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 morning and Christmas lunch or dinner easier.

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.
• Check the fridge and make sure tomorrow’s food is where you can easily find it.
• 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 where to sit.

Leave yourself a usable kitchen

Clear the sink and dishwasher. Empty the bins. Set out the equipment you’ll need first and put the rest away. Group the ingredients for each job together so you’re not searching through bags while a pan is on the stove.

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 want to eat and work backwards through the actual recipes, including resting time and a little room for delays. Check that two dishes don’t need the same oven at incompatible temperatures.

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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