CHRISTMAS SORTED 2025
Thoughtful gifts, time-saving hacks & jolly good recipes
Managing editor
Bronwyn Mandile
Art director
Mara Cheshire
Designer
Jovelyn Gonzales
Contributing writer
Bron Maxabella
Content production
Maddie Southall
Rob-Yna Peña-Lopez
Marketing & growth
Rachel Lim, Grace Chen, Nicolas Rivarola, Catherine Phung, Kevin Xu
Operations
Megan Burgess
Rachel Monahan
Head of engineering
Dennis Leon
Head of legal & compliance
Ralph Timpani
Managing director
Toby Ellis
Citro acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
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UNWRAP YOUR EASIEST CHRISTMAS YET
Welcome to your Citro Christmas guide, your go-to companion for making the season feel joyful, abundant and, most importantly, manageable.
Christmas has a reputation for being equal parts wonderful and overwhelming. The food, the family, the shopping, the spending – it’s a lot. But with a little planning, a dash of creativity and a focus on what really matters, Christmas can feel less like a marathon and more like a fun run you actually enjoy.
Inside this guide you’ll find clever ways to give generously without overspending, recipes that are suitably festive but completely achievable, and ideas for traditions that spark connection rather than chaos.
We’ve also pulled together a practical timeline to help you glide through December like you’ve done this many times before (because, hello, you have!).
So pour a glass of something cold, put your feet up for a moment and let’s make this Christmas your easiest, most joyful one yet.
Warmly,
Bronwyn Mandile Managing Editor, Citro
ARTICLES + RECIPES
Your smart guide to a calmer, 4 happier festive season Is a stress-free Christmas even possible, or just something glossy magazines make up? Bruschetta for a crowd 6
If you’re looking for the easiest appetiser to serve at Christmas (or any gathering, really), bruschetta is it.
Shortcut feasting: 10 festive 8 recipes you can make ahead
This year, Christmas cooking is all about getting the work done before the big day.
Citrus & herb roasted side of salmon 16
When the weather is warm, salmon makes a beautiful centrepiece for Christmas Day.
Christmas pavlova wreath with 20 raspberries & cranberries
There’s nothing more Aussie than finishing Christmas lunch with a pav, but this one takes it up a notch.
How to avoid the Christmas chaos: a practical timeline for December 26
Follow our week-by-week timeline to sail into the big day calm, organised and ready to enjoy it all.
budget-friendly Christmas 17
You don’t have to spend like you’ve won the lotto to have a Christmas that feels rich in every way.
Shortbread is a Christmas classic: buttery, crisp and just sweet enough. It's never too late to create 33 Christmas traditions that last
Follow our week-by-week timeline to sail into the big day calm, organised and ready to enjoy it all. Festive rocky road
Rocky road is the ultimate no-fuss Christmas sweet.
Cinnamon shortbread biscuits
YOUR SMART GUIDE TO A CALMER, HAPPIER FESTIVE SEASON
Is a stress-free Christmas even possible, or just something glossy magazines make up? This year, it really can be different with clever gift tweaks, calm-boosting rituals and a few genius shortcuts that will have you sipping, smiling and actually enjoying the day.
The year you say goodbye to gift overload
You do not need to buy for everyone you’ve ever waved to at the supermarket. Suggest a family Secret Santa with a generous-but-sane limit, or agree on a shared experience instead. Practical presents are a quiet revolution – gourmet olive oil, quality tea, beeswax candles, handmade biscuits – thoughtful, delicious and destined to be used, not shoved in a cupboard. And because you’re no fool, you’ll buy through Citro Rewards and get your cashback to put towards a January holiday. You'll find loads of genuinely fabulous gift ideas throughout this guide.
Prep
like future you is watching
Give future you the gift of time by prepping food ahead. Freeze pavlova bases, cheesecakes or stuffing weeks in advance. Chop and freeze onion, garlic and herbs for the big day. Even better, prepare little “festive toppings” – spiced nuts, herbed breadcrumbs, jewel-like pomegranate seeds – to make every dish look like you’ve been watching chef’s table all year. You’ll find some cool ‘make ahead’ or ‘make easy’ recipe ideas throughout this guide.
