Stirring up tradition
Did you know that Stir Up Sunday is a special tradition rooted in a centuries-old British custom? It marks the day when families gather in the kitchen to prepare their Christmas pudding—weeks ahead of the holiday feast.
Stir-Up Sunday falls on the last Sunday before Advent, and over time, the phrase became intertwined with the practical reminder that it was time to stir up the Christmas pudding so it would have enough time to mature before December 25. We think it is a little late in the day, because many great bakers and cooks will have started making Christmas puddings and cakes much earlier – often feeding them with some seasonal spirit.
What is the ritual of the stir?
One of the most heartwarming aspects of Stir-Up Sunday is the stirring itself. Traditionally:
- Everyone in the household takes a turn stirring the pudding.
- The stirring must be from East to West, honouring the journey of the Wise Men.
- While stirring, each person makes a wish.
- Families often add small charms—like a silver coin or a button—believed to bring luck (though modern cooks often skip this for safety reasons!).
It’s a simple moment, but one that bridges generations and carries a sense of ceremony few recipes can claim, and it’s less about the dessert and more about the ritual: hands mixing, wishes whispered, scents of spice filling the air.
In a season that can feel rushed, this gentle tradition invites us to savour anticipation itself.
What are the key ingredients of the Classic Christmas Pudding?
While recipes vary, most include:
- Dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas)
- Citrus zest
- Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves
- Suet or butter
- Dark sugar or treacle
- Eggs (free range of course)
- Brandy or another spirit
- Breadcrumbs or flour for structure
Once mixed, the pudding is placed in a basin, covered, and steamed for several hours before being stored in a cool, dark place.
For our Christmas Pudding recipe, click here.
