The lead up to Christmas can be an intensely difficult time, and every year there is an endless flurry of last minute activity and stress. I know for a fact that this need not be the case, and with over two decades of experience in sourcing and preparing for the big day for clients and for my own family, I have learned that with thought, planning and savvy insider knowledge, a calmer Christmas can be achieved.
In these recessionary times, people want simple, frugal easy solutions, and we need to wean ourselves away from the consumerist philosophy that says we need one of every gadget in every colour. All our children do not need more presents, they need more of our presence, time together. It has been estimated that at least 40% of the food that is purchased during the two week festive period just before Christmas and just after New Year’s Day is thrown away. We urgently need to redress the way in which society uses resources, and we need to make positive change towards living lives less encumbered by debt, envy and waste. The root of all stress lies in constant coveting, so learn to pare Christmas down to its bare essentials: good, seasonal food purchased locally, made with love, shared amongst the people you care for, giving small, well thought out gifts.
If it all sounds too good to be true, I want to share with you my Top Ten Tips for achieving a slower and more peaceful festive holiday.
1. Local focal
Shopping locally is the simplest way of managing all your Christmas shopping calmly, keeping a low carbon footprint and ensuring the survival of the rural, local economy.
2. Love Lists
I always keep a notebook and pen in my bag, and I make a list of everything that can be prepared beforehand, for example food that can be marinated, chilled, frozen or preserved, so that there is minimal last minute fuss. I also write a timeline of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so that I know what I am doing and when.
3. Power in preparation
Empowerment lies in good preparation. If you have friends coming to stay during the festive season, get their room ready in plenty of time. Order and sort the drinks you will need by next week. Make sure you have enough of the essentials in the house, stockpiling if need be.
4. Re-use, re-cycle, re-think
Keep all decorations simple, and, if possible re-cycle and re-use. The Saturday markets are wonderful places for inspiration, as are haberdashery shops. Small things can make a big impact, and you do not have to spend a fortune.
5. Genuine Gifts
Give small, well thought-out, genuine gifts. Gifts do not have to come in a box, in fact thinking outside the box can delight and amaze your friends, family and neighbours. If you have no money, but have a skill or a talent, give your talent as a gift: a day’s voucher for mowing the lawn, an I-owe-you for free babysitting, or a free lesson in cake making, knitting or gardening.
6. Frugal Foraging
There is so much that can be collected and gathered for the house from the countryside: ivy, holly, yew, berries, rosehips and moss. They are all free and can beautify a mantelpiece or the centre of the table, or you could even try to make your own door wreath. Similarly, picking, preserving and pickling fruit and vegetables is one sure way of frugally filling the larder.
7. Reasonable recipes
This is not the time to attempt new and adventurous cooking. Make the dishes that you know best, practice them if need be, keep courses short and uncomplicated and only make one or two types of canapés to serve with Prosecco or wine at the start of the party. A delicious final course to serve is cheese and crackers, with nuts, celery, clementines and dates.
8. Holler for Help
Don’t be a martyr, delegate! Small children love to help in the kitchen, they can wash, peel and chop vegetables. Make rotas of who should be doing what and when, and award stars and stickers to children for jobs done well. The more duties you hand out to others the less the overall burden on just one person. It will give everyone a chance to participate and talk.
9. Cutting the cost
Christmas does not have to be costly. Buy only seasonal food, and this automatically reduces cost. Set yourself a total budget, and stick to it. Generosity may feel wonderful on the spur of the moment, but the obligation of debt that follows will overshadow the New Year. Go shopping during the Summer sales, and squirrel things away for next year’s Christmas. Stocking fillers can be homemade (biscuits, sweets, mince pies, cards).
10. Me time
Remember to take regular breaks and rests if you find yourself constantly cleaning, cooking, sorting and making. Because of the seasonal cold and dark weather, it is easy to get depressed and tired. Take time out to do a little of what you fancy, have a walk, breathe fresh air, and make sure your family respect your needs by articulating them.
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