By the time we've finished Xmas dinner, you'll have barely started.
And when I'm relaxing, all the work done, you'll still be stressing.
But it comes down to the same thing no matter the timing.

Here it is, Xmas eve 10pm, while it's still Xmas morning for you
backward lot, and my preparations are well in hand.

But the proof of the pudding is in the eating, as my late lamented
mother used to say, and the proof is still to come.

I thanked God for my husband's advice when I went to pick up my
pre-orders of seafood today. He said I should order in advance, not
risk getting what I wanted on the day. My fish supplier told me when I
went in at 10am that they had a full supply of crayfish at 8am and had
then sold out. He had my supplies in the fridge. Three large crayfish
(two at 860g each, one at 650g), NZ$116 (work it out for yourself).

I'd ordered 600g of scallops then got extra guests. The fishmonger
suggested a 1kg pack instead ($32)

I ordered 2kg of mussels, but thought it looked light, so got 3kg
($11).

On top of that we're having chicken shiskebabs, beef shiskebabs,
bullalo wings, and rack of lamb.

My elderly parents in law are looking daunted, but I say, it's better
to have too much than not enough. Privately, I'll never forget the
time my MIL served a small chicken to 10 people. There was a smidgeon
of meat each!

There will be seven of us eating. I know it's too much. There's always
tomorrow.

Have a wonderful day. Enjoy yourselves. Try not to stress out. If you
have critical diners, don't worry. It's their problem. There mere fact
you're here shows you care.

Kathy in NZ