tickets / travel cards with you
You might want to take a small gift for your hosts if you’re visiting someone else’s home
Make sure that pets are being looked after if you’re away for a while
Other Stuff
Stocking up on headache tablets, indigestion tablets and basic first aid items would be a good idea – there’s nothing worse than needing these things when all the shops are shut!