Due to the uncertainty of this Christmas I've suggested that we go down the frozen food route for Xmas.
This means that we can get the food now for the festive period and not have to worry if;-
1) There is low stock at any point
2) There no HGV Drivers to get stock
3) Our usual orders get 'cancelled' at the last minute
4) Lockdown happens and the family can't get together
5) Covid happens and we have to isolate
It also should mean we have a lot less stress this xmas. It also means we wont end up paying 'over the odds' for whatever is out there and that nothing 'fresh' gets wasted if we can't all get together.
Other top xmas tips
a) No-one cares for the difference between Champagne and Cava/Prosecco
b) Spend a bit more on first bottle of wine you plan to open, everything else can be 'run of the mill'
c) Decant long-life juices into glass bottles if you are worried about looking 'cheap'
d) Chilled tap water in glass bottles is also nice to drink
e) Scrambled Eggs with smoked salmon pieces is a lovely breakfast for the day and doesn't cost loads
f) a board game is a great way to pass the time as a family without just sitting silent infront of the TV
g) You don't need a starter if you are having a 'and all the trimmings' roast.
h) I'm also a fan of skipping dessert after xmas dinner.
i) Mince Pies/Apple Pies from Mr Kipling keep for quite a while so can become a dessert for a hungry person if required.
j) Check to see who has Netflix/Disney+/Spotify accounts and see if you can share log ins.
k) The oven will be on most of the day, keep the kitchen door open to let the heat escape round the home.
l) Hand deliver Christmas cards for people local to you.
m) 2nd class stamps just need posting a day or two earlier.
n) Turkey curry is easy to make with leftover turkey and can be frozen.
o) Check out what spirits you have half open in your drinks cabinet and work out what cocktails you could make from those rather than buy more spirits
p) Everyone loves snacky-snacky-snack-snacks so if family are visiting for 2 (or more days), try to keep the snacks seperated so all aren't eaten on the first day.
q) Don't use your landline to phone people, you probably have enough free minutes on your mobile or use Facetime/whatsapp for 'free' calls.
r) If you know you aren't seeing someone until into the new year, buy their present in the sales.
s) If you have the space, xmas stuff like cards, wrapping paper, decorations, can be had for 1/4 of the price after Christmas so buy then and store.
t) Turkeys can be expensive for Christmas. You might find it cheaper to get a different meat entirely.
u) No-one cares how expensive your crackers are and (nearly) all the toys in them go in the bin.
v) don't skimp on your cola/lemonaid - buy the versions you know people enjoy rather than the cheapest.
w) A cheeseboard makes an attractive and longer-life dessert for xmas day and can be added to leftovers for sandwiches.
x) Paper Kitchen towels work just fine as napkins.
y) I hear aldi/lidl do excellent dupes of Baileys and other spirits.
z) Don't spend more than you can afford.
That final one is the most important but I've left it to the end as we all get to decide what our levels of affordability are.
Happy Christmas!
The Reverend