As part of the continued relaunch of Woman on a Mission, I’m refreshing some of my most-loved wellbeing posts; updated, re-edited and more relevant than ever. With the festive season now in full swing, it’s easy for your stress bucket to fill faster than you realise. So this feels like the perfect moment to pause, check in with yourself and gently reset. How full is your self-love bucket today?
Over on Instagram recently, I’ve been talking about the power of removing things from your plate before adding new commitments, whether that’s a festive to-do, a work project or the emotional load that comes with this time of year. Before we rush towards the magical Christmas Day and New Year, let’s pause. Let’s gently rebalance, reset and make space for ourselves.
Why Stress Buckets Overflow
Right now, many of us are navigating work, home life, caring responsibilities and the uncertainty that real life so often brings. This constant juggling slowly fills our stress buckets. Not just for us, but for our children and families too.
One analogy I love (and always come back to) is this:
“Being in front of screens all day is like attending back-to-back meetings with 30 people each. You’re expected to absorb everything, act on it, remember it, and then head straight to the next meeting.”
No wonder we feel overwhelmed.
The good news? We can empty the stress bucket and refill our self-love bucket through tiny, consistent lifestyle choices and intentional pauses throughout the day.
Nutrition & Lifestyle: The Foundations of a Calmer Mind
What you eat, drink, and do daily has a huge impact on your mood, focus and resilience. Comfort foods, sugar and wine may feel like a quick fix (especially in December! but they often leave you feeling foggy, sluggish and more stressed.
Here are my simple, friendly wellbeing tools:
Think Before You Sip Caffeine feels like energy… until the crash. Coffee, teas, and energy drinks can spike stress levels and disrupt sleep.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate Your brain loves water. Herbal teas count too. Staying hydrated boots concentration, supports digestion and help your mind stay clear.
Eat Like Your Brain Depends on It Because it does. Quick snacks and takeaways are tempting during busy weeks, but nourishing meals give you sustained energy, balanced blood sugar and clearer focus. (You’ll find lots of easy, delicious recipes here on the blog.)
Treat Sleep as Non-Negotiable Yes, “just one more episode” is tempting, especially with festive films on overnight but your brain and body need 7–8 hours of true rest. Better sleep means better mood, focus and resilience.
Move Your Body Daily A brisk walk, a stretch, 20 minutes of fresh air; all of it counts. Movement reduces tension, lifts your mood, and helps you think more clearly.
Track Your Habits I’ve created a Consistency Tracker to help you spot the tiny lifestyle shifts that make a big difference. Sleep, hydration, movement, mental load. Track them for four weeks and notice the ripple effect.
And above all: Be kind to yourself. You’re doing better than you think.
“I’m presently experiencing life at a rate of several WTF’s per hour!”
Unknown
I saw this quote and it made me laugh out loud.. Don’t underestimate the power of a good laugh, even in stressful times.
Tracking Your Stress
Small lifestyle changes often go unnoticed until you track them. Maybe you’re going to bed a little later, drinking more coffee instead of water or waking up in the middle of the night thinking about your to-do list.
These tiny shifts accumulate, quietly filling your stress bucket.
Here are some tiny, doable actions that instantly lighten the load:
Declutter one drawer, shelf or corner.
Clear digital clutter: delete old emails, organise your desktop, unfollow accounts that drain you.
Pause for 5–10 minutes midday. Breathe. Stretch. Reset.
Each small action empties your stress bucket and refills your self-love bucket.
Breathe, Reset and Reconnect
Sometimes the simplest way to reset is to pause and breathe. Even five minutes each day to check in with yourself : a short walk, a few deep breaths or a quiet cup of tea, can help you reset before diving back into the festive chaos.
Lately, I’ve been loving the Winter Reset breathwork series with Stuart Sandeman. If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know I first discovered Stuart’s work during the pandemic and have been a fan ever since.
Stuart is a globally recognised breathing expert and performance coach, Sunday Times best-selling author of Breathe In Breathe Out, host of BBC Radio 1’s Decompression Session and founder of Breathpod, where he helps people reach their full potential through the power of breathwork and music.
