Ooh mince pies! Ours went on the day. I am unaccustomed to baking and genuinely our small oven (as other in use) did not heat evenly, only from below and thus bottoms burnt!
Remedy was to remove bottoms entirely, sit almost defunct pies bottomless directly in bowl and cover with custard. No-one noticed!!! The remainder were not freezable as I felt the poor things had already been through enough!!
Picked up a satisfying bargain today in one of the smaller shops; a large distressed silver (if you know what a mean) candle holder. I like the distressed finish, to me it is somehow Christmassy, silver and gold! And while it's burning brightly now (trial run + couldnt wait!) I will put it away to protect it's 'specialness.'
Am ploughing valiantly through the posh dried fruit selections: no-one boxes of WR medjools in the pantry last year but but april the poor things had shrivelled and crystallised - still good for recipes, but not enough luscious plumpness so am doing my duty by them and diligently consuming a few a day!
I would say that my Christmas head is more faced towards this year's Christmas than the one just enjoyed.
With the weather as grotty is it is currently (cold heavy rain); I am also feeling that nordic/scandi bedlinen would be an acceptable investment ie a seasonal rather than purely festive purchase. Not to shop for the sake of shopping, but to have nice things, and to reframe the post-xmas period as 'winter' and go full blown cosy - which is trending now I understand - hygge?
A propos, have ordered a half price faux fur (but looks nice) warm throw from Tesco; which is probably ready for collection.
Also working my way (guilty/secret pleasure while DH occupied/not at home) through the Hallmark Channel christmas movies, which is more of a nod to last Christmas. I began at the start of Dec, and hoping to eke out until end of month.