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Christmas

Countdown to Christmas

(107 Posts)
Whitewavemark2 Sat 11-Oct-25 12:32:43

So this morning I made 5 jars of Delia's Christmas chutney. It is always the first thing I make.

Next will possibly be mincemeat.

Then I need to inspect the Christmas pudding made last year to see if it is ok

Than the Christmas cake.

That takes me up to end-ish of November after which I make pastry for sausage rolls, and quiches. Sweet pastry for deserts

I haven’t yet decided what we are having to eat over the Christmas period.

Aldom Sat 11-Oct-25 19:14:13

I used to live in St. Annes and later in Lytham. Booths was my local supermarket. It is very similar to Waitrose.

AmberGran Sat 11-Oct-25 19:01:05

Now is the time I start to avoid shops like the plague, so quite happy to start the Christmas cooking. Got the cake stuff this weekend, so next week will be cake and pudding. I don't normally make chutney but you've all inspired me to give it a go this year. Mincemeat for mince pies is already done.

Last December was when DH was diagnosed with bladder cancer, so Christmas went out of the window. We didn't expect him to see this Christmas so this year I want to make sure all his favourite things are ready.

Harris27 Sat 11-Oct-25 18:55:38

Well ladies I retire this Christmas and looking forward to it but feeling a bit nervous. Been in childcare for 24 years and think I’m done! I do love Christmas and have already bought one or two items to put in my stash of presents. I will have the usual run up to Christmas and check what I have to do week by week. Lovely thread.

Calendargirl Sat 11-Oct-25 18:39:37

Our local Garden Centre sent an e Mail yesterday saying ‘Christmas Is Open’. Also offering 15% discount to their card holders.

No, no, no, far too soon.

Bah humbug!

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Sat 11-Oct-25 18:39:08

I’m envious Daddima! Enjoy your Christmas. 😊

StripeyGran Sat 11-Oct-25 18:36:16

Enjoyed a warm autumnal day with not a thought of the festive season.

Grannybags Sat 11-Oct-25 18:32:07

I always make our Christmas cake in October half term. Became a tradition when my boys were little and wanted to ‘help’

I’d rather not bother with Christmas at all but put up the tree and keep smiling for my boys and granddaughters 😁

Jaxjacky Sat 11-Oct-25 18:29:01

I’ve started adding the odd extra item to my weekly grocery delivery.
Green tomato chutney left from last year, essential stuffing ingredient and I’ve bought my first two presents.

SueDonim Sat 11-Oct-25 18:28:11

I made Christmas cakes and puddings last week. It is rather early but my DS is coming over from the States soon and will want to take some back with him so I thought I’d better crack on with it.

lixy Sat 11-Oct-25 18:26:02

Delia’s Christmas book will be coming out here too at the end of next week.
We like her Christmas chutney and I also make the apricot one as it goes so well with cold cuts.

We are hosting this year so lots to think about, though mostly traditional - an ‘elevated’ roast.
Not Christmas pud as I’m the only one who likes it, so I’ll have to get my thinking hat on about that.

Enjoy the planning and prep everyone!

winterwhite Sat 11-Oct-25 18:24:02

I make an Elizabeth David pimento chutney (from Spices, salts and aromatics in the English kitchen) which is not a long keeper so can’t do it till early Dec.
There are only 2 of us on C day so we don’t have a C pudding any more. I dislike mince pies so DH has to make do with Waitrose.
I’d still make a cake if I could find someone to do royal icing, but as I can’t I don’t.
I love Christmas but I feel sad at writing this.

sunnygirl Sat 11-Oct-25 18:17:38

Thanks so much, I’ll give it a bash!

Whitewavemark2 Sat 11-Oct-25 18:10:48

sunnygirl

I’ve never made chutney of any variety. Would like to have a go at Christmas Chutney if anyone has a recipe? Thanks

Look up - google Delias Christmas Chutney. It’s a doddle to make and delicious with cheese and cold meat.

Daddima Sat 11-Oct-25 17:59:47

I have bought red envelopes in which to put dosh for my grandchildren, and also ‘wee mindings’ for them all.
My flights and hotel are booked, so I am sorted.

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Sat 11-Oct-25 17:53:18

I love Booths. I think it’s a bit like Waitrose.

I suppose all you domestic goddesses out there have to get thinking about Christmas early. Those cakes and puddings won’t make themselves!

Luckily I don’t bother. My mindset it a bit ‘it’s just another day’. I (usually) enjoy Christmas when it happens but as youngest daughter hosts, all I need do is write our (🤞) Christmas cards.

Grandmadinosaur Sat 11-Oct-25 17:52:59

sunnygirl

I’ve never made chutney of any variety. Would like to have a go at Christmas Chutney if anyone has a recipe? Thanks

I would also like a tried and tested chutney recipe please.

I’m sure I made some in school cookery lessons but all I remember is the very pungent smell of it in the cookery wing.

MissChateline Sat 11-Oct-25 17:48:08

I’m impressed. I don’t give Christmas a thought in terms of doing anything different until the day before.
The Xmas decoration (singular small old wooden nutcracker soldier thing that was my mums years ago ) gets hung up in the kitchen Maybe a hike on the moors with a cheese sandwich and a charcuterie board with a nice bottle of wine in the evening and the decoration taken down and put away till next year.

sunnygirl Sat 11-Oct-25 17:07:24

I’ve never made chutney of any variety. Would like to have a go at Christmas Chutney if anyone has a recipe? Thanks

Moonwatcher1904 Sat 11-Oct-25 13:42:27

I've got all my cards ready to write. I've made a list of my butcher's order. Done a small order online with Booths a local supermarket that does more special items and have all my Christmas cake ingredients ready to make. It's the BeRo recipe but as there is only 2 of us I will halve the ingredients. I made the full one a couple of years ago and it was too much for 2 of us but we managed to get through it.
Yes Mollygo I live in Blackpool and we have a Booths in St Annes. They have lovely stuff in their Christmas Book but not a place I would do my weekly shop.

Mollygo Sat 11-Oct-25 13:29:25

Whitewavemark2

Who is Booths?

It’s a supermarket chain up north.

Whitewavemark2 Sat 11-Oct-25 13:26:57

Who is Booths?

Mollygo Sat 11-Oct-25 13:21:31

windmill1

Now being eternally bombarded by Booths Xmas ads cluttering up the Inbox. Nooooooo, it's still too soon.

windmill
I know.
I’m still buying Hot-cross-buns in Sainsburys, whilst Booths have got mince pies and fancy Christmas treats on display!

Georgesgran Sat 11-Oct-25 13:09:10

It’s a no from me too.
I only ‘do’ Christmas for my DGSs and limit it to 2 days!

windmill1 Sat 11-Oct-25 12:59:14

Now being eternally bombarded by Booths Xmas ads cluttering up the Inbox. Nooooooo, it's still too soon.

Whitewavemark2 Sat 11-Oct-25 12:52:30

RosieandherMaw

Nooooooooooooo - don’t want to play! 🧑‍🎄 🌲 🎅 🎄 🎁

Well hard cheese - you have to 😄😄😄😄