The Winter Reset sessions are free, live at 6:30am GMT every weekday and open to everyone. They’re a wonderful way to slow the pace, clear out mental clutter, and avoid getting swept up in the end-of-year madness. Don’t worry if 6:30am isn’t possible, you’ll receive the download to listen anytime.
If you’d like more tips on reducing stress, simplifying your home and creating space to breathe, you can subscribe to Woman on a Missionor join me on Instagram for weekly inspiration and encouragement.
Feeling inspired to take charge of your stress levels and refill that self-love bucket?
Try the tips in this blog, download the Consistency Tracker, and let me know in the comments how you’re getting on.
Here’s to calmer days, clearer minds, and a beautifully balanced December.
Updated for winter wellness in 2025: refreshed tips on boosting your immune system, sleep, nutrition and festive self-care.
Boost your immune system this winter with simple habits that help you stay healthy, energised and resilient during the festive season. Between family gatherings, festive plans and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to let healthy routines slip away and energy to dip. Think of this as your gentle reminder to slow down, nourish your body, protect your energy and find calm in the little moments. Here’s your guide to staying strong, balanced and glowing with vitality all winter long.
“A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.”
Irish proverb
1. Boost Your Immune System This Winter With Nourishing Foods.
Your diet is the foundation of your wellbeing. It’s all about simple, seasonal and nourishing choices.
Protein: fresh fish, lean meats, eggs or plant-based sources
Nuts & seeds: walnuts, brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds
Fermented foods: kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha to support gut health
Pro tip: Add omega-3 rich foods like salmon, sardines or chia seeds to reduce inflammation and support vitality.
✨ Mission moment: Nourish your body with intention. Every meal is a chance to care for yourself and create calm from the inside out.
You knew I was going to say that right?! It goes without saying that a healthy diet is by far the most effective way to boost your immune system?
2. Boost Your Immune System This Winter With Spices & Supplements.
Nature offers simple ways to strengthen your immune system. Think of your kitchen as your wellness toolkit.
Echinacea: limits the duration and severity of infections by stimulating the immune system cells that are key weapons against infection. Available in capsules, tincture and extracts. Take a soon as that “cold feeling” starts as a short term remedy until any infection clears.
Gingerand Turmeric : add to cooking or sip as a tea to improve circulation, digestion, and fight inflammation.
Garlic: Natures’ miracle cure! Boosts immunity and protects against colds and flu — add it to recipes, but make sure you share, or you might end up sleeping solo!
Supplements: Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc and probiotics are your winter essentials for extra immune support.
Pro tip: Add a slice of fresh ginger and lemon to hot water for a simple immune-boosting drink.
✨ Mission moment: Let daily rituals become acts of self-care. A warm cup of tea or mindful supplement routine can help you feel grounded and energised.
3. Boost Your Immune System Winter By Staying Hydrated
Hydration is one of the simplest ways to support your immune system and maintain energy.
Although the body naturally detoxifies through the lymphatic system, keeping hydrated helps it along. Low water intake can contribute to fatigue, poor digestion, headaches, allergies, weight gain and skin issues. Ugh!
Daily hydration: 1.5–2 litres of water plus herbal teas
Limit caffeine & alcohol: these can dehydrate and affect sleep
Functional drinks: adaptogen teas or sparkling mineral waters with electrolytes
Pro tip: Start your morning with warm water and lemon to awaken your system and support detoxification.
✨ Mission moment: Hydration is a ritual of renewal. Every sip reminds you to slow down and care for yourself from the inside out.
4. Prioritise Sleep & Rest
Quality sleep is one of the most powerful ways to support immunity and wellbeing. I know that I’ve been guilty of staying up late in order to get ahead of the Christmas wrapping or work, it really doesn’t help!
Please make sure you get plenty of good rest and if you need extra focus to stay on top of things – try a #powerofanhour or two!
Bedtime routine: consistent sleep and wake times
Wind down:Spacemasks self-heating eye masks are a dreamy way to relax. Pair with deep breaths or short meditation.
