No two Christmas grocery lists are the same. Your December 25th feast depends on factors like your diet, food sensitivities, and personal taste preferences. Also, consider your cooking style and whether you’re hosting Christmas this year. Do you enjoy making everything from scratch, or do you prefer ready-made options? In our latest post, we focus on the Prep for Christmas checklist, including when to complete specific tasks and what to buy for a traditional festive meal.
Two/three weeks before Christmas
Most Christmas dinners feature a festive centrepiece, with turkey or ham being traditional choices. So, is this on your prep for Christmas Checklist? If you haven’t ordered your bird or meat yet, make it a priority to avoid any last-minute surprises. For those following vegetarian or vegan diets, consider roasted butternut squash or a pumpkin stuffed with rice, nuts, and seasonal goodness. These can be seasoned for extra taste and served alongside other hot or cold dishes you prepare.
Two weeks before Christmas
Now is an excellent time to purchase non-perishable items like alcohol, canned goods, and pantry staples. If you’re planning on making mulled wine while getting ready for Christmas, you can tick a lot of the ingredients off your checklist. Sugar, syrup, and fruit for butter tarts can also be bought now if you’re including these as part of your festive menu. For a traditional Bûche de Noël, stock up on cocoa powder, flour, nuts, and other items that can be stored in the freezer.
Three days before Christmas
While fresh ingredients can’t be bought too early, it’s a good idea to get your fruits and vegetables before the selection dwindles. Think potatoes for mash, carrots, parsnips, sprouts, and anything else you plan to serve with your centrepiece. If you’re making a Tourtière, shop for the filling’s meat, such as minced pork, beef, or veal. For a vegetarian or vegan alternative, opt for tofu or mushrooms, and don’t forget dairy items like milk, cheese, and cream for the fridge.
Two days before Christmas
Preparing your main course ahead of time can ease the pressure in the kitchen. Make any dishes that can be refrigerated for a couple of days until needed. This also allows you to identify any missing items from your fridge or pantry and make an emergency purchase before it’s too late.
The day before Christmas
If you’re hosting Christmas dinner, create a timeline to ensure everything goes in the oven on time. Finish any pre-day cooking and set the table for guests. While getting ready for Christmas can be stressful, try to enjoy the festive atmosphere, reassured that you’ve planned a delicious dinner.
Contact Canada Food Intolerance
Visit our website for more information about our food intolerance tests and how they can improve your health and wellbeing during the holidays. For any questions, please send an email to [email protected] or fill out our contact form. Have a joyous holiday season!