Host without the martyrdom
Drop the perfectionism and lean into casual chic. Mismatched plates are charming, big tubs of ice outside save fridge space and guests love being assigned a role, whether that’s “music master” or “ice monitor”. Remember, there is literally no one you have invited over for Christmas that doesn’t adore you. They are happy to help, they want to be useful and they are so bloody grateful it is you that’s hosting, not them. Trust us, they will all think of ‘bringing a plate’ as an extra Christmas gift for you, their delightful host.
Find your calm pockets
Schedule a walk before breakfast, a 15-minute coffee in the garden, or a quiet Christmas Eve nap. Go for a solo drive through the street Christmas lights, blasting your favourite tunes (anything that’s not Christmas music!). Close the kitchen door or declare it a ‘chefs only’ zone to stop the clamour getting in your way during festivities.
On Christmas day itself, take your time doing a ‘weather check’ outside in the garden or on the balcony. This is your time to do nothing but watch the clouds drift, feel the breeze (and hopefully the sunshine) and reset before heading back into the fray.
Keep the budget merry
Host shared platter parties instead of full dinners, buy seasonal local produce for better prices and flavour and wrap gifts in scarves, tea towels or vintage maps for bonus points in thrift and creativity. Citro Rewards will work its quiet magic here too, giving you cashback on decorations, seafood, even your post-Christmas holiday booking.
Outsource like Santa
Santa has his reindeer and elves and you have your nearest and dearest. Kids and grandkids can wrap presents (sticky tape carnage included), teenagers can hang lights, and local caterers can deliver a grazing platter that makes you look like you’ve been foraging and slicing for hours. Think of it as buying back your own peace of mind – because it’s hard to put a price on being able to sit, glass in hand, actually enjoying the day you worked so hard to create. Merry merries.
BRUSCHETTA FOR A CROWD
If you’re looking for the easiest appetiser to serve at Christmas (or any gathering, really), bruschetta is it. No fiddly canapés, no tricky oven timing, just crunchy bread topped with juicy tomatoes, garlic and fresh basil. It’s fresh, light, and universally loved. Best of all, you can prep the topping in advance and simply assemble the dish just before your guests arrive. This recipe makes enough to feed 12 people generously.
Ingredients
• 1 large ciabatta or sourdough loaf, sliced into 24 pieces
• 6 large ripe tomatoes, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 small red onion, very finely chopped
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Sea salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
Method
1. Make the topping: In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, garlic, onion, basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season generously with salt and pepper. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes so the flavours meld.
2. Prep the bread: Heat the oven to 180°C. Arrange ciabatta slices on a baking tray. Brush lightly with olive oil on one side and bake for around 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp. (Or grill them quickly on the barbecue for extra flavour.)
3. Assemble: Spoon the tomato mixture onto the toasted bread just before serving so it stays crunchy. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and balsamic vinegar if you like.
4. Serve and enjoy: Pile onto a platter and watch them disappear.
Citro tip
For a cheesy twist, add a smear of ricotta or slice of mozzarella under the tomato topping, or sprinkle with shaved parmesan before serving.
SHORTCUT FEASTING: 10 FESTIVE RECIPES YOU CAN MAKE AHEAD
This year, Christmas cooking is all about getting the work done before the big day, so you can actually sit down and enjoy it. These make-ahead mains, sides and desserts are full of flavour, fuss-free and perfect for an Aussie summer table.
We’ve all had that Christmas where you spend more time with the oven than your guests. Yep, that’s not happening this year. This year we’re doing all the hard yards ahead of time, so we’re free to sip, chat and casually swan about like we’ve been hosting our whole lives. Because, let’s face it… we have!
Here’s your menu of dishes you can prep well in advance – from easy mains to clever no-cook desserts – so you’re out of the kitchen and in on the fun.
Glazed ham that’s all dressed up
A Christmas ham is the ultimate make-ahead showpiece because it’s just as good hot or cold, and it’ll feed a crowd for days. Score and glaze it on Christmas Eve, then pop it into an aluminium tray and set it on a cake rack under the hood of the BBQ. Keep it on a low heat throughout Christmas morning, ready for Christmas lunch… just remember to check on it every now and then and add a fresh coat of the yummy glaze.