Support from within:Kollo Collagen nourishes skin, hair and joints. Kollo supplements are a simple daily ritual I have loved for over 5 years
Bedroom environment: Keep it dark, cool, and clutter-free for deep restorative sleep
Power naps: Even 20 minutes can restore energy and lift your mood
Pro tip: Try a digital sunset: switch off screens an hour before bed and enjoy a warm herbal tea and read a book instead.
✨ Mission moment: Rest is not a luxury; it’s essential. Slow down, breathe deeply and let your body restore itself.
5. Boost Your Immune System This Winter By Staying Active.
‘Tis the festive season, and it’s tempting to relax, binge films and indulge in chocolates or mince pies! Our social lives get busier and it’s so tempting to hit snooze on our alarm clocks and cancel our dates with the gym and yoga mat in order to make time for it all. But movement is essential, it boosts mood, energy and immunity.
Keep up the exercise when you can. Wrap up warm and go for a brisk walk with the family, tempting as it is to stay inside, when the sluggish feeling starts creeping in, head for the big outdoors!
Find what feels good: brisk walks, yoga flows or dancing around the kitchen. Make it fun!
Stay consistent: even 20 minutes a day makes a difference.
Stretch & strengthen: Pilates or gentle stretching eases tension and keep you supple.
Get outdoors: fresh air and natural light support immunity and mental wellbeing
Pro tip: Pair movement with a playlist or podcast to make it something you look forward to.
✨ Mission moment: Movement is a celebration of what your body can do. Every step or stretch reminds you that you’re strong and capable.
“To ensure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.”
William Londen
6. Boost Your Immune System This Winter With Self Care Habits.
Your mindset shapes how you experience the season:
Morning intention: set a positive tone with journaling or affirmations.
Find joy in little things: tea, twinkling lights, winter walks.
Let go of perfection: embrace moments as they are.
Stay connected: reach out to loved ones — connection is powerful.
Pro tip: Keep a gratitude list through December to stay grounded and mindful.
✨ Mission moment: Joy is a daily choice. Nurture your mindset to create space for calm, confidence, and a little sparkle of magic.
It’s the small, intentional choices that make the biggest difference. Nourish your body, rest deeply, move joyfully and embrace moments of joy.
Let me know your thoughts below and share your wellness rituals or cosy moments on Instagram and tag me, I’d love to cheer you on!
Sending love, warmth, and a little sparkle of calm this winter.
Hi, I’m Claire, a wellbeing and lifestyle creator passionate about helping you find calm, balance and joy in everyday life. Through simple rituals, mindful living and a touch of home style, I share inspiration to help you feel your best, inside and out.
If you enjoyed this post, join my newsletter for seasonal wellbeing tips, home inspiration and exclusive offers, like a cosy catch-up in your inbox each week.
This blog has been refreshed for Christmas 2025 with updated tips and
preparation advice to make your festive cooking even easier.
With Christmas approaching and guests arriving to celebrate, my go-to Christmas Eve recipe is this Mary Berry Christmas Game Casserole. It’s delicious, impressive and perfect for preparing ahead, saving you time in the kitchen and allowing you to fully enjoy the festivities with family and friends. I recently shared a behind-the-scenes Instagram story of me making it and the response was incredible, so I knew I had to share the recipe with you. guests arriving to celebrate Christmas with you, this is my go to Christmas Eve recipe which will delight your guests and save you time.
Why Prepare Ahead For Christmas Eve
Christmas should be about relaxing and enjoying time with your loved ones, not stressing over the kitchen. Preparing this casserole ahead of time means:
You can freeze it and reheat on the day.
Flavours have time to develop, making it even tastier.
You can spend more time with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Stunning Christmas calmness with Country Abodes
Mary Berry Christmas Game Casserole (serves 8)
Ingredients
Vary the proportion of meats as you like, and, if you have difficulty getting the exact amounts of mixed game, you can make up the difference with braising beef or Boneless chicken. In season, some supermarkets sell packs of mixed game – often including venison, pheasant, rabbit, wild duck and pigeon.
1.4kg (3lb) mixed game meats (see above)
2 tablespoons sunflower oil
75g (3oz) butter
200g (7oz) smoked bacon lardons
450g (1lb) whole frozen chestnuts, thawed
4 leeks, thickly sliced on the diagonal
50g (2oz) plain flour
300ml (½ pint) red wine
600ml (1 pint) chicken stock
4 tablespoons redcurrant jelly
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large orange
To Serve
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 orange, sliced
Method
Trim the meats and cut into 5cm (2in) pieces.
