Christmas at Wellies & Wax Jackets

FEATURED GUIDE

Make your own fresh Christmas wreath

Bring a little of the outdoors to your front door. Our existing step-by-step guide takes you through making a fresh wreath with greenery and natural decorations.

Read the fresh Christmas wreath guide →

CHRISTMAS / 01

Christmas food & the country kitchen

In a country kitchen at Christmas, the best luxury is having time to sit down. A little preparation in December means the oven, the fridge and the cook are not all under pressure at once.

Three weeks before: fill the freezer, not the diary

Make shortcrust pastry, shape sausage rolls and freeze them uncooked on a tray before transferring them to labelled bags. Prepare a batch of mince pie filling or use a good-quality mincemeat, and check how many baking trays and oven shelves you actually own. Homemade biscuits, frozen dough and a well-labelled freezer are often more useful than an ambitious menu.

A proper batch of country-kitchen mince pies

For approximately 12 small pies, rub 125g cold cubed butter into 250g plain flour with a pinch of salt until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in 40g caster sugar, then add a beaten egg and a little cold water only if needed to bring the dough together. Chill for 30 minutes. Roll out, line a greased 12-hole shallow bun tin, add about a teaspoon of mincemeat to each case and top with pastry stars. Brush with milk or beaten egg and bake at 190°C (170°C fan) for around 18–22 minutes, until golden and the pastry is cooked through. Cool before dusting with icing sugar. Oven performance varies, so check towards the end.

For a homemade flourish, finely grate a little orange zest into the pastry. If gifting the pies, provide ingredient and allergen information and use clean food-safe packaging.

Christmas Eve: the jobs that really help

Prepare vegetables, set the table and check the roasting tin fits the oven. Potatoes can be peeled ahead and kept covered in cold water in the fridge for a short period; drain and dry before roasting. Make a written plan working backwards from the serving time, allowing for meat to rest and for side dishes to finish. Do not leave perishable ingredients sitting out for hours.

Make the table feel festive without buying a new one

A linen cloth, everyday crockery, a bowl of clementines, a few pine cones and low sprigs of greenery can feel more inviting than elaborate centrepieces. Keep potentially toxic berries away from food, children and pets; avoid placing loose foliage directly on serving plates. Use battery-operated candles around greenery.

After Christmas: the good bits needn't go to waste

Plan a Boxing Day lunch around what is left, rather than cooking another full meal. Cold roast vegetables work in bubble and squeak; cooked meat can go into a pie or soup when handled and stored safely. Refrigerate leftovers promptly, follow the Food Standards Agency's current advice on chilling and reheating, and do not rely on smell alone to judge safety.

CHRISTMAS / 02

Decorating with nature

The most beautiful Christmas decorations often begin outdoors: a handful of evergreen branches, the scent of conifer, a bowl of oranges and the quiet pleasure of making something by hand.

Choosing greenery that earns its place

Fir and spruce give a traditional silhouette, although spruce can shed needles more readily in a warm room. Ivy trails beautifully from a mantel or wreath; holly offers glossy structure, while pittosporum and eucalyptus add contrasting leaf shapes. Rosemary smells wonderful in small table arrangements. Gather only from your own garden or with permission, and leave berries and shelter for wildlife where possible. Never cut from protected or sensitive sites.

How to keep cut foliage fresh

Collect greenery as close to the decorating date as practical. Keep stems cool and shaded until needed, recut the ends and stand suitable cut stems in water. For table arrangements, a water-holding container or floral mechanics that can be topped up will last better than dry foliage. Keep arrangements away from radiators, stoves and direct heat, and remove anything that starts to dry, shed or deteriorate.

Make a simple natural table garland

Start with a reusable length of sturdy twine or a wire framework. Arrange short evergreen sprigs in overlapping bunches and secure them firmly, working in one direction. Add pine cones with florist wire and tie on thoroughly dried orange slices sparingly so the foliage remains the star. Lay the finished garland on a protective runner rather than directly against a hot surface. Keep it away from candles and food.

Drying oranges without rushing

Slice oranges evenly, about 3–5mm thick, blot away excess juice and arrange in a single layer on a rack over a tray. Dry in a very low oven, turning periodically and watching closely; the time depends heavily on thickness and oven humidity. They should feel thoroughly dry rather than sticky before storing. Cool completely and store in a dry, ventilated place; discard any that develop mould.

A front door that welcomes winter

A fresh wreath looks richest when it combines three or four textures rather than every decoration in the craft box. Start with fir for volume, add a little spruce or broadleaf evergreen for contrast, then finish with cones, orange slices and a single natural-fibre ribbon. Our step-by-step fresh wreath guide covers the full method. Remember that holly, ivy and some ornamental foliage can be harmful to people or pets if eaten; choose and position decorations accordingly.

CHRISTMAS / 03

Handmade gifts & simple crafts

A handmade present is at its best when it feels considered rather than complicated. The materials may be inexpensive, but a little care in the finishing makes all the difference.