The yummy glaze
• Juice and zest of 1 orange
• ¾ cup maple syrup
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon allspice
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• Little pinch of cumin (trust me)
Remove the skin of your ham and score the fat in a diamond pattern. Whisk together all the ingredients and use a pastry brush to paint the glaze onto your ham.
Bonus: leftover ham sandwiches for Boxing Day require zero further effort.
Roast chicken
If turkey feels like overkill for your crew, try roast chicken infused with lemon, thyme and garlic. Roast the day before, then carve and store in its juices to keep it tender. Serve cold with a bright herb sauce or quickly reheat covered in foil.
If you can bear to have the oven on all morning, low and slow is your friend here. Rub your leg of lamb with garlic, rosemary and olive oil, then bake until it’s falling off the bone. Add a splash of stock or wine to the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist. Remove from the oven around 1 hour before carving, then lay the slices out on a platter for guests to help themselves. 2 4 3
Seafood platter with zero cooking
For a hot Aussie Christmas, skip the oven and head straight to the fishmonger. Pile prawns, smoked salmon, oysters and Balmain bugs onto a bed of ice. Make a punchy dipping sauce (lime zest and finely-chopped chilli and coriander stirred into mayo works wonders) a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
Slow-cooked lamb shoulder
Roast veggie medley with festive flair
Roast a mix of carrots, pumpkin, beetroot and red onion with olive oil and salt the day before. Store in the fridge, then serve at room temperature as a salad tossed with rocket, toasted nuts and a honey-mustard dressing (mix equal parts honey, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar and olive oil with a little salt and pepper). It looks stunning and tastes so festive and fresh.
Zingy summer salad
Mango, avocado, heirloom grape tomatoes, watercress and rocket with a citrusy dressing. Chop everything except the avocado the day before and store separately. Toss it all together just before serving for peak freshness. Whisk together these ingredients for a citrus dressing:
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Juice + zest of 1 orange
• 3 limes, juiced
• Salt and pepper
Pavlova with a twist
Bake your pavlova base up to two days ahead and it store in an airtight container. On the day, top with whipped cream and whichever summer fruits looks most irresistible, like raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, kiwi, passionfruit, even roasted peaches for something special.
Frozen berry and yoghurt terrine
Line a loaf tin with baking paper, then layer Greek yoghurt sweetened with honey and mixed any kind of berries, then before freezing. Pull out 15 minutes before serving and sprinkle liberally with crushed, toasted pistachios. Slice thickly to serve this refreshing, makeahead dessert that looks far fancier than the effort required.
Boozy trifle jars
Layer supermarket-bought sponge cake (or we like the cheap-as-chips Woolies madeira cake for this one), carton custard, some kind of tinned fruit (peaches are great) and a splash of your favourite tipple (sherry, Grand Marnier or even limoncello) into individual jars. Assemble the day before, keep covered in the fridge and serve with a dollop of cream on the day. We’re talking welcome portion control and presentation in one.
Choc-cherry ripple ice cream
Soften vanilla ice cream, stir through melted chocolate and halved cherries, then refreeze in a loaf tin. Slice into slabs and serve with crushed nuts, hot fudge (just heat the Coles fudge sauce for 30 seconds in the microwave) and whipped cream. Minimal effort + zero oven time + maximum festive cheer = winning at hosting.
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CITRUS & HERB ROASTED SIDE OF SALMON
When the weather is warm, salmon makes a beautiful centrepiece for Christmas Day. It looks impressive, feeds a crowd and pairs perfectly with crisp salads and a chilled drink. This version, roasted with citrus and herbs, is simple enough to pull together in minutes but elegant enough to feel festive.
This recipe serves 8-10 as part of a shared feast.
Ingredients
• 1 whole side of salmon (about 1.5–2kg), skin on, pin bones removed
• 2 oranges, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Sea salt and cracked black pepper
• 1 small bunch dill
• 1 small bunch flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tbsp capers, drained and rinsed
Method
1. Heat the oven: Preheat to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Line a large baking tray with baking paper.
2. Prepare the salmon: Place the salmon skin-side down on the tray. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Add the flavour: Arrange orange, lemon and red onion slices over and around the salmon. Tuck half the dill and parsley sprigs on top.
