Christmas Eve: Make Tomorrow Easy

Christmas Eve has arrived.

By now, most of the work should be done. Today is simply about doing the things that will make Christmas Day run smoothly.

Keep it simple.

Make tomorrow easy

• Set the table and put everything you’ll need for tomorrow within easy reach. If you’re finishing off your bon bons, tonight is the time.
• Chill the drinks that need chilling and make sure you have plenty of ice.
• Do any final food preparation that can sensibly be done today. Beetroot cured salmon wants to be made ahead, and flash roasted prawns can be prepped now and cooked tomorrow.
• If anything needs to be thawed, make sure it is safely in the fridge and ready when required.
• If you’re eating outdoors, check the weather and make your final decision about your Plan B.

Leave yourself a usable kitchen

Clear the sink and dishwasher, empty the bins and put the equipment you’ll need first somewhere easy to reach.

Group ingredients together where it helps, so you’re not searching through bags and cupboards when you have started cooking.

Keep prepared food covered and properly chilled. Label containers with what’s inside and the date. Write the finishing task on the lid if that helps, something like “dress before serving” or “garnish with herbs”.

Make a very simple plan for Christmas Day

What time are people arriving? When are you eating? What needs to come out of the fridge? What needs the oven? Who is doing what?

Start with the time you’d like to eat and work backwards through the things that need doing. Allow extra time for resting, and re-heating and the inevitable delays.

It doesn’t need to be a military operation. A few notes on a piece of paper can be enough.

And then

Stop.

Have a drink. Put your feet up. Watch something Christmassy. Go for a walk. Enjoy the evening.

Tomorrow is the day you’ve been getting ready for. You don’t need to spend Christmas Eve preparing for Christmas until bedtime.

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