Old Christmas: How Washington Irving Shaped the Christmas We Know Today

Old Christmas by Washington Irving: The Story That Helped Shape Modern Christmas.

Long before Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol, an American author helped revive and romanticise Christmas traditions that were already fading from public memory. 

That writer was Washington Irving, and his series of essays collectively known as Old Christmas played a quietly influential role in shaping the way Christmas is celebrated on both sides of the Atlantic.

Published in 1819–1820 as part of The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent., Old Christmas looked back nostalgically at the festive customs of rural England, presenting Christmas as a time of warmth, hospitality, and continuity.

Who Was Washington Irving?

Washington Irving is best known today for Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, but he was also one of the first American writers to achieve international literary success.

At the time Old Christmas was written:

Irving was living in England

Christmas celebrations were in decline in many parts of Britain

Industrialisation was changing social structures and rural life

Irving wrote as both an outsider and an admirer, capturing what he saw as the spirit of an older, gentler England.

What Is Old Christmas?

Old Christmas is not a single short story, but a series of connected essays, including:

Christmas

The Stage-Coach

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

The Christmas Dinner

The Christmas Ball

Together, they follow the narrator as he travels from London to a country estate to spend Christmas with a traditional English family.

Rather than focusing on religion, Irving emphasises:

Hospitality and open houses

Generosity to rich and poor alike

Seasonal food and drink

Music, dancing, and storytelling

Christmas is portrayed as a social glue, a time when divisions soften and communities reconnect.

A Nostalgic Vision of “Merry England”

One of the most important contributions of Old Christmas is its idealised image of “Merry England”.

Irving presents:

Snow-dusted countryside

Warm hearths and roaring fires

Plentiful tables and cheerful servants

Ancient customs lovingly preserved

Whether or not this England truly existed as described is beside the point. What mattered was the idea, Christmas as a timeless, benevolent tradition worth protecting.

This vision deeply appealed to readers at a time when modern life felt increasingly rushed and impersonal.

Influence on Victorian Christmas Traditions

Although Irving was American, his work influenced British writers, most notably Charles Dickens.

Themes echoed later in A Christmas Carol include:

Christmas as a moral force

The importance of generosity and goodwill

Shared meals as symbols of unity

The blending of nostalgia with social conscience

Dickens added sharper social critique, but Irving laid much of the emotional groundwork.

In many ways, Old Christmas helped re-legitimise Christmas as a warm, family-centred celebration after centuries of suppression, neglect, and religious controversy.

Why Old Christmas Still Matters Today

Old Christmas continues to resonate because it speaks to anxieties that feel very modern:

Fear of losing traditions

Longing for slower, more meaningful celebrations

Concern that Christmas is becoming too commercial

Desire for connection across social boundaries

Irving reminds readers that Christmas is not about excess, but about continuity, kindness, and shared humanity.

A Quiet but Lasting Legacy

While Old Christmas may not be as widely read today as Dickens’ works, its influence is undeniable. It helped transform Christmas from a fading folk observance into a revived cultural celebration rooted in nostalgia, generosity, and togetherness.

Every time we imagine Christmas as:

A fireside gathering

A season of open doors

A bridge between past and present

We are, in part, seeing Christmas through Washington Irving’s eyes.

The History of the Celebration of Christmas Through the Ages

Christmas as we know it today is the result of centuries of evolving traditions, beliefs, and cultural influences. 

From pagan winter festivals to medieval church observances and modern commercial celebrations, 

Christmas has continually adapted while retaining its core themes of light, hope, generosity, and togetherness.

Ancient Winter Festivals: Before Christmas Began

Long before the birth of Christianity, midwinter was marked across Europe and beyond. The winter solstice, usually around 21 December, symbolised the turning point when days slowly began to lengthen again.

Saturnalia in Ancient Rome was a raucous festival featuring feasting, gift-giving, role reversal, and public merriment.

Yule, celebrated by Germanic and Norse peoples, honoured the rebirth of the sun and involved evergreen decorations, fires, and communal feasts.

In many cultures, winter festivals focused on survival, renewal, and communal bonding during the darkest part of the year.

These traditions would later influence how Christmas was celebrated in Christian Europe.

The Birth of Christmas in Early Christianity

The Bible does not specify a date for the birth of Jesus Christ. It was not until the 4th century that the Christian church formally selected 25 December as the date of Christ’s birth.

