Christmas Day: The Work Is Done

This is it.

So, before you start worrying about whether everything is perfect, remember:

It doesn’t have to be.

Give yourself time

Give yourself plenty of time to get ready before everyone arrives. Follow the simple plan you made yesterday. Keep your recipes handy.

Put the drinks somewhere people can help themselves, and away from the food prep area. Make sure water and non-alcoholic drinks are easy to find.

Then welcome your guests, offer them a drink and let the day begin.

Let the day unfold

Someone can pour the drinks, carve the ham, clear the table or make the coffee. If carving is the job nobody wants, how to glaze and carve a ham makes it far less daunting.

Let people know when the meal is almost ready, put the serving utensils with the food and point out anything that is intended for particular dietary needs.

Then leave the kitchen.

Sit down and enjoy your lunch

Have a glass or two of something nice and join in the conversation. If something doesn’t go according to plan, laugh and carry on. Nobody else knows what was supposed to happen.

The things that matter are happening around the table.

And remember why you’re doing all this

Christmas isn’t about producing the perfect meal, the perfect house or the perfect day.

Christmas isn’t a performance. It’s a day to be together.

Your guests are there to see you, share the day, enjoy the food and make memories.

So enjoy it.

The work is done.

Merry Christmas from The Cooks Room.

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