Lapland until Christmas Eve

[WannaBeOrganised]

Im absolutely buzzing for our dream trip to Lapland (21-24 December), but also having nightmares about not being prepared for Christmas.

I think I can just about get my head around making sure all the presents are bought, wrapped and accessible (in case we're delayed, to make sure they're in the right place if we didnt arrive until Christmas morning).

We're not hosting Christmas this year, but will be sleeping at home so do need food in the house.

I have a tendency to shut down when I'm overwhelmed, and despite having ages left I can already feel it happening!

Any top tips for being prepared and what sort of food I can get in that'll still be fresh over Christmas if bought latest 20th Dec.
We dont arrive home until 24th in the evening, so even online shopping isn't going to be an option that late.

I think I’d be tempted to plan some lovely meals that you can make in advance and stash in your freezer to cook when you get home on the 24th and for breakfast/tea on Christmas Day?
Nigella has a recipe for Rudolph pie which I’ve made in advance which is nice or maybe a lasagne and some garlic bread for Christmas Eve and then what about some pastries or bacon butties for Christmas Day morning, you could freeze those and get them out when you get home for the next day?

Could I cook lasagne straight from frozen?

In theory I could ask someone to come in and pull something out of the freezer the night before. Or at a push, see if someone will pick up a click and collect order and stick it in our fridge. But I hate asking for favours like that!

If you aren't hosting are your family close enough to the house to be able to let themselves in if you ordered a food shop for whilst you are away so they can accept the delivery and put it away? Or a neighbour who would happily get you a fresh loaf and some milk for your arrival home?

How many days food do you really need if you aren't home for 4 days in the build up and someone else is hosting christmas? Are you hosting Boxing Day or need food just for your family for Boxing Day?

If you plan well you can have well stocked cupboards and freezer before you go with the long life things. What is Christmas Day breakfast usually?

You can get cook from frozen pastries in most supermarkets, also could buy part baked baguettes and some bacon and eggs before you go.

https://www.cookfood.net/products/lasagne-al-forno I've always had good experiences with Cook food (we particularly like their chicken lasagne and their chicken satay). You can also check cooking instructions on line.

I think PP are right - go frozen not fresh. You can find a whole load of frozen pastries in many places that can go straight into the oven. And it will only be for one or two days.

Eggs, butter, milk, and cheese will all keep in the fridge. Fill the freezer with bread, nut loaf, stuffing, pigs in blankets, prepared red cabbage, mashed carrots & parsnips, roast potatoes, boned turkey crown, ice creams.

Larder food would be Christmas pudding, mince pies, tinned custard, gravy granules, cranberry sauce, mayonnaise, booze & soft drinks, chocolates, sweets, nuts & snacks.

We do have some family close enough with a key to be able to pick up shopping etc. I dont know why I'm hesitating on asking them, I'd happily do the same for them.

I hate shopping over the Christmas period, but I'll have to relent this year. We're out all day Christmas Day and Boxing day (but home to sleep). So shouldn't really need much food anyway, but its the unknown - what if we're hungry and want some proper food! Kids are 5 and 8, and would happily survive on snacks but we'd all be miserable.

Honestly, I really am thrilled to be going - We're not telling the kids until the airport, but every night I'm having nightmares that its Christmas morning and the kids have no presents, or everyone does except one nephew etc. I feel like having a solid plan will stop the nightmares.

Don't panic because of the pressure of Christmas.

Yoghurt, fruit, bagels, croissants, cheese, chocolate, bacon, eggs, smoked salmon, milk, cream, orange juice etc all have a shelf life of longer than a week. Combined with store cupboard staples like pasta, crackers, champagne (!) etc you can do a shop before you go and you will be fine for simple suppers and a fancy breakfast when you get back.

I need to know more about where you’re going, what you’re doing, how much it was and how old your children are. But I realise that wasnt the point of the thread 😂

Agree with just freezing stuff. You can precook an Xmas dinner if you really want to 🤷🏻‍♀️

If it’s going to ruin the build up to the holiday just get it sorted now. Buy wider family gifts and send on ‘I know it’s only October but we’re going away so I’m getting organised’

Get your children’s presents sorted by the end of nov, wrap and put in garage/loft so they literally just need to be grabbed and put in living room.

Book an online delivery as soon as you can and then it’s out of your head.

Kids are 5 and 8. We're not telling them until we get to the airport!

I've done it DIY to save money, but have spent nearly the same amount as the package anyway. Pyha for 3 nights - one in Northen Lights Village (that's all I could get) and two in an airbnb cabin.
I still have some activities to book.

Ive started Christmas shopping now, so my stress levels seem to have decreased. I just have such a big family to buy for.

Menu plan for the days around the Lapland trip and write a shopping list. You could get most of it delivered on the 20th and it would still be fine for Christmas eve when you get back. Even get some ready meals in the fridge for the 24th.
I can feel your angst!
But do have fun!