Heat the oil and half of the butter in a large non-stick frying pan or casserole. Brown the game and bacon over high heat in batches. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Add remaining butter and brown the chestnuts. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add leeks and fry briefly over a hot heat.
Sprinkle in the flour, gradually blend in red wine, stock and redcurrant jelly. Bring to the boil, season with salt and pepper then add the whole orange and meats.
Cover and cook over low heat for 1½–2¼ hours (or in a 160°C / 140°C fan / Gas 3 oven for similar time) until meats are tender. Check halfway and add stock if needed. (You could also cook the casserole in the oven preheated to 160°C/Fan 140°C/Gas 3 for about the same time.)
About 15 minutes before finishing, add chestnuts.
Once the game is tender, lift the softened orange into a sieve, cut in half, stand over a bowl and push the orange through the sieve, collecting the juice. Gradually stir the juice into the casserole until the taste is perfect. Check the seasoning and add a little more stock if the casserole is still a little thick.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and orange slices. Serve with your choice of sides.
Top Tips
Serve as Individual Pies
Cook the casserole as directed.
Roll out a 375g packet of ready-rolled puff pastry slightly larger than needed.
Cut 8 circles (10cm / 4in), crimp edges, lightly mark diagonal pattern, glaze with beaten egg.
Bake at 200°C / 180°C fan / Gas 6 for ~15 mins until golden.
Serve a spoonful of casserole topped and a puff pastry circle on top to make individual “pies”.
Preparing Ahead
Casseroles taste even better after a day or two as the flavours have chance to mellow, and this one is no exception
Cook the casserole as directed. Cool quickly, cover and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently, adding extra stock if needed.
Freezing
Cool casserole to the end of stage 4, then freeze up to 3 months.
Thaw thoroughly, reheat gently, adding liquid if needed, garnish with parsley and orange slices.
Aga Cooking
Simmering Plate: Cook to end of stage 4.
Boiling Plate: Bring to boil, cover, transfer to Simmering Oven for 2½ hours until tender. Continue as above.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect with:
Buttery egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes
Roasted carrots, parsnips, or a fresh green salad
Crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce
What’s better than a Christmas Walk on the beach before coming home to a delicious meal with the family.
Why This Recipe Works
Make-ahead friendly
Freezer safe
Flavours improve over time
Simple to serve for large groups.
It’s a real lifesaver for a stress-free Christmas Eve — and your guests will be impressed!
Enjoy Stress-Free Festive Prep
Preparing this casserole ahead of time means you can relax, laugh and fully enjoy your Christmas celebrations. It’s a perfect example of how planning can make Christmas calm, joyful and memorable.
Is it possible to be too kind? Kindness is something I’ve been chatting about with friends over the past few months and our conversations have been fascinating. How we show kindness, how it’s received and how it fits into our lives, all of it is shaped by our experiences and upbringing.
Kindness can be simple acts like remembering important dates, sending a thoughtful message or offering support when someone is struggling.
A good place to start might be to define the word kindness.
Kindness is a type of behavior marked by acts of generosity, consideration, rendering assistant or concern for others, without expecting praise or reward in return.
WIKIPEDIA
The Oxford English Dictionary, Kindness is “the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.”
For me, kindness all about how act towards others authentically, without expectation or agenda.
One of the lessons my Granny Ruby always taught me was “treat others how we wish to be treated”
To me this means being true to myself while showing care and thoughtfulness.
When Kindness Is Misunderstood
Sometimes, when we act from a genuine place, no matter how genuine your intentions, people may feel that we are too kind which can be misperceived. It can make people feel uncomfortable, obligated, or even suspicious of your motives.
A good example comes from my friend Catherine, who took a bouquet of flowers to a friend remembering the loss of a loved one. Her gesture was misunderstood as it made her friend, the recipient, feel in debt and unsure how to respond, even though the flowers came came from a heartfelt place,
Another friend, Anna, experienced rejection during the pandemic. She checked in on someone struggling with grief, only to be told she was “too kind” and questioned about her motives: “Why are you being so nice?”
