Christmas – ‘tis the season that fills some with pure dread and others with utter delight. As a mum of four, from toddler to tween, a recipe writer and food stylist here’s my guide to staying sane during the silly season.
My mantra is – do-ahead and delegate.
I wish I was one of those people who bought gifts in July - neatly wrapped and hidden away - but I’m not.
Watch: Things Aussie Mums never say at Christmas. Post continues below.
I’m more the screech into town on December 24 and hope like hell Rainbow Dash is still in stock type, but this approach sends me into an anxious spiral, so I try to get organised in November before the school holidays begin.
I have a list of stocking fillers my kids receive each year - a lunch box, goggles, a rashie, and a box of their favourite sugar laden cereal –the type I never normally let them eat.
These items work for every age and stage and you’ll thank me for the cereal – breakfast sorted from Boxing Day till New Year’s Day!
Working out what kids who want (and already have) everything is hard.
When something catches one of my kid’s eyes, I take a quick photo creating a digital Christmas wish list. I get the kids to look through their pics closer to Christmas deleting any items they no longer want.
A quick call to check the item is still in stock and the hero gift is sorted!
From extended family I suggest experiences we can enjoy as a family.
Day passes to the zoo, movie tickets, or something the kids can use together like a slip-and-slide. But if they’re set on giving individual gifts, pyjamas or hats are always handy.
Rocky Road is a great gift for the kids to make to give to teachers and friends.
If stored in the fridge it can be made weeks in advance. I also get the kids to draw (or scribble) on brown wrapping paper, it keeps them busy and is a cute way to personalise gifts.
For the Christmas feast I cook in advance and delegate as much as possible.
Dividing responsibility for the ham, seafood, and turkey between myself and guests.
If cooking a whole Turkey terrifies you, many chicken shops will roast a beautiful free-range turkey for you to collect on Christmas morning.
I always brine my turkey – it sounds fancy, but it’s easy to do and guarantees a juicy bird!
Christmas without dessert is like Santa without a sleigh! Christmas ice-cream cake is my all-time favourite.
Mix slightly melted store bought ice cream with nuts and chopped berries or diced chocolate bars.
Pour into a pudding shaped bowl or cake tin and hide in the freezer. Best thing is, unless you cave and start eating it early, dessert is sorted weeks in advance.
Pavlova is a festive must, but it’s hard to find room in the oven on Christmas morning, so I make individual meringues the week before and store them in a cool dark place.
These can be served with cream and berries to create a DIY pavlova station – or smashed over the ice cream cake – trust me, it’s good.
There are some non-negotiables on the Christmas table like crispy roasted potatoes – or a creamy potato bake - but given that it’s usually boiling hot I like to make some refreshing salads which add colour to the table.
My go-to; a freeform caprese. Tomatoes of all shapes and sizes, chopped and tossed through balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Topped with lots of basil and creamy burrata.
It's great to have a dish which ticks vegan, gluten-free and dairy free boxes up your sleeve. Roasted cauliflower steaks with tahini chickpea dressing and a zesty tabouli covers all bases.
It’s substantial and delicious enough to be a vegan main dish while working perfectly as a side dish. Alternatively, a whole roasted cauliflower makes an impressive centrepiece!
The best way to avoid offending well-meaning relatives is to say yes to any dish that’s offered. Even if you loathe Aunty Joan’s Brussel sprouts or bacon wrapped prunes, just say yes please, explain that you’re short on bench and cooking space so what wonderful help it’d be for her to bring them fully prepared and ready to be reheated!
The combined chaos of end-of-year catch ups, Christmas planning and wrangling kids home on school holidays for what feels like 97 weeks, can be stressful and exhausting.
Every time I’m feeling overwhelmed, I ask myself does this really have to happen before Christmas? Without this, will Christmas be a fizzer? If the answer is no, ditch the guilt, pour yourself a glass of bubbles, sit back, and have a little taste test of that ice cream cake lurking in the freezer!
Annabel Bower is recipe writer and food stylist who trained at the internationally renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland. She is also the author of Miles Apart, a heartfelt guide to grief after miscarriage, stillbirth, and baby loss.
Feature Image: Supplied.
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