4. Roast: Cook for 20–25 minutes, depending on the thickness, until just cooked through but still moist in the centre. (It should flake easily with a fork.)
5. Finish: Remove from the oven, scatter with remaining dill, parsley and the capers. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil before serving.
Place the salmon on a platter surrounded by the roasted citrus slices for maximum wow factor. It’s delicious served warm or at room temperature, which makes it ideal if you’re juggling lots of dishes on Christmas Day.
Citro tip
Pair it with a crisp green salad, roasted baby potatoes or a zingy mango and avocado salsa for a true Aussie festive spread.
A BUDGET-FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS THAT FEELS ABUNDANT
You don’t have to spend like you’ve won the lotto to have a Christmas that feels rich in every way.
Christmas and overspending have a way of showing up together, like ham and pineapple, or uncles and unsolicited opinions. But the truth is, the most memorable Christmases aren’t the ones where you maxed out your credit card. We know this! The best Christmas times are the ones full of moments, surprises and genuine connection. So, here’s how to give generously, celebrate joyfully and still head into January without a financial hangover.
Think small, give big
You don’t need to spend a large amount of money to make a big impact. People don’t expect it and many don’t honestly want it. Something personal and handmade will always be well received and it’s easier to do than you might think: a jar of homemade chilli jam, a batch of bickies, a hand-poured candle, or a basket of fresh herbs from your garden. Package your gift thoughtfully – try a recycled jar tied with a pretty ribbon or use a tea towel in place of wrapping paper – and you’ve got a gift that feels luxe for way less.
Make Secret Santa interesting again
We all know the drill: draw a name, set a limit, buy a gift. But why not add a theme? “Made in Australia”, “Something that smells good” or “$20 to make you laugh” can make the whole process more fun and far less stressful. It also means one thoughtful gift instead of a dozen rushed ones.
Give experiences, not stuff
Tickets to a local theatre show, a voucher for a paddleboarding lesson, a high tea, or even a “voucher” for a day spent together doing something they love… these gifts don’t add to anyone’s clutter and often end up as the ones they remember most. Keep an eye out for local deals and events, or check Citro Rewards partners like RedBalloon for cashback on experience providers.
Share the load with group gifts
If there’s something special and a little bit exxy that someone really wants, band together with family or friends and chip in to make it happen. You spend less individually, they get exactly what they want and there’s no last-minute panic-buying involved. Plus, you get the added bonding experience of coordinating all your mates to make it all happen. Okay, maybe that bit isn’t such a gift, but the memories of it will be.
Host a festive swap night
Host Christmas drinks with a fun twist. Ask everyone to bring something along to swap – it could be books, homewares, clothes, decorations or even re-giftable items still in their boxes (we all have them!). Everyone goes home with something “new” without spending a cent.
Shop smart, not last-minute
The later you leave your Christmas shopping, the more you’ll overspend. Make a list, stick to it and shop online wherever possible. Do your shopping through Citro Rewards and you can get real cashback on gifts, decorations and even festive groceries – meaning a little money finds its way back to you, instead of vanishing into the tinsellined abyss that is Christmas.
Add a tradition that costs nothing
Host a Christmas lights neighbourhood walk; a cheese and mulled wine afterdinner get-together; or organise a carol singalong if that’s your thing. You could also simply make a habit of sharing a good news story around the dinner table during the festive season. These rituals have a way of becoming the part everyone looks forward to and they cost exactly zero dollars. And that makes for a very merry Christmas for everyone.
Plan a ‘potluck’ Christmas feast
If you’re hosting a festive party, skip the stress (and cost) of doing it all yourself. Ask each guest to bring a favourite dish or drink to share (along with a copy of the recipe) then email all the recipes out to everyone as a thank you.
Swap skills instead of gifts
This Christmas, why not “gift” your skills? Everyone has something they’re good at, whether that’s gardening tips, tech troubleshooting or cooking a knockout curry. Create little IOU cards offering what you can do best: a weekend of pet-sitting, a few hours of decluttering help, or a lesson in sourdough baking, perhaps? This kind of giving is thoughtful, useful and far more meaningful than offering yet another scented candle (although, personally, I love a scented candle, so keep them coming too!).
