The Shape of Christmas 2026

Now that we've passed the Armistice, I'm into making my plans for Christmas. This will, mostly, follow the same pattern as the last couple of years, so I'm hopeful will be similarly successful. So, here are my thoughts...

One New Thing

As I've mentioned previously, my intention is to try one new thing most years, and this year it is this: we're going to try a real Christmas tree for the first time. This of course means adding a couple of extra steps to the house decoration:

• We need to invest in a suitable stand, and possibly an implement for watering the tree. Oh, and probably some sort of floor covering to catch the needles/protect the floor.
• We need to then go and select and purchase said tree, a couple of days before the decorating is to be done.
• The tree should then be mounted in the garage for a couple of days, to avoid thermal shock (apparently).
• The tree should then be moved into the living room, and then decorated as per normal.

There is also one small tweak I'm hoping to make to the Christmas meal, but that's so minor it doesn't really need mentioned.

The Run to Christmas

The run up to Christmas therefore looks more or less like this:

We have a list of people to whom we send Christmas cards. This includes friends and family, including three couples of friends we don't see or speak to much but don't want to lose contact with (two of whom will be dealt with online; everyone else gets a hand-written card), our neighbours, my elder district, and a handful of 'special' cards since we 'send' those internally. I'm hoping to get all this dealt with by the end of the first weekend in December.

There are likewise Christmas presents to be purchased. By my count I have twelve people to arrange presents for, plus gift ideas for people to give to me. I'm hoping to have the bulk of these purchased by the end of the first weekend in December, and the last few in hand no later than the last weekend before Christmas. As is my wont, I'll aim to wrap these in three batches - my main batch shortly after that first weekend, a second batch once the rest are in hand, and then the inevitable straggler when I've forgotten something.

As noted, we have the tree to select and purchase, ideally on the 27th of November. It should then move into the house on the 29th which, being the first Sunday in Advent, is the designated Day of Decoration. We'll also be wanting to purchase a festive wreath for our front door at about the same time.

The turkey will need ordered from the butcher (probably could do that now...), then picked up just before the day. The Big Shop will probably be on the 21st - it's awkward this year since Christmas falls on a Friday.

(That said, I do also need to remember to purchase the Advent chocolate on Friday the 27th, ready for the train going out on the 29th.)

Finally, I'm hoping to do two batches of Festive Baking: some mince pies on Sunday the 6th, and then a second batch and some other things on a quiet day just before Christmas itself.

Events and Visits

We have a few visits planned, not all of which have their dates locked:

• We intend to visit Mill Farm once again for their Christmas celebration, including a visit to see Santa.
• The Livingston Village Gala Committee have their Christmas Lights Switch On (at which Santa will also be in attendance!).
• LC and I each have a works night out.
• Funsize and Surprise! each have no fewer than three pantos to enjoy.
• At time of writing, I'm not aware of any Christmas events for Funsize's Stage School. I daresay that may change.
• There will probably be Christmas parties for said Stage School, Surprise!'s rugby club, and various other groups. They'll be kept busy!

Christmas Eve

The pattern for Christmas Eve will be fairly familiar: I'll do a significant amount of preparation for the Christmas meal, then take Funsize and Surprise! to my parents' house for a visit while LC makes some secret arrangements in the house, then we'll gather again for "snack dinner", then to the Christingle service at the church, and then to bed. Huzzah!

Christmas Day

Again, the pattern should be fairly familiar to us by now: unpacking stockings in the morning (apparently, I'll be getting coal - Surprise! says I'm on the Naughty List for too many pranks), followed by breakfast, opening presents, and a nice walk if the weather allows. (I'll need to spend a little time before the walk getting the appetiser to the first proving step, but that doesn't take long.)

After the walk, I'll proceed to start cooking the dinner. At some point our guests will start to arrive, with the consequent needs for teas and coffees, the serving of the appetiser, and an exchange of many gifts.

Then the Christmas Dinner.

And then we all relax in a massive food coma. (Traditionally, Funsize and Surprise! have taken Lion and our guests for a nice long walk, while LC and I put the house to rights. Which works really well for all concerned.)

Then we'll watch the Queen's Speech, the Bond film, and off to bed. Or something.

Christmas Dinner

The menu for Christmas Dinner is as follows:

• Appetiser: baked camembert with doughballs.
• Starter: Soup (not made by me).
• Main: Turkey, stuffing (not made by me), pigs in blankets (likewise), roast potatoes two ways, roast carrots and parsnips, red cabbage (the new thing), and gravy (from the butcher)
• Dessert: Christmas baking, if anyone really wants some. Maybe a cheeseboard.

Boxing Day

Finally, we have the traditional visit to my parents' house for Boxing Day, in which all the various wings of the family gather for several hours of absolute madness.