HOW did you get on last week? Are you all done or do you have some more bits and pieces to do? Don’t worry this week there is a little less to do. 

First things first, Sunday, bake your Christmas cakes/puddings. I’m doing both. We are a week behind as stir up Sunday was the one just gone! I was selling cakes at a market.

It’s not time sensitive so don’t put pressure on yourself. I usually have my fruit soaking from August but I was a little late this year and started it October. I’ve had them drinking up some Brandy and topped them up every two weeks.

For Christmas puddings I use the Heston Blumenthal recipe with the hidden orange in the centre. It’s amazing. The flavours that come from the candied orange is absolutely immense. If you can make it then please do, the shop bought version is not the same by a long shot. 

Make a list of all people you want to give a card to, or post one to. Make sure you have all addresses correct. Post them soon or make sure that you make a note of the cut off date. I usually do it December 1.

Get a names list of all the children in your kids classes and groups/activities so you can send them in with their cards early December. You probably know this already, but keep in mind sustainability, when someone gives you a card, keep it and use it for decoration, bunting or gift tags for next year. 

If your child is attending a disco, get them a Christmassy top that they can also wear Christmas Day. We get ours from Tesco, they usually have an amazing selection. Some smart and some snuggly.

It might be worth scouring the charity shops. Unless you have another child to hand the top down to it’s not really worth buying new for the sake of two or three wears. 

If there are events at your school, book them in and pay for those this week. Go through the newsletters for events and things and make sure you have it in your diary.

Buy or make your child’s costume/outfit for their Christmas spectacular or performance if they require it. You have time to make adjustments. Sainsbury’s have a really lovely inn keepers and shepherds outfit. 

If you can’t attend due to work commitments you will have a reminder there to prompt to ask how it went. 

I always do a bit of a full deep clean before I decorate for Christmas and it’s always the last week of November so I like to make sure I have everything I need for that so that I’m not popping out for a spray or anything. 

If you want to save money and make your own wreaths and/or garlands, start collecting your foliage. I usually decorate with twigs covered in lights. I’ll grab them from the park or woods, spray them with hairspray to stop them from falling apart and pop them on top of my kitchen cabinets with lights, battery not electric!

One year I draped some pine over it as well and that looked incredible. I’ll do that again this year. Grab your foliage, put them in a bucket of water so they get a good soak and make sure you have your hooks ready as well as any lights you're using and of course your oasis to keep it fresh.

I will be making a feature of our fireplace this year and it's going as big as possible. I will also be attempting a garland and wreath by the front door. 

If you are planning a little Christmas soirée, check who is coming, plan your party food. A guaranteed crowns pleasure I usually offer is a baked Camembert in the middle of puff pastry twists filled with red onion chutney. You can do the same with bread and would fall apart less!

I haven’t planned mine meticulously yet, I’m not sure how the dog will be. We can’t put our Victorian tree up in the dining room, she will eat it for sure. I think we will invite a select few over a period of time throughout the day so that she gets used to it and there’s not too much going on at any one time. 

Are you doing elf on the shelf? If so, plan the month's activities and gather the things you need for either the whole time or the first week. Grab your advents now, it is December 1 Friday! I can’t believe it either, let’s just go with it. 

How are you doing with your Christmas box? Do you get one also? Do you start eating it in December or do you save it for over Christmas week? Whichever you do, don’t buy things full price. Make a list and keep it with you so that when you see things on offer, tick them off.

Ask yourself what you enjoyed last year, don’t really need another box of chocolates to bulk it up or will they still be there in April? Just get the treats that you wouldn’t usually buy for yourself or your family and don’t get too much of it. It is only for the Christmas season don’t forget! 

It’s Christmas jumper day next week. If you haven’t already, grab a Christmas jumper. If you’re not bothered about matching them for next year, get them between January and May. They are 75% cheaper.

It doesn’t matter if they are last years. If they still fit, you will keep them anyway. Unless it looks terrible I will size up so they last two years and I get them massively discounted. Why spend the money if you don’t have to? If it’s something you’re getting anyway. Don’t worry. I’ll be giving monthly tips and reminders come January so that we can all be organised for next year. 

Are you going for a Christmas meal or having food at your house? Either/or, book it and plan it. Do you know what meat you are having? Do you have a spare freezer or space? Get the meat and freeze it ahead of time.

There are some things you can pre-make before the meal that you can cook or par cook and finish on the day. We will discuss that nearer the time.

In terms of meat, gammon is a pleaser. Don’t buy an expensive joint though. It’s delicious just done in the slow cooker with liquid of your choice, make sure it’s covered and something sweet. For example turkey stock and light brown sugar. It will be amazing.

You can’t do that with beef though. I tend to find that the nicer the joint and cut, the better flavour and easier to cook and cut it is. I usually do a beef wellington so I need a really nice bit of beef fillet, I’ll get it from the butchers, Waitrose or M&S.

Once planned I usually send my guests a menu that I have designed on Canva. It’s a nice little touch, it sets the mood and your guests can delight and salivate over the goodies they will be eating. 

When it come to your food though, if making it all from scratch, don’t make everything extra special. Do a few things plain. It doesn’t bode well to have a plate full of rich foods. Mix it up. Not just that but when you can, give yourself a break. Give yourself time to breathe and enjoy the moment. It’s magical. 

Until next week!

Jolene Wilson, Weston Mum.