These experiences can be hurtful, but they also remind us that how kindness is received often reflects the recipient’s state, not the giver’s intent. Vulnerability, anxiety or past experiences can shape how someone perceives your thoughtfulness.
Why Self Awareness And Boundaries Matter
It’s important to be aware of your own boundaries and to act from a place of authenticity..
“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”
AUDREY HEBURN
Your acts of kindness are valid if they come from your true authentic self, without agenda or expectation. It’s not selfish to be kind, it’s simply human.
Reflection: Am I Being Too Kind?
Ask yourself:
Why are we kind to others?
Is our kindness for genuine care, or for the feeling of gratitude it gives us?
How do we feel when our kindness is misunderstood?
Exploring these questions helps us understand our motivations and ensures our kindness is intentional, thoughtful and sustainable.
“How do we change the world? One random act of Kindness at a time”
MORGAN FREEMAN
As we celebrate World Kindness Day, I’m reminded of Morgan Freeman’s words: “How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.” Kindness doesn’t need to be grand—it can be a simple smile, a thoughtful message, or checking in on someone who might need it.
Today, I invite you to perform one small act of kindness and notice how it ripples outwards. I’d love to hear your stories, share your moments of kindness with me in the comments or on Instagram and let’s inspire each other to make the world a little brighter, one thoughtful gesture at a time.
I’d love to see you there. Let’s keep this conversation going!
Updated for 2025! This year I’ve refreshed my blog to share even more tips and recipes to make your festive season smooth, delicious and joyful. With a bit of Christmas food prep, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying family, friends and the magic of the season.
Christmas is about warmth, family and traditions. There’s something so special about this time of year, the smell of mince pies, the excitement of planning meals and that comforting feeling of home. But let’s be honest, Christmas cooking can quickly turn from joyful to overwhelming if we don’t plan ahead.
Over the years I’ve learned that with the right planning, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festive season with your family. By starting your Christmas prep early, you can stay organised, make delicious meals ahead of time and truly relax on the big day. From freezer-friendly favourites to make-ahead desserts, these small steps will help you enjoy an stress-free, joyful Christmas.
Garden Trading Company
Christmas Traditions: Making The Festive Season Magical.
Every family has their own little traditions, and ours really help set the tone for a calm, happy Christmas. Living by the Devon coast, we love a morning walk on the beach after popping the turkey in the oven. Rather than a starter, we enjoy canapés with a glass of fizz in front of the fire while opening presents. Later, we sit down together for a roast turkey and all the trimmings.
Including family traditions like these makes the season feel special and helps you focus on what truly matters: quality time with loved ones.
I love living by the coast in Devon, so a walk along the beach on Christmas Morning is the perfect way to celebrate.
Why Christmas Food Prep Makes Life Easier
For me, Christmas food prep is all about reducing stress and spending more time with loved ones. The more I can prep in advance, the less time I spend stressing over the turkey or side dishes. A solid plan takes the pressure off and lets everyone enjoy the day.
A week or two before Christmas, prepare and freeze the vegetables, make sauces and bake desserts. this preparation is a total game-changer and lets everyone enjoy the day.
“Christmas will always be as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand.”
DR SEUSS
Start Early (And Make A List!)
Write down everything — from the main meal to snacks, drinks and even breakfast for Christmas morning. Once it’s all there, you can spot what can be made ahead, frozen, or prepped the day before.
I use one master list in my using my free planners and and tick things off as I go, it makes such a difference to see it all on paper rather than swimming around in my head.
Make Ahead Magic: The Secret To Easy Christmas Food Prep.
The freezer is your best friend in December. Roast potatoes, parsnips, gravy and even stuffing can all be cooked in advance and frozen. Label everything clearly (and note reheating instructions!) so you’re not second-guessing yourself on the big day.
Homemade sauces like bread sauce and cranberry sauce also freeze beautifully and taste even better after the flavours have time to develop.
My Go To Christmas Cookbook.
