5 INGREDIENTS FOR THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS

Christmas Traditions; The Perfect Festive Weekend

When it comes to Christmas I’m a creature of habit, habits formed over almost 30 years are so engrained that each year our Christmas traditions happen without a seconds thought or hesitation. Of course the festivities really begin on the arrival of the Christmas markets, the annual work party, the putting up of the Christmas tree & the start of the (never ending) Christmas shopping.

But for me, it’s when I leave London and drive home for Christmas that I really start to get in the festive spirit.

For me each Christmas is spent at home in Winchester and every boxing day with my dad and Jase in London, before we begin our annual tour of the South West squeezing in as much time with our friends and family as possible. This year the festive break is a little shorter than normal, but even still I managed to drive home Thursday to get the festivities started.

5 INGREDIENTS FOR THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS

The Last of The Christmas Shopping

It doesn’t matter how prepared or planned I think i’ll be, each Christmas I always have a mad rush to get all my gifts finished each year. This year most my shopping was done online, but there’s always the few extra things I like to pick up back home in Winchester, and it’s almost become tradition to leave a little until the end. Yesterday Lily and I went into town to pick up our final few bits and there’s just something about the town at that time of year that really gets me ready for Christmas.

Christmas Eve Wrapping

Every year I leave my Christmas wrapping until Christmas Eve, I like to lay all my presents out in the lounge, with a baileys in hand and my favourite Christmas movies rolling on repeat (queue Elf, The Grinch, The Holiday and Home Alone), and spend a good few hours lovingly wrapping them all up. It’s actually one of my favourite traditions and there’s nothing better than doing it all in one big go and seeing all your gifts ready to be put under the tree.

Festive Cocktails

I’m a cocktail fan at the best of times, but when it comes to Christmas aside from the fizz and wine that gets consumed on mass, there are two retro cocktails that we always have on hand. Baileys on the rocks, Gluewien and the 70’s favourite, The Snowball. These drinks are something we always have on Christmas eve and Christmas day itself and they just sum up festive drinking in my mind. There’s nothing better than having a few festive drinks on Christmas Eve whilst everyones snuggled up watching the Christmas favourites.

The Christmas Spread

Now of course we know Christmas is more than just presents and celebrations, but my goodness, it wouldn’t be Christmas without the annual festive spread and feast that rolls out each year. From our annual party tea on Christmas Eve (queue all the best party food you can think of), to the salmon, eggs & fizz on Christmas day, followed by the infamous Christmas dinner & evening supper (more party food please), to our boxing day feast with canapés & fizz for presents, Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and a ham for supper. It’s really quite the banquet Christmas, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Loved Ones

And of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without being surrounded by your loved ones. Whether they’re with you on the day or not, Christmas is the time to share the love! I love that the festive period and Christmas brings everyone together. It’s the most critical Ingredient for the perfect Christmas.

As for me the Christmas shopping is done, Harry Potter is rolling on the TV, my baileys is poured and i’m about to tackle the Christmas wrapping head on! Bliss. I’d love to hear about your Christmas traditions & how you’ll be spending your festive break this year?

Merry Christmas