This choice was strategic:

It aligned with existing pagan festivals, making conversion easier.

It reframed established celebrations with Christian meaning.

It emphasised Christ as the “light of the world” during the darkest season.

Early Christmas celebrations were primarily religious, centred on church services rather than domestic festivities.

Medieval Christmas: Feasting and Faith

By the Middle Ages, Christmas had become a major event in the Christian calendar across Europe.

Key features included:

Twelve days of celebration from Christmas Day to Epiphany

Lavish feasts hosted by nobles and monasteries

Public revelry, music, and seasonal plays

The rise of carols, originally sung outdoors and in marketplaces

Christmas was a communal affair, with the church playing a central role and social hierarchies briefly relaxed.

Reformation and Suppression

The 16th and 17th centuries brought significant upheaval. During the Protestant Reformation, many religious traditions were questioned or abolished.

In England:

Puritans viewed Christmas as unbiblical and overly indulgent

Christmas celebrations were banned during the Commonwealth period (1649–1660)

Shops were ordered to remain open on Christmas Day

Although the ban was unpopular, it demonstrates how contested Christmas once was.

Victorian Revival: The Christmas We Recognise

The modern image of Christmas largely emerged in the Victorian era.

Key developments included:

Prince Albert popularising the Christmas tree in Britain

The rise of Christmas cards, enabled by cheap printing

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (1843), which emphasised charity, family, and goodwill

Increased focus on children, gift-giving, and domestic celebrations

This period firmly established Christmas as a family-centred, sentimental festival.

20th Century to Today: Global and Commercial

During the 20th century, Christmas became increasingly global and commercial.

Notable changes:

Santa Claus became a standardised figure influenced by American imagery

Mass-produced decorations and gifts became widely available

Media, advertising, and popular music shaped expectations

Christmas expanded beyond religious observance into a cultural holiday

Today, Christmas is celebrated in diverse ways:

As a religious festival

As a cultural and family celebration

As a secular holiday centred on generosity and rest

Christmas in the Modern Age

In the 21st century, Christmas continues to evolve:

Greater inclusivity of different beliefs and traditions

Renewed interest in sustainability and local customs

Ongoing debate over commercialisation versus tradition

Yet many core elements remain unchanged: gathering together, sharing food, exchanging kindness, and finding light in the darkest season.

A Living Tradition

Christmas is not a static celebration frozen in time. It is a living tradition shaped by history, culture, faith, and personal meaning. Its endurance lies in its ability to adapt while still offering comfort, continuity, and connection across generations.

From ancient solstice fires to modern fairy lights, Christmas has always been about hope returning — year after year.

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Why That’s Christmas 365 Chose Novello Lounge for Our Company Christmas Meal

Choosing a venue for a Christmas team meal isn’t just about picking somewhere convenient. 

For us at That’s Christmas 365, it needed to reflect what Christmas means to us all year round: warmth, inclusion, comfort, good food, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere.

That’s exactly why we chose Novello Lounge, part of the much-loved Loungers family, for our company Christmas meal.

A Space That Feels Like Christmas

From the moment you walk in, Novello Lounge feels relaxed and inviting rather than rushed or overstated. At Christmas, that matters. Festive meals shouldn’t feel like a conveyor belt of bookings or a noisy free-for-all. 

The Lounge strikes a perfect balance: cosy without being cramped, lively without being overwhelming. It’s a place where you can actually talk, laugh, and enjoy the occasion.

Inclusive, Welcoming, and Thoughtful

One of the reasons Loungers venues consistently stand out is their genuinely inclusive ethos. Christmas should be for everyone, and Novello Lounge reflects that beautifully. 

The environment is approachable, staff are attentive without hovering, and there’s no pressure to behave a certain way or fit a particular mould. That sense of ease is something we value deeply as a brand that champions kindness, accessibility, and community.

Food That Works for Everyone

A company Christmas meal needs a menu that caters to different tastes, appetites, and dietary requirements without making anyone feel like an afterthought. Novello Lounge excels here. From comforting festive favourites to lighter options, plant-based dishes, and generous sharing plates, everyone at the table can find something they genuinely want to eat. Christmas food should be enjoyed, not endured.

No Stuffy Formality

We love Christmas traditions, but we don’t believe they have to come wrapped in stiff formality. Novello Lounge offers quality food and drink without the intimidating price tags or rigid dining rules that can drain the joy from a festive get-together. 