One of my most-used books at this time of year is Mary Berry’s Christmas Collection It’s full of reliable, delicious recipes for the Winter and festive season that never fail. Complete with timings including a Christmas Day cooking itinerary,
If you love the idea of being organised but still want traditional, comforting dishes, this book is a lifesaver and is perfect for your Christmas food prep requirements. Mary’s make-ahead recipes have been a staple in our house for years, they taste incredible and save so much time, especially on Christmas morning.
Prepare For Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is the perfect time to lay the table, chop your vegetables and double-check timings. I always put on a festive playlist, pour something bubbly and get into the spirit while I prep, it turns the jobs into moments to enjoy, especially if the family get involved too! One of our favourite make-ahead meals for Christmas Eve is a relaxed, cosy dinner that sets the tone for the celebrations.
Perfect if you’ve been outside in the cold or for a cosy evening.
Ingredients
2 oranges, 1 lemon, 1 lime
200g caster sugar
6 whole cloves, 2 cardamom pods, 1 cinnamon stick
3 fresh bay leaves, 10–12 gratings of nutmeg
1 vanilla pod, halved lengthways
2 star anise
2 bottles red wine
Method:
Peel large sections of the fruit.
Put sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, add peel and juice of oranges. Add spices and vanilla pod, then enough wine to cover the sugar.
Simmer until sugar dissolves, bring to the boil for 5 minutes until thick syrup.
Turn heat to low, add the rest of the wine, gently heat, and serve.
Christmas isn’t just about the food, having something delicious to sip is part of the festive fun. While some guests may enjoy a glass of fizz, it’s just as important to cater to those who prefer something alcohol-free.
I love keeping a selection of non-alcoholic options on hand, like No.1 Living Drinks, which are refreshingly light, flavorful and completely alcohol-free. My favourites include Citrus Hops, with its subtle earthiness and lemony burst. Delicious sipped straight from the bottle or served over ice with a twist of lemon or orange. The Cold-Pressed CBD Wild Berry & Lime with Mint, lightly sparkling and packed with natural vitamins. These are perfect for served over ice with some mint and lime or berries, keeping everyone feeling included.
Christmas Day Made Easy.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, I prep as much as possible including writing a menu plan, a shopping list for fresh products and equally what I can organise in advance. The week before the big day, I potter, (ha in-between swimming taxi and other life events, much like everyone else!) doing little jobs in the kitchen, whilst I’m preparing every day meals, so that Christmas Day is kept stress free and smooth!
By the time Christmas morning arrives, most of the prep should be done. Stick to your list, reheat what you’ve prepared and allow yourself to enjoy the process. Christmas food prep transforms cooking from chaos into calm and rewarding moments.
The scent of Christmas – The White Company
“My secret to Christmas this year, as it is every year, is my to-do list. I’m always in charge if preparing the lunch – I like to think of it as simply a big roast dinner”
MARY BERRY
Christmas Food Prep Recipes
Vegetables And Sides
Crunchy Roast Potatoes
Like Mary Berry, I’ve always thought of Christmas lunch as if I’m planning a roast – the pressure is immediately removed!
Whenever I prepare a Sunday roast, I always peel double the amount of potatoes required and use this method With my roast potatoes, so I always have some in the freezer. Christmas is no exception! I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you how to cook roast potatoes, however I’m sharing how I save time and to help you have a stress free Christmas Day so here goes!
Peel and cut potatoes into uniform pieces. Parboil 5–7 mins.
Drain, shake in colander to fluff edges, dab dry.
Toss with salt, pepper, and flour, freeze overnight.
On Christmas Day, roast in goose fat until golden and crisp.
4 large parsnips (about 500g) , peeled and cut into 5cm strips
3 tbsp sunflower oil
25g semolina
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
Method:
Boil parsnips for 4 minutes and cool.
(At this point, I do exactly as I do with the potatoes, pop in the freezer until the big day.)
Preheat oven to 220°C (200°C fan). Heat oil in roasting tin.
Toss parsnips with oil, season, then coat in semolina, paprika, and thyme.
Roast 20 minutes until golden and crisp. Freeze ahead if desired.
Brussel Sprouts
Love them or loathe them, they have to feature don’t they?!