Lean into the nostalgia factor
You don’t have to buy new when the old is often better. Pull out family photo albums, digitise old home movies or frame a much-loved recipe card in your recipient’s Nan’s handwriting. Gifts that tap into memories don’t just save money, they spark connection, memories and conversation – which is exactly what Christmas is really about.
CHRISTMAS PAVLOVA WREATH WITH RASPBERRIES & CRANBERRIES
There’s nothing more Aussie than finishing Christmas lunch with a pav, but this one takes it up a notch. Shaped like a festive wreath and topped with a jewel-bright mix of raspberries, cranberries and a glossy berry sauce, it looks spectacular on the table yet is surprisingly simple to make.
This recipe makes 10 good-size serves, but more if part of a dessert buffet.
Ingredients
For the pavlova
• 6 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 330g (1 ½ cups) caster sugar
• 2 tsp cornflour
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the topping
• 300ml thickened cream
• 1 tbsp icing sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 250g fresh raspberries
• 150g fresh or thawed frozen cranberries
For the sauce
• 150g fresh or frozen raspberries
• 100g fresh or frozen cranberries
• 75g (⅓ cup) caster sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tsp lemon juice
Method
Heat to 120°C (fan-forced). Line a large baking tray with baking paper. Draw a 25cm circle on the paper, then draw a smaller 12cm circle inside to create a wreath outline. Flip the paper over.
1. Make the meringue: Using an electric mixer, whisk egg whites until soft peaks form. Add sugar gradually, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well until thick and glossy and sugar has dissolved (this can take 8–10 minutes). Beat in cornflour, vinegar and vanilla.
2. Shape the wreath: Spoon meringue onto the tray between the two circles, creating a thick ring. Use the back of a spoon to make little dips for holding the cream later.
3. Bake: Place in the oven and immediately reduce temperature to 100°C. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until dry to the touch. Turn oven off, leave door ajar and let pavlova cool completely inside, preferably overnight (this prevents cracks).
4. Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, cranberries, sugar, water and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until berries soften and release juices. Mash lightly with a fork, then strain through a sieve for a glossy sauce (or leave it chunky if you prefer). Cool completely.
5. Whip the cream: Beat cream, icing sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
6. Assemble: Just before serving, spoon whipped cream over the pavlova wreath. Top with fresh raspberries and cranberries, then drizzle with the cooled berry sauce. Serve extra sauce on the side.
Citro tip
Decorate with a few rosemary springs or edible flowers to give your wreath a touch of “holly” –it’ll look as good as it tastes.
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HOW TO AVOID THE CHRISTMAS CHAOS: A PRACTICAL TIMELINE FOR DECEMBER
Follow our week-by-week timeline to sail into the big day calm, organised and ready to enjoy it all.
Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, yet somehow it often turns into a whirlwind of queues, forgotten shopping lists and a last-minute dash for batteries. By the time the ham’s carved, many of us feel way more frazzled than festive.
One of the many perks of being in midlife is that we know this already. We’ve learned over many years of trial and error that slowing down, spreading out the tasks and leaving space for connection makes the season richer than any perfectly wrapped gift. This simple December timeline will keep you on track and serve as a reminder that Christmas is meant to be savoured, not just survived.
Early December: set yourself up for success
Before the carols crank up to full blast, take a beat to plan your overall schedule.
• Budget first: Decide how much you want to spend on gifts, food and extras and write it down. (Future you will be grateful when January’s credit card bill lands.)
• Lock in travel and hosting plans: Who’s coming where and when? Where are they staying? What’s the overall plan for their stay? Nail it down early to avoid confusion later.
• Shop smarter online: Order gifts online now so they arrive in plenty of time. Don’t forget to shop via Citro Rewards for cashback on everything from toys to turkeys to travel.
Mid December: get the groundwork done
This is the sweet spot – not too close to Christmas to panic, but close enough to feel the festive buzz.
• Wrap as you go: Don’t wait until Christmas Eve to wrestle with paper, scissors and tape at midnight. Wrap gifts now and you’ll thank yourself later.
• Fill the pantry: Stock up on nonperishables, wine, bubbles and snacks. Make sure you include everyday items too: nothing kills the mood like discovering you’ve run out of pantry staples like olive oil or sugar at crunch time.