Three gifts you can make in an afternoon

A winter tea parcel: choose a favourite tea, add homemade shortbread or biscuits in a food-safe bag, and tuck everything into a reusable tin. Include the ingredients, allergens and a sensible best-before note. A gardener's winter notebook: wrap a plain notebook in recycled kraft paper, add seed envelopes and write a few useful prompts inside for sowing dates, varieties and harvest notes. A natural decoration bundle: gather dried orange slices, cones, ribbon and twine into a little kit for someone who enjoys making their own garland.

Simple shortbread for gifting

Cream 150g softened butter with 75g caster sugar, then mix in 225g plain flour until a dough forms. Press into a small lined tin or roll and cut into shapes. Chill briefly, prick with a fork and bake at 160°C (140°C fan) for roughly 25–35 minutes depending on thickness, until lightly golden and cooked through. Cool fully before packing. The recipe contains wheat and milk; check all ingredients for other allergens.

Gift wrapping that looks like the countryside

Brown paper, fabric offcuts, cotton tape and twine make a lovely starting point. Finish with a handwritten label or a small rosemary sprig. Avoid fresh greenery on parcels that will be stored for weeks, as it will wilt; dried botanicals are better for gifts travelling through the post. Keep small decorative pieces away from young children and animals.

Make the craft session part of Christmas

Put on a pot of tea, clear the table and invite someone to help cut paper stars or tie bundles. Children can make paper chains or decorate tags with potato prints using child-safe materials. A relaxed afternoon of making things together can become a tradition of its own.

CHRISTMAS / 04

Days out, traditions & time together

The weeks before Christmas are full of small moments worth noticing: lights in a village high street, a cold walk before dusk and the welcome warmth of a café after being outdoors.

Make the most of short winter days

In much of Britain, daylight is limited in December. Plan walks for the middle of the day, check sunset times and weather forecasts for your particular area, and choose paths that will be safe after rain. A flask of something warm, spare socks and a torch make a modest outing much more comfortable. On exposed upland routes, winter conditions can become serious quickly, so use an appropriately experienced approach.

Where the festive atmosphere really lives

Large Christmas markets can be enjoyable, but village fairs, church concerts, farm-shop evenings, local makers' markets and charity tree festivals often have just as much character. Look for independent stallholders and locally made goods rather than feeling obliged to buy something at every stop. Confirm opening dates, accessibility and parking with organisers before setting off.

Traditions that don't require tickets

Take an evening walk to see the Christmas lights, read a favourite story aloud, bake the same family recipe every year or choose one decoration that marks something memorable about the past twelve months. For families living far apart, a shared recipe or a phone call while making it can feel more personal than another parcel.

A quiet Boxing Day walk

After the busy day itself, a short woodland or countryside walk can be a welcome reset. Stay on public rights of way, close gates, keep dogs under effective control around livestock and avoid disturbing wildlife. Return home for leftovers and something hot to drink: sometimes the simplest traditions last the longest.

CHRISTMAS / 05

Christmas in the garden

December doesn't put the garden to sleep. It changes the pace: the outlines of trees become clearer, winter berries come into their own and a few thoughtful touches can make the view from the kitchen window feel festive.

A winter container with real structure

Start with a frost-tolerant pot with drainage holes. An evergreen such as small skimmia or a compact conifer can form the backbone, with winter-flowering heather or suitable violas for colour. Add a few decorative branches or cones on the surface without burying plant crowns. Choose plants that suit the light and exposure of the spot; a sheltered doorstep in southern England behaves differently from an exposed garden in northern Scotland.

Protect pots from the worst of winter

Waterlogging is often as damaging as cold. Raise containers slightly on pot feet where appropriate and ensure drainage holes remain clear. Move vulnerable pots away from persistent icy winds, and protect tender roots during severe freezes. Do not assume every plant labelled 'hardy' will tolerate the same conditions in a small container as it does in the ground.

Make room for winter wildlife

Leave some seedheads, leaf litter and undisturbed corners rather than clearing every border. Provide clean fresh water and keep feeders hygienic, following current wildlife-health guidance. When collecting holly, ivy or conifer cuttings for decorations, take modest amounts and avoid stripping berries that birds may need.

Jobs for a mild December day

Check ties on young trees, clear fallen leaves from slippery paths and inspect greenhouse or polytunnel ventilation. In a protected growing space, winter salads may still be growing slowly, but light levels and local temperatures determine what is realistic. On frost-free days, ventilate briefly to reduce stagnant damp air; close up before temperatures fall again.

The first plans for next year's kitchen garden

December is a good time to review what actually cropped well, note the warmest and coldest corners of the garden and choose varieties suited to your conditions. A south-facing wall in Essex may allow a very different growing calendar from an exposed plot in the Pennines. Start with your own observations, not just the dates on a seed packet.