It’s Christmas dining that feels human, relaxed, and real – which aligns perfectly with the That’s Christmas 365 ethos.

Supporting Community-Focused Hospitality

Loungers bars are known for embedding themselves into their local communities, and that matters to us. Choosing Novello Lounge wasn’t just about having a nice meal; it was about supporting a hospitality brand that values people, accessibility, and consistency across the year – not just in December.

A Christmas Choice That Reflects Our Values

Ultimately, Novello Lounge wasn’t just a convenient choice. It was the right choice. Warm, welcoming, inclusive, and festive without being forced, it offered exactly what a company Christmas meal should: a chance to slow down, enjoy good food, and celebrate the season together.

For us at That’s Christmas 365, that’s what Christmas is all about – not just one day a year, but every day.

Find your nearest Loungers cafe bar here https://thelounges.co.uk

Chicken: The Underrated, Unappreciated Other White Meat for Christmas

When people talk about Christmas dinner, the conversation is usually dominated by turkey, beef, or goose. 

Yet quietly, reliably, and rather unfairly overlooked sits chicken, the underrated, unappreciated other white meat that deserves far more festive love than it gets.

Chicken might not arrive with the same fanfare as a towering turkey, but for many households it is the sensible, delicious, and stress-free choice that makes Christmas Day calmer, tastier, and far more enjoyable.

Why Chicken Deserves a Place on the Christmas Table

Chicken has developed a reputation as an everyday meal, which is precisely why it is underestimated. In reality, a well-cooked roast chicken can be just as celebratory as any traditional Christmas centrepiece.

It’s beautifully versatile.

Chicken pairs effortlessly with classic Christmas flavours: sage and onion stuffing, cranberry sauce, thyme, garlic, lemon, honey, mustard, and rich gravy. You can keep it traditional or give it a seasonal twist without intimidating guests who prefer familiar tastes.

It suits smaller gatherings perfectly.

Not every Christmas involves feeding a dozen people. For couples, small families, or those celebrating quietly, a whole chicken is often the perfect size, no overwhelming leftovers, no pressure to cook a bird the size of a suitcase.

It’s far less stressful to cook.

Let’s be honest: turkey anxiety is real. Dry breast meat, undercooked legs, endless resting times. Chicken is more forgiving, cooks faster, and is easier to judge, meaning less time worrying in the kitchen and more time enjoying Christmas itself.

Chicken and the Cost-of-Christmas Reality

With rising food costs, chicken is also one of the most budget-friendly Christmas options available. A quality free-range chicken costs significantly less than a turkey, yet still delivers a proper roast dinner experience.

That saving can be put to better use elsewhere: higher-quality vegetables, indulgent desserts, better wine, or simply easing the financial pressure that Christmas can bring.

Festive Ways to Elevate Chicken

If chicken feels “too ordinary” for Christmas, the secret lies in presentation and flavour:

Stuffed roast chicken with sage, onion, sausage meat, or chestnuts

Herb-butter under the skin for crisp skin and juicy meat

Honey and mustard glaze for a festive golden finish

Lemon, garlic, and thyme for a classic, aromatic roast

Wrapped in bacon for added richness and Christmas indulgence

Served with proper roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, pigs in blankets, and gravy, no one will feel short-changed.

Leftovers That Actually Get Used

One of chicken’s greatest festive strengths is how usable the leftovers are. Cold chicken sandwiches, bubble and squeak, soups, pies, curries, and salads all benefit from chicken’s adaptability. 

Unlike turkey, which often lingers unloved in the fridge, chicken leftovers tend to disappear quickly.

A Christmas That Fits Your Household

Christmas does not need to be performed to a script. It doesn’t need the biggest bird, the longest cooking time, or the most stress. It needs warmth, good food, and people enjoying themselves.

Chicken offers all of that – comfort, flavour, affordability, and flexibility – without the pressure. It may be the other white meat, but at Christmas, it quietly proves itself to be one of the smartest choices you can make.

This year, don’t overlook it. Give chicken the festive respect it deserves.

How about a nice pork joint for Christmas?

When people think of Christmas dinner, turkey usually steals the spotlight. 

But there’s something quietly magnificent about a proper pork joint taking centre stage instead, especially when it’s crowned with gloriously crisp, golden crackling that shatters at the touch of a knife.

