Christmas. It’s a magical time, filled with laughter, food, family, friends and love. It is a finale to the year, a religious celebration and the entry to summer holidays and relaxation.
To make sure Christmas is as much fun as it was intended, planning is essential. Preparation will reduce family squabbles, excess spending and late nights.
Make a plan early
Families are complex creatures. If you like to get everyone together at one time, let them know well in advance so they can make plans with in laws, children and the like, and no one is left out or disappointed.
When you make your invitation, have the event planned out – will you be serving a full meal? What would you like help with? It is best to let people know to avoid double ups or gaps.
If you are hosting, will you need to borrow or hire anything (chairs, tables, cutlery etc) to ensure the whole group is comfortable. Christmas is a busy time, to book these items in advance.
Shop ahead of time
If you aren’t working full time, make a start on your Christmas shopping early. Make a list to avoid over-buying. Set yourself a goal, for example to have all your shopping finished by December 1, then to have everything wrapped by December 5. That way, when you set up your Christmas tree, you can arrange the presents and tick those jobs off your list.
Remember people get so much as Christmas. It is fine to buy smaller gifts that you would for a birthday. Vouchers are very useful for those who have everything, as are consumable gifts – interesting food or home made goodies.
Send Christmas cards
In this world of email and text, Christmas cards are still a lovely tradition to write and send. They form part of a Christmas atmosphere in a home and provide a welcome change in the post. Make sure you write a personalised note to everyone you send a card to, even if you include a "what we’ve done this year" generic letter.
Think about table layout and decorations
A well-laid table is the most welcoming touch for guests. Take time to think of your own little touches and include them for effect. Magazines and newspapers often have great ideas – bake a special batch of cookies and personalise the icing. These look lovely laid on napkins. Create your own wreath. Take time to decorate your home, even if you live alone. It will give you a seasonal lift.
Cater for the children
Christmas and children go hand in hand. They embody the joy that Christmas is supposed to convey. Think about your smallest guests – modify the menu (and the dining time) for them if necessary. Set a smaller table for children and feed them early. Adults sometimes get carried away with the pre dinner drinks and eat later in large groups. If you keep the children well fed and comfortable, it will make the adult meal so much the nicer!
Christmas should be fun for host and guest alike. Plan a celebration that can largely be cooked ahead of time, enlist help and make it a happily memorable day for everyone involved!
Stephanie - 10 years ago
what works varies