P is for Planning

There are 48 days to Christmas and while this may be to many a ridiculously long time ahead to start prepping for the festive season, experience has taught me that it's worth getting ahead a little so that December won't be too manic.

So this is what I'm doing this month (across the whole of it):

• Set a budget; work out what you can afford to spend on presents, as well as food and drink
• Start a master gift list
• Draw up a Christmas card list, ensure you have enough cards and postage stamps
• Buy any extra cards and postage stamps needed
• Ensure you have everyone's (postal) addresses up-to-date
• Get out the emulsion and paintbrush and touch-up any areas that have suffered over the year e.g. banisters, around the front door etc.
• Plan the holiday menu; and set out an ingredient list
• Try out any new recipes.  They may sound delicious on paper but be far too stodgy in reality
• Go through your cupboards, freezer and pantry and make a list of what you need. Check cans and spices for sell-by dates; ditch any that are over the date by more than a couple of months
• Make and bake the cake 
• Make and steam the pudding
• Draft a Christmas letter if sending
• Begin shopping for gifts, collating gifts from suppliers where possible to save on P&P
• Feed the cake with brandy by making holes over the cake with a large needle and (using a pastry brush) brushing the top and sides with the alcohol
• Write your cards, stuff them in the envelops (but leave unsealed at this stage)

There...that wasn't too much...was it!?!