For smaller gatherings, alternative Christmas meals, or simply those who prefer flavour over tradition, pork can be a truly festive choice.

Why pork deserves a place on the Christmas table

Pork has long been part of winter feasting in Britain. It’s rich, satisfying, and pairs beautifully with seasonal flavours such as apples, sage, mustard, and cider. A well-roasted pork joint offers:

Juicy, tender meat

Crowd-pleasing crackling

Excellent leftovers for Boxing Day sandwiches

A comforting, celebratory feel without the stress of a large bird

And let’s be honest, few things cause as much excitement at the table as the sound of crackling being broken apart.

The secret to perfect crackling

Crackling is simple in theory but unforgiving in practice. The key is dryness, heat, and patience.

Here’s how to give yourself the best chance of success:

1. Dry the rind thoroughly

Moisture is the enemy of crackling. If you can, uncover the pork and leave it in the fridge overnight. If not, pat the rind dry repeatedly with kitchen paper before cooking.

2. Score properly

Use a very sharp knife to score the rind deeply but do not cut into the meat. Even spacing helps the fat render evenly and puff the skin.

3. Salt generously

Sea salt draws moisture out of the skin and encourages blistering. Rub it firmly into the scored rind, don’t be shy.

4. Start hot

Begin roasting at a high temperature (around 220°C fan / 240°C conventional) for the first 20–30 minutes. This blast of heat starts the crackling process.

5. Then turn it down

Once the crackling has begun to form, reduce the oven temperature and roast the pork gently until perfectly cooked and tender.

If your crackling needs a final boost, a short blast under the grill can work wonders, just keep a close eye on it.

Making it Christmas-worthy

A pork joint is wonderfully adaptable for a festive table. Consider serving it with:

Roast potatoes cooked in pork dripping

Braised red cabbage with apple

Sage and onion stuffing

Apple sauce or cider gravy

Honey-roasted parsnips and carrots

The flavours are familiar, comforting, and unmistakably Christmassy, just without the turkey fatigue.

A Christmas feast with confidence

Choosing pork for Christmas isn’t about cutting corners, it’s about choosing something you know you’ll enjoy. A beautifully cooked pork joint, topped with proud, crunchy crackling, brings warmth, indulgence, and a sense of celebration to the table.

And when the crackling crackles and the plates fall quiet, you’ll know you made the right choice.

Sometimes, Christmas tastes even better with pork.

Study Finds 21 Minutes of Yogic Meditation Could Ease Family Tension This Christmas

A short daily meditation practice taught by Indian Yogi Sadhguru could help ease loneliness, stress and family conflict over Christmas, according to new peer-reviewed research by Harvard-affiliated scientists.

The findings come as UK surveys show the festive season is a major pressure point for mental health. Mental Health UK reports that 80% of people living with mental-health conditions see their symptoms worsen over Christmas, while nearly three-quarters feel lonelier even when surrounded by family. Separate analysis shows 84% of Britons find Christmas stressful or triggering.

The new study, published in Frontiers in Psychology (2025), was led by researchers at the Sadhguru Center for a Conscious Planet at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospital.

It examined 24 adults who completed Inner Engineering, a programme created by Sadhguru that teaches Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya - a 21-minute yogic meditative practice. The program highlights Yogic meditation’s role as a non-religious, scalable intervention for improving well-being.

After six weeks, every participant who practised regularly reported improvements in emotional well-being and relationships. Researchers identified reduced emotional reactivity, greater empathy and compassion, and more harmonious communication with partners and children, including fewer arguments and better listening.

The authors note that related neuroscience research suggests meditation reduces activity in the brain’s stress centre, the amygdala, while strengthening emotional regulation and activating the body’s calming “rest-and-digest” response.

Sumita Hutchison, Director at an NHS Foundation Trust, told That's Christmas 365: “The Christmas period places enormous pressure on families. 

Polls show half of Britons find Christmas stressful and mothers feel it most acutely. At the same time, the UK economy loses over £117 billion a year to poor mental health. We urgently need scalable, evidence‑based solutions. 

This study offers compelling evidence that Yogic meditation can reduce loneliness, stress and family conflict in just a few weeks. Policymakers should support making programmes like this more accessible.”

Yogic practices, which originate in India, are gaining increased interest globally as wellbeing solutions. 

