Christmas Day count down

Not long now until the big day so I’m beginning to draw up a mental check list for what to do next. The personalised cards have been signed and sent, the presents wrapped and delivered, the decorations taken out of the loft and we’ve all come down with colds and a stomach bug. Bah humbug! I have to admit my Christmas spirit is flagging slightly but I’m hoping we’ll all be feeling better soon as there’s still so much to do.

Top of my list (when I feel like it) is the Christmas food shop. It always fills me with dread but I’m hoping it won’t be too expensive as we’re off to visit family on Boxing Day so there’s no point overdoing the food shopping.

As well as meal planning for Christmas Day I want to make some sweet things:

• gingerbread biscuits
• mince pies
• candy cane biscuits
• marzipan stars
• gingerbread house
• coconut ice

It’s not just the food I’m thinking about though. Can you imagine if you reached for a dish or saucepan on Christmas Day, only to find you didn’t have what you were looking for!? There are some great value brands out there, such as Procook, in case you need to stock up on your kitchen essentials. I know we also need a couple of extra baking trays and greaseproof paper. I’ve also just thought of icing sugar, goose fat, crackers and seasonal napkins. I really should put the laptop down and go and make a proper list!