MAGICAL MOMENTSTO TREASURE
Celebrate all the wonderful things about Christmas by honouring old traditions and starting some new ones
It definitely feels like our supplies of Christmas cheer have been refilled this year so let’s celebrate all our favourite traditions and maybe even add in a few new ones along the way to the big day. Never made a Christmas pud? The heady mix of fruit, spice and a tot of brandy (or two) will fill the kitchen in the most intoxicating way. Think you’re too old to write to Santa? Think again. You never outgrow the magic of Christmas. Just join in the fun and see for yourself…
Make a wish
Santa needs to know just how good you’ve been this year (you have been good, haven’t you?) Jotting down one or two things you’d really like helps take the pressure out of gift-buying and encourages responsible shopping – and happiness – all round.
Get personal
A trip to the haberdashery department can turn plain stockings into personalised works of art. Handy with a needle? A simple running stitch in embroidery cotton looks stylish. Can’t even thread a needle? Trace letters or motifs from felt and then glue them in place – they’ll look great and no one will be any the wiser!
DOUBLE HELPINGS OF PUD
If you’re going to the effort of making your own puddings this year, bump up the recipe. ‘What could be more tempting than a steaming pudding, irresistibly fragrant with a mix of spices, molasses, sugar, candied peel, dried fruit and brandy, arriving at the table?’ says Skye Gyngell, Culinary Director at Heckfield Place in Hampshire. Skye advises making extra and saving one. ‘It will keep in the fridge for a year, the flavour becoming even more delicious,’ she explains.
Go crackers
The best bit about making your own crackers is that you get to decide the contents. Miniature toiletries and spirits, and single posh chocolates all trump little bits of plastic any day, while favourite stocking fillers like socks and jewellery are welcome too. Missing the hat? Get creative with a ‘make your own’ competition using the wrapping. And Dad jokes? They’re optional.
Find your green fingers
‘Making your own Christmas wreath is a lovely annual tradition,’ says Mairead Curtin of florists Rebel Rebel. ‘Using foliage is traditional – then decorate it further with favourite baubles.’ Mairead’s shows how with step-by-step instructions in our Winter issue of At Home magazine. You can read the digital edition and make-along here.
Go big… with little trees
Let’s face it, the Christmas tree is the centre piece, but what do you do if your little helpers want to throw everything at it while you had something more considered in mind? Doing both using a few smaller trees alongside the big one offers a win-win solution. They can go to town with the tinsel in the comfort of their own rooms… and you can take a more measured approach on the main one. Find some festive inspiration in our favourite themes this Christmas.
START THE DAY THE FRUITY WAY
Two-thirds champagne to one-third orange juice is the classic Buck’s Fizz recipe to kick off Christmas morning. If you prefer a lighter start, though, make it a mocktail using an alcohol-free fizz from our partners at Waitrose. And why not shake up the fruit while you’re at it? Cranberry juice, clementine or pomegranate all still taste deliciously Christmassy. Stir up the flavours with a herb branch twizzle stick or try the Rosemary & Pomegranate Fizz from the mocktail recipes at Waitrose.
WRAP UP WARMLY
A gorgeous gift deserves some special giftwrap. Take the opportunity to indulge your Pinterest fantasies or get the kids involved with some festive stamping (old school potato printing never loses its charm). Ribbon and foliage sprigs are the perfect finishing touches for your brown paper packages tied up with string.
’TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS…
Ok, so these days most creatures are stirring all through the house on Christmas Eve. We’re all too excited to sleep, right? Having one little gift to open can help manage that excitement. Or why not opt for the growing tradition of the Christmas Eve box? Fill with a few special treats from Christmas pyjamas to sweets or a new book, then head off to bed before Santa arrives.
LEAVE A TREAT OUT FOR RUDOLPH
Before climbing the stairs to the land of nod, spare a thought for Santa and his reindeers, and just how much energy is needed on a busy night like tonight. Leave a little treat on your favourite Christmas plate and sleep soundly knowing you’ve helped them power on their way from house to house.
