Is it too early to mention Christmas?? 🎄

Before you panic, we're not suggesting you put the tree up just yet!

Although if you've already started decorating… we won't judge.

Christmas has a habit of sneaking up on us. One minute you're enjoying the last of the summer, and the next there's a turkey in the shops, pigs in blankets appearing everywhere and someone has decided it's perfectly acceptable to start playing Mariah Carey. 

So how do we know Christmas is coming?

Here are a few telltale signs...

1. The Christmas aisle has appeared

You walk into the supermarket for a pint of milk and suddenly find yourself surrounded by mince pies, chocolate selection boxes and approximately 47 different types of Christmas biscuit.

It's October (just!).

But apparently, it's also Christmas!

2. Pigs in blankets are popping up all over the shop 🐷

At some point in the year, pigs in blankets become entirely normal. Then, seemingly overnight, they become the answer to every question.

Pizza? Add pigs in blankets.

Burger? Add pigs in blankets.

Sandwich? You guessed it.

We're not complaining. In fact, we may have been known to add them to a pie (some of you will remember it fondly)!

3. Someone mentions "the C word"

And no, we don't mean casserole. Or crackers.

“Have you thought about Christmas yet?”

No.

“Are you doing anything for Christmas?”

No.

“Should we start thinking about presents?”

I'd really rather not! And then suddenly it's all anyone talks about.

4. The evenings are drawing in 

The clocks haven't even gone back yet, but somehow it's dark before you've finished the washing up.

This is generally considered a very good excuse for putting the oven on and having something hearty for dinner. Preferably something involving pastry!

5. The Christmas adverts arrive

You know it's serious when the first emotional advert featuring a snowy village, an adorable dog or bunny and a piano soundtrack appears on your television.

You weren't expecting to cry over a supermarket advert in October. And yet, here we are!

6. The festive flavours start appearing 🦃

Cranberry.

Chestnut.

Stuffing.

Turkey.

Sage.

Brussels sprouts.

And, of course, the aforementioned pigs in blankets!

Suddenly every menu in Britain has become a Christmas dinner wearing a different outfit.

7. You start thinking about freezer logistics

This is when Christmas gets serious.

Because seasoned Christmas planners know one important truth:

You can never be too prepared when it comes to good food.

A few extra pies in the freezer?

Very sensible.

Something delicious ready for those “I can't be bothered to cook” days?

Excellent planning.

A stash of festive food (including pies) for unexpected visitors?

Now you're talking!

8. Someone says, "It'll be here before we know it"

Usually uttered with a slightly panicked expression.

They're right.

It will...

But there's still plenty of time!

9. You start making lists 📝

Christmas shopping list.

Food shopping list.

Present list.

Things-to-do list.

A master list of lists.

And somehow you still forget where you put the first list!

10. You start looking forward to Christmas dinner

This is perhaps the most important sign of all.

Because once you're thinking about roast potatoes, gravy, stuffing, pigs in blankets and all the trimmings... Christmas is definitely on its way!

And while we might not be quite ready to dig out the tinsel yet, we're certainly ready to start thinking about Christmas pie season.

After all, there's no need to wait until 25th December for a little festive cheer. Especially when there's pastry involved.

So… is it too early to mention Christmas?

Technically, yes. Practically, no.

On that note, we’d like to invite you to peruse the festive pies we’re already baking in the Chunk kitchens, including the creamy turkey, cranberry & brie pie and the succulent Venison & Port Pie! Those cranberries are calling! Go on – take a Chunk!