Derval O'Rourke: Tips on getting ready for Christmas - including my maple-roasted sprouts

According to research most people suffer from more stress at Christmas, but don’t recognise it. 

This week, I am thinking about how I will try to keep Christmas in perspective, but also plan to enjoy the festive season.

Mental load and pressure

The festive period is mostly a joyful time, but some people take on a lot of pressure to create warm and magical experiences.

Psychologists from the University of Coventry say that Christmas is a time of extra responsibility and a radical shift in daily patterns.

Consider the amount of anticipation, planning, and research that goes into this time of year.

Before you read any of the ideas in this column, think about the mental load and how this can be divided up to reduce your stress.

Consider the pressure that we often put ourselves under and think about how much you really need to do. 

Last year, everyone in our house was sick and we spent the entire day in our pyjamas. 

Christmas Day (except for Santa delivering the presents) was cancelled, as were any plans for a few days after.

If you had told me that a month before, I would have been devastated. But in the end, it was all grand. We all recovered and, a week later, we did the Christmas dinner!

Festive food

Have a look at your calendar and mark down what can be done ahead of time, to create a calmer Christmas cooking experience. 

Items like gravy can be prepared and frozen, stuffing can be pre-made, and there are lots more prepare ahead options.

Plan out what you are going to need and figure out what you can do in advance. Do you really need a full turkey or would a boned and rolled, or turkey crown, suit your numbers?

If you are changing things up, don’t be afraid to recipe test during December. 

This is a great way to test timings and temperatures, as well as exactly what you’ll need on the day. 

Plus it’s a good excuse to invite some pals over for food tasting and fun.

Don’t get too bogged down with just Christmas dinner, make sure you are thinking about the whole period.

Having frozen fruit and vegetables on hand is a great way to be prepared, without taking up too much space in your fridge.

Budgets and gifts

Between friends, family, and parties, the amount of money spent at this time of year can be colossal.

Planning ahead of what you can spend and what your limits are is really important.

In recent years, I’ve become quite conscious of the unsustainable aspect of Christmas.

I like to think about practical gifts for everyday life and not just a present for the sake of it being a present.

Also what do people really need? A friend of mine gave me a “voucher” to mind my kids overnight, and it was one of the kindest and most thoughtful gifts I got.

As we start to go into the “silly season”, plan ahead to minimise pressure from the shopping.

A final point is try to take time out for yourself over the next four weeks — this might be for walking, trips to the gym, or simply a coffee on your own. This time out will help you approach December feeling fresher.

Wellness Tip: Make sure you talk to your family and delegate tasks throughout this period! Taking on too much can cause stress and anxiety!

Fitness Tip: Make sure you are prioritising your warm-up time! If you are cold before you work, it's important to get your blood flowing before you engage in physical activity!

Maple Roasted Sprouts

recipe by:Derval O'Rourke

An easy way to classy-up a staid holiday staple.

Preparation Time

 2 mins

Cooking Time

 45 mins

Total Time

 47 mins

Course

 Main

Ingredients

• 700g Brussels sprouts, cut in half

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• ¾ tsp sea salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp. maple syrup

• 70g toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sprouts in the oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on a baking tray lined with tinfoil and place in the oven.

2. After 15 minutes stir the Brussels sprouts to ensure even cooking. After 30 minutes add the maple syrup and stir again. Roast for a further 15 minutes (that’s 45 minutes total).

3. Remove from the oven and add the toasted hazelnuts. Serve warm and enjoy.