Rich, fruity, spiced and often generously laced with a splash of brandy, sometimes with lashings of Guinness, it’s the centrepiece of many British Christmas dinners. But when, exactly, should you make it?
The answer lies in tradition – and in a little day known as Stir-up Sunday.
What is Stir-up Sunday?
Stir-up Sunday falls on the last Sunday before Advent (which begins four Sundays before Christmas Day).
In 2025, that date will be 23rd November. The day gets its name from the opening words of the Book of Common Prayer’s collect for that Sunday: “Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord…” Over the years, this became associated with stirring up the Christmas pudding.
Families would gather in the kitchen, each taking a turn to stir the pudding mixture from east to west in honour of the Three Wise Men, and often making a wish as they did so.
Traditionally, a silver coin (usually a sixpence) was also stirred into the mixture for luck – though if you do this today, you might want to warn your guests first!
There's a story in my wife's family of someone breaking their tooth on the sixpence and having to wait, in considerable pain, until he dentist opened after the Christmas holiday.
Why Make it Then?
Making your pudding on Stir-up Sunday gives it plenty of time to mature before Christmas Day. The rich blend of dried fruits, spices and alcohol develops a deeper flavour the longer it rests, and many say that a pudding made weeks ahead is far superior to one made in a rush just before the big day.
The pudding is usually steamed for several hours when first made, then stored in a cool, dark place until Christmas. On the day itself, it’s steamed again before serving, doused in brandy, and brought to the table flaming – a moment of theatre that never fails to impress.
Do You Have to Make It Then?
Not at all! While Stir-up Sunday is a wonderful tradition, life doesn’t always stick to the calendar. You can make your pudding earlier in November, or even in October, if you like. In fact, some cooks prefer making it well in advance so the flavours can really develop. On the other hand, if you find yourself short on time, even a pudding made a week or two before Christmas will still be delicious.
A Tradition Worth Keeping
Whether you follow the calendar to the letter or adapt it to suit your own schedule, Stir-up Sunday is a lovely way to mark the start of the festive season. It’s about more than just cooking – it’s about family, anticipation, and keeping alive a tradition that has been passed down for generations.
So if you haven’t tried it before, why not set aside the Sunday before Advent this year, roll up your sleeves, and stir up a little Christmas magic?
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