CHRISTMAS / 06

Christmas for countryside lovers

For someone who loves the countryside, a good Christmas present is usually something that will be used on a wet Tuesday in February, not merely admired on Christmas morning.

For the gardener

Look for a comfortable hand tool, good-quality secateurs that can be maintained, plant labels that survive a season outdoors or a notebook for recording sowing dates. A gift of seeds can be wonderful, but check whether the recipient grows in containers, raised beds or a full allotment before choosing varieties. If buying gloves, sizing matters more than decorative packaging.

For the walker

A reliable flask, a compact sit mat, warm socks or a boot-cleaning brush will be appreciated by someone who gets outdoors in all weathers. Avoid guessing technical boot or clothing sizes. A favourite local walking map or a promise of a shared day out can be a more personal gift than another gadget.

For the dog owner

Practical towels, washable leads, a sturdy water bowl or a small bag for muddy walking essentials are often useful. Check before gifting food or chews, especially if the dog has allergies, dietary restrictions or a habit of swallowing unsuitable items.

For the person who already has everything

Think of experiences and useful consumables: a local garden visit, a workshop, a homemade hamper or an afternoon spent together. A few carefully chosen things, presented beautifully, suit a country Christmas better than a pile of novelty gifts.

Buy less, choose better

Before buying, ask whether the item can be repaired, refilled, washed or used for years. Independent makers, nurseries and local shops can offer distinctive gifts, but the most sustainable choice may be something the recipient genuinely needs — or no object at all.

CHRISTMAS / 07

Christmas getaways: in search of a white Christmas

There is something irresistible about the idea of Christmas in a little stone cottage, with frosted fields outside, a fire glowing indoors and nowhere urgent to be. For many of us in Britain, a white Christmas remains the ultimate festive escape. But where should you go if you want the best chance of seeing snow without leaving the UK?

First, what does a white Christmas really mean?

The Met Office's official definition needs only one snowflake to be observed falling somewhere at an official observing site on Christmas Day. That is very different from waking up to snow-covered rooftops and fields. Widespread lying snow on Christmas Day has been rare in recent decades, and even the snowiest destinations cannot promise it. In Britain, January and February are generally snowier than December. Read the Met Office's explanation.

The Cairngorms and Royal Deeside, Scotland

If a wintry landscape is your priority, start with the Scottish Highlands. Aviemore makes a practical base for exploring the Cairngorms, while Braemar and the villages of Royal Deeside have the stone cottages, pinewoods and mountain scenery that look as though they belong on a Christmas card. Higher ground has a better chance of snow than the village streets, so book for the scenery and atmosphere rather than a guaranteed white doorstep. Check winter road conditions before travelling, particularly on more remote routes.

Highland Perthshire

Think Pitlochry, Blair Atholl and the countryside around them: woodland walks, traditional inns and cosy self-catering cottages. The hills may be white even when the lower valleys are green. Choose somewhere with good heating, sensible access and shops or places to eat within reach, especially if you plan to stay over Christmas Day when many businesses close.

The North Pennines and Yorkshire Dales

For a Christmas escape in northern England, look towards higher villages and open moorland in the North Pennines or the Yorkshire Dales. Frosty mornings, stone-built villages and wide winter views can be beautiful even without snowfall. Conditions change quickly on exposed roads, so avoid choosing an isolated property purely because it is high up.

The Lake District

Snow on the fells can provide a spectacular backdrop to a December break, although it may be raining in the valleys. A cottage near a village with cafés, shops and easy lower-level walks can be a better Christmas base than somewhere requiring difficult mountain driving. Winter fell walks demand suitable experience and equipment; there is plenty to enjoy at valley level instead.

How to choose a Christmas cottage

Look beyond the photographs. Check whether the property has reliable heating, a working fireplace if that matters to you, safe parking, winter access, a well-equipped kitchen and a realistic cancellation policy. Confirm whether firewood, bedding and towels are included. If bringing a dog, check the pet policy and whether the garden is enclosed. Plan your Christmas food shop before arrival: rural shops and restaurants may have limited opening hours.

Make the most of the break, snow or no snow

Pack waterproof boots, warm layers, a torch and a flask. Bring a board game and something good to read. Find a local walk for Christmas Eve, leave room for a lazy Christmas morning and make time to visit an independent farm shop or village café if open. A memorable countryside Christmas doesn't depend on perfect weather.

Planning note: Snow is never guaranteed. Check the latest Met Office forecast and warnings shortly before travelling, and confirm accommodation access and Christmas opening arrangements directly.

More to explore at Wellies & Wax Jackets

Our Christmas edit is one part of a year-round celebration of gardens, food and the British countryside.

• Seasonal gardening — practical jobs and ideas for the time of year
• Food & Growing — from plot to kitchen
• Country Living — ideas for everyday countryside life
• Outdoors — reasons to get out, whatever the weather

We'll continue adding properly researched Christmas features to this permanent page. Photographs will be added only where their UK origin and usage rights can be verified.