When to start planning for X-Mas?

[CrystalWriter]

I'm asking because on Monday I picked up Good Housekeeping Christmas 2013 magazine, which contains a lot of very nice recipes.

My family already thinks I'm nuts as I've just finished a deep clean of the kitchen.

So is end of Oct, beginning of Nov. Too early to think about it? but considering a small number of the recipes can be made in advance.

[Andy M.]

I'm still planning for Halloween. Then comes Thanksgiving. AFTER THANKSGIVING is when you start planning for Christmas. It's the law.

[menumaker]

After bonfire night ( Nov 5th ) is my rule of thumb, except for my cake which I made last week because it needs feeding and the puddings that need maturing until Christmas.

[Gravy Queen]

I have already made my Damson chutney and that is maturing, it matures at Christmas then it is perfect with old meats and cheeses .

I have ordered my turkey , ham and a 3 bird roast , stuffing and sausages in bacon from Marks and Spencer .

[forty_caliber]

Ugggg. The dreaded holiday. Usually don't do much till the 2nd week in December. I try to keep the fuss to a bare minimum and set financial limits for the household. I really dislike the heavy marketing and commercialism that goes hand and hand with the "holidays" these days.

.40

[Alix]

Only 55 more sleeps! Plan away!

.40, are you a Grinch? Perish the thought!

I don't plan much for the meals, but I do require a little advance planning on the gift buying and entertainment part of the holidays. I am grateful that our Thanksgiving isn't at the same time as yours, I think that would be too close for me.

[forty_caliber]

Originally Posted by Alix

.40, are you a Grinch? Perish the thought!

I was promoted to Grinch Officer 1st class and now I have grinch minions to carry out my grinchly duties.

It's not Christmas that I mind. It's the buy buy buy buy sell sell sell sell mentality that really winds me up.

For me the holidays are not about "stuff" or the need for more "stuff".
We will be baking cookies for gifts again this year.

Our kids are grown and haven't believed in SC for over a decade. Each will get one very nice practical gift that they can really use in the coming year. Younger grand nieces and nephews are an exception to this.

Adult siblings on both sides of the family have a standing agreement not to exchange gifts. We do exchange each others company and feast when we gather as a family.

.40

[Steve Kroll]

We don't do Christmas -- at least not with a tree and gifts and all that malarkey. So I guess that means my planning is already done.

[Harry Cobean]

lunch with family & friends in a restaurant on the day,then jump on a boxing day flight for a week or two in the sun.destination unknown as yet.probably sort that on christmas eve.sounds like a plan to me!!

[Steve Kroll]

Originally Posted by Harry Cobean

lunch with family & friends in a restaurant on the day,then jump on a boxing day flight for a week or two in the sun.destination unknown as yet.probably sort that on christmas eve.sounds like a plan to me!!

HC, me and the fam will be in sunny Las Vegas on Christmas Day. You are welcome to come join us! Not a single evergreen or red-suited fat man in sight.