I've already bought a really nice frozen (not too big) Turkey, the Cranberry Sauce, those bacon wrapped sausage things, some vacuum packed Chestnuts, a jar of nice Piccalilli, a tiny tin of Caviar, several bottles of Prosecco, Port, Sherry, and red wine, and the Plum Pud'.
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Lady M has supplied the usual 'Luxury' Christmas crackers, put-up the tree, and has bought some new table decorations.
When the time comes, we shall go down the road to the Christmas Eve Carol Service at St Nicholas Church, we went last year, and really enjoyed it. Sometime, either before or after, we shall go for Christmas Eve dinner with Kimbo.
It's the buying of presents that is always the biggest problem at Christmas. I've never been good at buying presents for people. This year I've been buying for just three people and a dog, all others will receive cash and can choose something for themselves.
Lady M has been giving me clues over the past month or two, and all those clues have been noted and respected (dutiful husband). My oldest, Kimbo, has almost everything he really wants or needs, so it's a matter of finding something suitable that he won't hate and put directly in the dustbin; I think I've succeeded. His wife, Susie, is more difficult, but again I think I've done OK. Billy is easier, I've bought him a packet of his favourite treats. I was going to buy him a flashing collar, but decided that they look more amusing on other people's dogs.
We're now twiddling fingers as we await the arrival of the big day, and our two nice guests. It'll be a quieter Christmas this year, I can hardly wait.
Note to self: Dec 24th, sprouts, spuds, smoked salmon, large game or pork pie, and plenty of thick Cream for the Pud'.
Ooh, can I come to lunch?
ReplyDeleteOf course, you'd be very welcome. Bring Elfie.
DeleteYou know he'll swipe your liquor, right.
DeleteEvery year I envy you for your spirit and excitement. With us for some reason it is more moderate before the holidays.
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to Christmas this year. We are not spending a fortune, and with all the doom and gloom about, we're determined to make it special.
DeleteI am surprised. You pickle onions yet BUY ready made cranberry sauce and pigs in blankets?
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that you'll spare Billy the embarrassment of a flashing collar.
Advent greetings,
U
Bought cranberry sauce and pigs in blankets are both fine (if good quality). But I cannot find pickled onions to match home made. Simple.
DeleteI don't do any of this that you write about. For me it will be just another day. And yes, if I wanted bacon and small sausages, as has always been part of Christmas with the turkey, I would buy some chipolatas and bacon. I wonder who invented them as a gimmicky thing, , M&S?
ReplyDeleteI bought the M & S 'pigs' to save me time. They would be exactly the same if I made them myself. They didn't exist when I was small.
DeleteNice to see you have a small model of Cro Magnon for the top of your Christmas tree.He looks very jolly. When you refer to "those bacon wrapped sausage things", the technical term you are looking for is "pigs in blankets".
ReplyDeleteI can never remember what they're called so thank you everyone for reminding me. I tend to think they're called something to do with 'Angels' but I knew I was wrong. Safer to call them Those bacon things.... etc.
DeleteCro, you maybe thinking of "Angels on Horseback" (oysters wrapped in bacon). Naturally, where there is an angel there will be a devil. "Devils on Horseback" are prunes wrapped in bacon. The latter being the poor man's version to the former rich man's.
DeleteU
All too much to remember. It's snowing here; YUK.
DeleteI think of devils on horseback as being dates stuffed with a roasted pecan and wrapped in bacon. Prunes are probably good, too.
DeleteSame here, gave up xmas as soon as the kids were old enough, just another day for us too. I hate all that commercialism and I'm not religious either, we'll just have a leg of lamb and some homemade xmas pud and mince pies. I finally convinced the daughters not to buy for us and to put the money towards their heating bills instead, so that's one less headache for them as well.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have Christmas without a Turkey. I've had one for all of my 76 years.
DeletePresent wrapping this afternoon. Tree arriving tomorrow. So looking forward to the celebrations this year (might even watch the King's speech as it's his first). Fingers X everyone stays healthy. x
ReplyDeleteCarols from Kings, and the King's speech will be essential. I love it all.
DeleteGood for you. I'm still at the list stage though most of the presents are bought. I shall make a few heavy fruit cakes next week and pour whisky over them.
ReplyDeleteDecorations and tree are up. Thank goodness grandchildren still do that.
xmas is coming but the rush isn't on yet. I would love to be able to attend a carol service
I really haven't got much more to do now. A bit of shopping on the 24th, and cooking on the 25th, then it'll be another 12 months before we do it all again.
DeleteI have lots more to do but it will get done. You are very organized! Well done!
ReplyDeleteI do seem to be organised. As the cook of the house, I need to be. It doesn't come naturally.
DeleteSounds like a delicious Christmas dinner is in the making. Traditions of old, what could be more lovely.
ReplyDeleteJo
I've eaten much the same meal every single Christmas. Once or twice we've eaten Goose, but otherwise always a Turkey, etc. I couldn't imagine it otherwise.
DeleteHow about some old family photos for the daughter in law and food of her liking..chocolates or wine .
ReplyDeleteKimbo....a loved photo of the family or just you and him as a child.
ReplyDeleteI can't give anything away here, but your suggestions have been noted!
DeleteWe have ordered a smoked ham from an old fashioned butcher shop. We pick it up the 23rd. I am making my Grandmother's fruitcake. It will all be hauled east to a family celebration. I imagine everyone will have something to contribute. Having all three of my children and their spouses and all three grandchildren under one roof is all the Christmas I could ask for. It has been four years since it last happened.
ReplyDeleteWith two of our children, and four grandsons, all living in Oz I don't expect we'll have that pleasure again. Anyway, this little house is far too small. We had two grandsons here yesterday and they make the house seem even smaller. They're both over 6ft, strapping lads.
DeleteYou've bought Cranberry sauce? Why? It's the easiest thing in the world to make!
ReplyDeleteWe have a 7kg Kelly Bronze turkey ordered, chestnuts are in cupboard, cranberries in freezer, sausage meat, sausages and streaky bacon ordered from my local award winning local butcher.
Sprouts will be bought on stalks from local farm, along with carrots, turnip, red cabbage and potatoes.
Order is placed with F&M for Scotch Eggs, jars of pickles, savours, jams and marmalades. 'Piccadilly' Piccalilli is superb!
Pistachio & Clotted Cream Biscuits, Gingerlossus, and Cherrilossus Biscuits!
Plus other bits and bobs, including a 30g tin of Caviar, two bottles of Brut Rosé Champagne (I hardly drink at all, but hate Prosecco) and six pies, two each of Venison and Red Onion, Poacher's and Chicken, Roast Red Pepper and 'Nduja.
My favourite meal during the festive period is Christmas Day supper, a sandwich made from good crusty bread, turkey, stuffing, cranberry and bread sauces, and a few 'leftover' piggies in blankets. A sandwich fit for the Gods, and a glass of Champagne, simply perfect!
My Great Grandfather was a butcher, Grandfather a grocer, Great Grandmother ran a 'guest house' for 'Theatricals', and Grandmother was a baker.
Good food is an enormous part of my life, as is Christmas, I love every second of it! Don't mention New Year's Eve though, I detest it!
X
Your Christmas sounds PEFECT. I did forget to mention that I brought over a jar of Foie Gras from France, so that will feature as pre-lunch nibbles.
DeleteIt appears you are ready for Christmas day with time to spare. This is the ideal. Your festive meal sounds outstanding.
ReplyDeleteI hope I won't forget anything. My memory isn't what it was.
DeleteSounds like too much food to me. You'll be eating all that for a week!
ReplyDelete