• Plan your menu: Write it down, from starters to sides to grand finale desserts. Decide what can be prepped ahead and what needs to be done on the day.
Christmas week: keep calm and prep on
With a few days to go, it’s all about easy wins.
• Defrost the turkey or ham: Sounds obvious, but so many forget – and give big cuts of meat plenty of time to thaw safely in the fridge. Better yet, order ahead and pick up your turkey or ham a day or 2 before Christmas so no freezing is required.
• Make ahead sides and desserts: Pav bases, salads, trifles, stuffing –anything you can prep now means less stress later. Check out our list earlier in this guide.
• Set the scene: Fresh sheets on guest beds, a quick tidy-up and some festive flowers or foliage will make your place feel special without fuss. Add lots of candles and a smattering of star decorations and you’ll be feeling Christmassy in no time.
Christmas Eve: fun touches, zero panic
This is the day to tie up loose ends –not tie yourself in knots.
• Do the last quick shop: Pick up fresh fruit, veggies and seafood early to beat the queues. Pick up plenty of ice for eskies and you won’t need to worry about fridge space.
• Charge the tech: Phones, cameras, portable speakers – you’ll want them all at max power for family photos and playlists. While you’re at it, create a couple of fun playlists (one Christmas music, one most definitely not) ready to go.
• Protect your peace: Schedule a non-Christmas themed moment just for you. That might be a quiet walk, a coffee in the garden, a catch up with a friend or a cheeky nap. It’ll keep you sane and ready for the big day.
Christmas Day:
enjoy
it (mess and all)
Okay, we’ve made it and you’ve already done the hard yards. So lean into the chaos, embrace the paper-strewn living room and soak up the little, random moments. The best way to do that? Enlist the help of everyone and anyone present on the day. You’re all in this together!
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Soft Kettle bell $50
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CINNAMON SHORTBREAD BISCUITS
Shortbread is a Christmas classic: buttery, crisp and just sweet enough. Adding cinnamon gives it a warm, festive twist and the smell wafting from your oven while these bickies bake deserves to be bottled for year-round pleasure.
This recipe makes around 50 biscuits, perfect for a crowd or for wrapping up as edible gifts.
Ingredients
• 1kg plain flour
• 700g unsalted butter, completely softened
• 360g caster sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (fanforced). Line two large baking trays with baking paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, caster sugar and vanilla until pale and creamy.
3. Sift in flour, cinnamon and salt. Mix gently until the dough just comes together – don’t overwork it.
4. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ½ cm thick. Use a small cookie cutter (stars, trees or rounds all work well) to cut shapes, re-rolling the scraps as needed.
5. Arrange biscuits on trays, leaving a little space between each. Sprinkle lightly with extra sugar. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until pale golden at the edges.
6. Remove from oven and leave on trays for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
To store: Keep in an airtight container in the pantry for up to two weeks. They also freeze beautifully if you want to bake ahead.
Citro tip
Dip half of each cooled biscuit into melted dark chocolate and set on baking paper until firm – they’ll look gorgeous on a Christmas platter.
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO CREATE CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS THAT LAST
Kids grow, families change, and Christmas evolves right along with us. It’s never too late to start new traditions (or reinvent old ones) that make the season meaningful at any stage of life.
Once upon a time, your Christmas morning might have started at 5am with excited little faces bouncing on the bed. Now, with teens who prefer to sleep in or young adults home from uni or your adult kids bringing their own families into the mix, the energy is different. And that’s okay. Christmas doesn’t need to fade just because the kids have grown. In fact, this stage of life can be the perfect chance to reimagine it.
Festive traditions don’t have to be grand or expensive, but they do give the season an irresistible rhythm. And just remember: it’s never too late to introduce something new.
Bring back the good bits
Think about the rituals you loved when your kids were younger. Maybe it was a silly family game, a beach trip, or a particular dish you made every year. Some of those might still work beautifully now, especially with a grown-up twist. Pavlova-making can turn into a friendly competition, carols can morph into a family playlist battle and no one’s ever too old for a rousing game of backyard cricket.
