It was chilly and dark outside as I sat writing Christmas cards last night. I was drinking spicy, orangey, brandy-laced hot chocolate to warm me through. Green & Black’s Maya Gold chocolate was just the thing, melted into warm milk with a splash of brandy and a drizzle of honey. Mmmm…
I do love this time of year. I love the run up to Christmas as much as the big event itself. The bustling of people buying gifts, the cards through the letter box, the twinking lights on the dark nights, decorating the tree.
How are you getting on with your preparations? I have a few more presents to buy but I’m almost done. I’ve done no wrapping yet so I’ll do that this weekend. I love to do this with a glass of something and a Christmas film on.
We’re going to Rob’s parents for Christmas day this year so I’m not cooking the big Christmas dinner. I have to have a turkey though, which I’ll either cook on Christmas Eve or Boxing Day. The turkey is a once-a-year event and I adore it. I love the excitment of picking it up, of preparing it, making the giblet gravy and best of all, having it in the fridge to pick at in the coming days. Turkey sandwiches and soup, cold meats with pickled onions, heavenly. We always buy a ham and rib of beef for the festive period too. I usually cook the ham in coca cola, using Nigella’s now famous recipe.
Rob’s Mum makes a Christmas cake and Christmas pudding every year and we each get one to take home. We really are spoilt.
We are doing some entertaining. Christmas Eve is an open house and I’ll have mulled wine and warm mince pies with cream on offer. The night before Christmas Eve we’ve invited our family over for a festive dinner. I’ve yet to decide what to cook but it will be something special.
I hope your preparations are going well and you, too, are finding a little of the Christmas magic around you.