Only 1 in 10 put the office Christmas party at the top of their work wish list

New research from Moonpig for business reveals during the festive party season, 17% of UK workers would rather untangle a box of fairy lights than attend their office Christmas party.

In a survey of 2,000 UK employees, seven in ten (70%) said that celebrating Christmas at work helps them feel more connected to their team. 

Yet when asked what they’d really value from their employer this festive season, only one in ten (11%) chose an office party as their top Christmas wish, with 60% saying they’d like an extra day off, while one in five (21%) would most like to receive a thoughtful, physical gift from their employer.

Although most people enjoy some workplace festive cheer, more than half (52%) of employees said they’d rather spend a night in watching Christmas films than go to the office party, with others confessing they’d choose to untangle a box of fairy lights (17%) or even visit the dentist (14%) than join the festivities.

And when it comes to the seating plan, opinions are just as divided. When asked who they’d least like to sit next to at the office Christmas do, nearly a third (32%) of Brits named the boss, while HR (16%) and IT (13%) also ranked high on the list. The marketing team was the least avoided, with just 5% choosing not to sit next to them.

Nickyl Raithatha, CEO at Moonpig, told That's Christmas 365: “Christmas is a time for connection, and it’s great to see so many people value celebrating with their colleagues. Knowing your team and what makes them tick is essential when it comes to selecting the right kind of gift. 

"This knowledge will ultimately have the best impact in your decision making, be it a big party, a thoughtful gift or a simple thank you. At Moonpig for business, we believe it’s those thoughtful touches that make people feel truly seen and appreciated, and that’s what brings teams closer together.”

Designed to make appreciation easier for organisations of every size, Moonpig for business helps people and companies share that heartfelt feeling all year round. The platform allows businesses to send branded and personalised cards and curated gifts at scale, so that gratitude and connection don’t get lost in the seasonal rush – or any time of year.

https://www.moonpig.com/uk/business

Moonpig for business helps organisations recognise and reward employees and clients through branded, personalised cards and curated gifts. The platform simplifies appreciation at scale, with automation tools to schedule greetings, upload bulk contacts, and personalise messages in minutes.

Recycling gets binned at Christmas as consumers struggle with an avalanche of festive waste

Over half of people admit they recycle less at Christmas as they are overwhelmed by packaging, wrapping paper and cards.

A new survey from specialist waste management company Sortera UK, reveals confusion over festive bin collection days and a lack of space for rubbish are major reasons why recycling habits slip during the holiday season.

The surge in waste means 80% of consumers end up with at least one extra bag of rubbish after Christmas, whilst almost one in three households say they put out three or more additional bags on bin day.

Furthermore, over 50% of people recycle less at Christmas than they do throughout the rest of the year. Why? Because many feel unsure about what’s recyclable, struggle to find the time, or simply run out of space as recycling bins overflow with festive packaging.

Sortera’s MD, Jonathan Younger, told That's Christmas 365 that the problem spikes at exactly the time households should be recycling more, “Christmas waste doubles, sometimes even triples, but recycling rates go the other way. People feel overwhelmed and the bins fill up fast. 

"The good news is that with a bit of planning, it’s still easy to stay on top of recycling and make sure things go in the right bins.”

Commenting on the survey results, Adam Herriott, Senior Specialist at WRAP said, “Last Christmas brought a surge of packaging and Christmas wrapping into our homes and, when the bins start to overflow, it’s easy to think 'Santa Baby bring me a bit more space'. 

"The good news is that a few simple habits can make sure your day runs smoothly. Simple steps such as flattening boxes, reusing gift packaging, and checking any changes to local collections all help keep valuable materials in circulation.”

Sortera has launched a simple, practical Christmas Waste Guide, packed with tips for reducing waste, to help consumers stay green during the holidays.

Jonathan adds, “Small changes make a big difference. One of my favourites is switching from wrapping paper to reusable gift bags. They look great, save loads of time and can be used again and again, just don’t write on the tag.”

The Sortera Green Christmas Guide is available at https://shop.sortera.co.uk/recycling-at-christmas

Key Findings from the Sortera Christmas Waste Survey

• 82% of respondents said they had to deal with extra waste over Christmas.

• 80% have at least one extra bin bag of rubbish

• One third admit they have at least three additional bin bags.