Start something brand new
New traditions are actually easier to make when kids are older, because they’re ready to contribute ideas too. Try a Christmas Eve movie marathon in matching pyjamas, a family volunteering activity like box packing for the Salvos, or an annual photo in the same spot each year (bonus points if you can convince everyone to wear Santa hats). Keep it simple, repeat it year after year, and before you know it, it becomes the “thing” your family looks forward to.
Make memories, not clutter
Older kids and young adults don’t need another random gift, despite what they might think. What they do value is time, attention and experiences, so build traditions around those instead. A Christmas Day bushwalk, a late-night dessert bar on Boxing Day, or a “best story of the year” roundtable before new year. These moments are what stick, long after the wrapping paper is gone.
Mix generations with a pre-Christmas get-together
One of the best ways to keep Christmas feeling fresh is to open the circle a little wider. Why not host a relaxed gathering in the week before Christmas where everyone – from your oldest mates to your kids’ new friends – is invited for a drink and a laugh?
It doesn’t need to be fancy: a few bottles of bubbles, a jug of sangria or mocktails, and some easy nibbles is all it takes. You’ll love catching up with people you might not normally see, and your kids will hopefully enjoy having their friends folded into the family festivities.
Swap chocolate for kindness this advent
Advent calendars don’t have to stop once the kids are grown, they just need a little reinvention. Instead of a daily chocolate, try a “kindness calendar” in the lead-up to Christmas. Each day, write down a simple act of generosity, like:
• Donate a toy
• Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while
• Shout someone a coffee
• Leave a nice note
• Volunteer your time
• Bake biscuits for a friend
• Give someone a compliment
• Donate some clothes you no longer wear
• Write a thank you note
• Leave a good tip.
Get the whole family involved by letting everyone add ideas, then take turns drawing one out each day. Teenagers and young adults especially love the feeling that they’re doing something bigger than just ticking off days until Christmas. By the time 25 December rolls around, you’ll have shared 24 little acts that make the season feel far richer than any sugar hit ever could.
Pass it forward
As the family anchor, you have the power to create traditions that will live on. When your kids eventually start their own households, they’ll carry these rituals with them, whether that’s cooking your trademark seafood lunch or retelling the same family jokes. It’s a legacy that costs nothing but means everything. Give them a nudge by teaching them your recipes, passing on treasured decorations and sharing tales of Christmases past.
Join our #ShareTheJoy countdown
On Facebook, we'll be counting down 24 days of little moments that make the season shine. Each day reveals a simple act of kindness, connection or selfcare to bring more joy to your Christmas.
Join the fun on 1 December
Massage gun $66
Vanity mirror $69
Finska $79
Hush Puppies Boots $99
Moka pot $54
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FESTIVE ROCKY ROAD
Rocky road is the ultimate no-fuss Christmas sweet: a little bit nostalgic, a little bit indulgent, and always the first thing to disappear from the dessert table. This version is packed with marshmallows, chewy Turkish delight and jewel-like glacé cherries for a festive touch.
This recipe makes about 30 squares… we suggest you double it.
Ingredients
• 600g dark chocolate (you can use milk if you prefer)
• 150g marshmallows, halved if large
• 200g Turkish delight, chopped into small cubes
• 150g glacé cherries, halved
• 100g roasted almonds (or peanuts, pistachios, or a mix)
• 50g shredded coconut (optional, for extra texture)
Method
1. Line a 20 x 30cm slice tin with baking paper, leaving an overhang to lift it out later.
2. Break chocolate into pieces and melt gently in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water (or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time).
3. In a large bowl, combine marshmallows, Turkish delight, cherries, nuts and coconut (if using). Pour over most of the melted chocolate and stir until everything is coated.
4. Tip mixture into the lined tin, pressing down lightly. Drizzle with remaining melted chocolate to fill in any gaps. Smooth the top.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm. Lift out of tin, cut into small squares or bars with a sharp knife.
Citro tip
This recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, so you can make it ahead of time. Wrap squares of rocky road in cellophane bags or little tins for a quick homemade Christmas gift.
A CHRISTMAS WISH FROM US TO YOU
As you finish this guide, we hope you’re feeling a little lighter, a little more organised and a lot more ready for a festive season that feels abundant in all the right ways.
From all of us at Citro, thank you for reading and for making us part of your festive preparations. Merry Christmas and best wishes for a bright and happy new year.
Citro Team, Sydney
