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How to prepare well for Christmas? Some tips from Jeannette
Christmas is often the favorite time of the year: everyone gets together as a family, and we spend time with the people we love: our children, grandchildren, our brothers and sisters, and our closest friends. The important thing is the harmony that emanates from Christmas.
This year, give yourself a beautiful gift. Give yourself a joyful Christmas, without stress. To do so, find Jeannette's 5 tips for a stress-free Christmas.
Tip #1: Buy your gifts online
Today it is very easy to shop for Christmas online, and you will be surprised to discover that everything can be easily purchased on the internet: the latest fashion brand clothes, Michel Houellebecq's latest book at FNAC, a decorative vase from Habitat as well as many original gifts like a kit to make your own cheese at Nature & Découvertes. Everything is now done, quietly, from your sofa. Delivery is often very fast at Christmas, and you can also return your purchases if you are not satisfied. So why run around the shops in the cold?
Little tip: don't forget to write the recipient's name on the gift... so you don't have to reopen them on Christmas Eve before giving them away!
Tip #2: Prepare your shopping list in advance
You will soon have 10 to 20 people at the table to serve for 3 days. In terms of organization, it's not so simple! So our advice is to choose your recipes in advance, Appetizer-Starter-Main Dessert, and write your shopping list accordingly. You can choose simple recipes, easy to make, that will please everyone. The important thing is to have a good time with family, and no one is looking for perfection. Plan a simple menu.
Some foods can be bought in advance, notably Christmas logs in the freezer or appetizer biscuits. Buy them in advance, this will allow you not to be stressed on the D-days. Also, think about your fridge space, as it will fill up very quickly!
Tip #3: Eat light
As we say in my family "New Year's Eve does not always rhyme with a full belly"! So it is not necessary to plan too heavy dishes, that will sit on the stomach, even if it is hard to miss out on foie gras... There is a happy medium to be found between "traditions" and "excess".
Also, before the festivities, avoid excesses to prepare your body. It would be unfortunate if your New Year's Eve was spoiled by a difficult digestion.
Tip #4: Get help
Why not ask your children or even your brothers and/or sisters for help by dividing up the different dishes? You can take the opportunity to spend more time with them before Christmas Day, and they will also be happy to participate in making the family meal.
Tip #5: Prepare family cocooning afternoons
At Christmas, it is often the time when we spend long hours by the fire, with family playing, telling stories, or re-watching great classics, wrapped up in comfortable blankets.
Indeed at Christmas, it is the time to review all the great Disney classics: The Rescuers, The Little Mermaid, The Jungle Book, Robin Hood, but also watch all the movies that come out on TF1 and France 2 (Santa Claus is a Bastard, Sissi the Empress, ...), because it is cold outside and it takes time to digest the festivities.
To do this, take care to prepare in advance the activities: find the Monopoly and Cluedo boxes, the old DVDs and VHS tapes, ... and leave them lying around in plain sight, this could give ideas!
Jeanette and the entire DYNSEO team wish you happy holidays!
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Christmas traditions around the world
Christmas is celebrated in various ways around the world. Each country has its own traditions that enrich the magic of this holiday. Here are some examples of Christmas traditions:
- The Christmas markets in Germany: These festive markets, called "Weihnachtsmärkte", offer handcrafted products, decorations, and culinary specialties like mulled wine and Christmas cookies.
- The festival of lights in India: Instead of Christmas, many in India celebrate the festival of Diwali, which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.
- Christmas carols in the Philippines: Filipinos celebrate Christmas with traditional songs called "carols" and decorate their homes with colorful lanterns.
- The Christmas meal in Italy: In Italy, the Christmas meal often includes a fish dish, followed by several pasta dishes and desserts like panettone.
Homemade Christmas gift ideas
Giving a homemade gift is a beautiful way to show your affection and creativity. Here are some ideas for personalized gifts:
- Jams and preserves: Make jams or chutneys with seasonal fruits and nicely package them in jars.
- Scented candles: Make scented candles using essential oils and natural waxes, and personalize them with labels.
- Knitted scarves: If you know how to knit, a handmade scarf is a warm and practical gift for winter.
- Personalized photo albums: Create a photo album filled with family memories, adding notes and anecdotes for each picture.
Fun activities for the whole family during the holidays
The Christmas holidays are the perfect time to spend with family. Here are some fun activities to do together:
- Christmas decoration workshop: Gather supplies and organize a workshop where everyone can create their own decorations for the tree.
- Christmas movie marathon: Prepare some popcorn and choose a selection of Christmas movies to watch together, from classics to new releases.
- Board games: Take out your favorite board games and organize a family tournament with fun prizes for the winners.
- Nature walk: Enjoy the winter landscape by taking a family walk, whether in snowshoes or just on foot.
Christmas recipes to try this year
For a successful Christmas, cooking plays an essential role. Here are some must-try recipes:
- Herb roasted turkey: A juicy turkey seasoned with fresh herbs and served with cranberry sauce.
- Potato gratin: A creamy and delicious dish, perfect as a side for your meats.
- Fruit Christmas cake: A cake rich in dried fruits and spices, often prepared several weeks in advance to develop the flavors.
- Christmas cookies: Prepare a variety of decorated cookies, which you can offer or enjoy with family.