• 80% blame it on too much packaging from gifts

• Nearly 75% blamed wrapping paper and cards

• Nearly a third say there is not enough space in bins at Christmas

• 20% say there is confusion over Christmas bin collection days.

• Over 50% are less likely to recycle as required after Christmas.

A Third of Brits Are Feeling the Heat Over Cooking the Christmas Turkey, says MEATER

New MEATER survey reveals that three quarters of the nation are simply winging it.

A new festive survey from MEATER has revealed that the Christmas turkey, the shining centrepiece of the big day’ dinner, is causing more stress than sparkle for British households this year. 

In fact, a third of Brits admit they’re feeling the pressure when it comes to roasting the star of the show.

Top Turkey Worries This Christmas:

• 25% worry about overcooking or undercooking

• 23% stress over timing the turkey with the rest of the feast

• 20% fret about keeping the bird juicy and full of festive flavour

Add concerns about oven space and accidentally forgetting to defrost the turkey, and it’s no wonder the nation is feeling the festive frazzle. Luckily, once the bird is finally cooked, confidence kicks in, with only 10% admitting they still worry about carving it.

The survey, which quizzed Brits on their Christmas cooking habits, also shed light on where the nation is picking up its prized festive bird. 

Unsurprisingly, supermarkets reign supreme for turkey shopping: Tesco leads, with over a third of Brits choosing to buy their bird there, followed by Sainsbury’s, which is the preferred choice for around a quarter, and Asda, selected by a fifth. 

Respondents revealed that price and quality were the main factors behind their supermarket of choice.

When it comes to cooking, over half of us check whether our turkey is done by slicing into it to inspect the colour, while 15% rely on gut instinct alone and 10% confess they simply “just guess”, truly living on the edge of festive fate.

Turkey tragedies aren’t exactly rare either. 1 in 5 Brits have suffered a turkey disaster in years gone by, with over a third reporting dried-out or burnt birds. 

But dryness isn’t the only mishap plaguing households. Survey respondents also admitted to having the family cat or dog steal the turkey, discovering they’d left the giblets inside, and realising their roasting tin didn’t actually fit in the oven. A Christmas spirit crushing moment for any Christmas cook.

It seems that while Christmas is full of magic, it’s also full of memorable mishaps.

Some might wonder whether all this turkey turmoil is worth it, especially since half the nation rarely (or never) cooks turkey outside of Christmas! Yet tradition wins. For almost 50% of Brits, Christmas simply wouldn’t be Christmas without the big bird adorning the table.

That said, turkey isn’t going it alone. Almost 9 in 10 Brits cook additional meats on Christmas Day or replace turkey altogether. Chicken is the top alternative for those who feel turkey is too expensive, while beef and gammon remain festive favourites steeped in tradition.

With households catering for larger gatherings than usual, the pressure to deliver a perfect roast is higher than Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. But as smart technology becomes a staple in modern kitchens, festive cooking might just become a little merrier.

Two thirds of Brits said they would find a device that monitors the turkey and tells them exactly when it’s perfectly cooked to be helpful. Brits are ready to ditch guesswork and embrace gadget-powered perfection. After all, no one wants to be remembered for serving a turkey that’s drier than the Boxing Day jokes.

MEATER told That's Christmas 365: "Our survey uncovered everything from overcooked birds to undercooked birds, accidentally roasted giblets, and even the occasional dog making off with Christmas dinner, so it’s clear the nation’s festive kitchens are full of surprises. 

"It’s no shock, then, that two thirds of Brits said they’d welcome a device that monitors the Turkey throughout the cook and lets them know them when the Turkey’s perfectly ready. A smart meat thermometer brings a bit of calm to the chaos, leaving everyone free to enjoy the fun (and keep an eye on the family pet)."

Festive Turkey-Prep Reminders (Inspired by Real Disasters!)

To keep your Christmas running smoothly this year, here are a few merry must-remembers:

• Allow plenty of time for defrosting, it’s not a snowman, so the sooner the better.

• Check the turkey for giblets before it goes into the oven.

• Measure your roasting tray and oven in advance to avoid a Christmas morning geometry crisis.

• Makes sure the oven is up to temperature (it helps not to get drunk before dinner is served)

• Keep pets away from the cooling turkey (they’re faster than you think).

• And of course: use a meat thermometer so you’re not relying on guesswork or festive luck.