These should be cooked at the very last minute but can be prepared a day ahead and kept in a freezer bag in the fridge.
Cook in boiling water for 5-6 minutes, and season with salt and pepper and a dash of butter.
If you’d like to go for a little more glamour, stir fry sliced sprouts with bacon lardons, and or chestnuts.
Honey Roasted Carrots
A great side dish to any roast, or with Christmas dinner, these thyme-speckled honey roasted carrots are cooked to enhance their natural sweetness. This recipe from Justine at the Good Food Guide is simple yet full of flavour.
Ingredients:
1kg small carrots, trimmed
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lemon juice
3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
Salt and pepper
Method
Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) Gas 6. Trim the carrots and peel.
Place on a large baking tray, pour the olive oil and toss the carrots well and season with salt and pepper.
Roast for 15–25 minutes until almost tender and lightly browned. Which the honey and lemon juice together.
Drizzle with honey-lemon mixture and scatter thyme leaves. Roast another 8–10 minutes, until the carrots are tender and glossy.
“Christmas is about sharing our homes with the people who matter to us the most. And a little planning goes a long way in making every room sparkle, cosset and glow.
From the thoughtful touches to the most memorable moments, we’re all set to help you make your home a place of celebration, comfort and joy this season.”
NEPTUNE
Neptune always brings a special touch to Christmas
Prepare Ahead Christmas Deserts
Lemon and Cranberry Possets
This is an absolutely delicious desert at any time, but is special for Christmas too. Light and super easy to make. Make in advance to serve on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Ingredients
Makes 6-8
1 1/2 pints double cream
9oz caster sugar
Juice of 3 lemons
Handful of cranberries
Method:
Boil cream and sugar for 2 minutes, add lemon juice.
Place cranberries in serving glasses (6-8)
Pour mixture over and chill until set.
“Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling.”
EDNA FERBER
Chocolate Roulade
A firm Mary Berry favourite in our house for any celebrations and especially at Christmas. This is perfectly light dessert and a lovely alternative to the Christmas Pudding. It’s very easy to make, can be made 24 hours ahead or can be kept in the freezer for up to a month.
Ingredients
175g plain chocolate
175g caster sugar
6 eggs, separated
2 tbsp cocoa powder
300ml double cream
Icing sugar
Method:
1.Preheat the oven to 180C / Fan 160C / Gas 4. Lightly grease a 33x23cm swill roll tin and line with non-stick baking parchment, pushing it into the corners.
2. Break the chocolate into small pieces into a bowl and stand the bowl over a pan of hot water, the bowl must not touch the water or the chocolate may overheat. Place the pan over a low heat until the chocolate has melted. Allow to cool.
3. Measure the sugar and egg yolks into a large bowl and whisk on a high speed until light and creamy. Add the cooled chocolate and stir until evenly blended.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff but not dry. Stir a large spoonful of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture. Mix gently, fold in the remaining egg white and the sieved cocoa powder. Spread evenly in the prepared tin. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until firm.
5. Remove the cake from the oven, leave in the tin, cover with a dry tea towel and leave until cold.
6. Whip the cream until it just holds its shape and dust a large piece of greaseproof paper with sifted icing sugar. Turn out the roulade and peel of the greaseproof paper. Spread with the cream. Roll up very tightly like a Swiss roll using the paper to help. Don’t worry if the roulade cracks, a good one should! Dust with more sifted icing sugar to serve.
If you’re planning to freeze, omit the final icing sugar until you’re ready to serve.)
“Christmas is a together-y sort of holiday.”
WINNIE THE POOH
Christmas food prep is all about planning ahead, not perfection. Make lists, prep dishes early, and enjoy your traditions without stress. The more you prepare, the more you can relax, laugh and be present with the people who matter most.
I’d love to know your best Christmas prep tip or which recipe you’ll be trying first! Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me on Instagram so I can see your festive creations. Be kind to yourself, have a glass of something special, relax and enjoy your day.
I’m the creator of Woman on a Mission, a lifestyle space dedicated to helping women bring more calm, confidence and balance into everyday life. Born from my own journey to slow down and live with greater intention, it offers inspiration around wellbeing, organisation, home and mindset, one meaningful mission at a time
