In exactly one month, thousands of South Africans across the country will be celebrating Christmas Day.
Indeed, 25 December is meant to be the most wonderful time of the year. Presents are opened by eager hands, crackers are pulled and carols are sung. And, of course, there’s plenty of food and drink to keep your tummies full until next Christmas!
However, for many folks, this time can be incredibly stressful, especially where Christmas lunches are concerned – specifically, whether you choose to enjoy your festive feast at home or at a restaurant.
CHRISTMAS LUNCH AT HOME: PROS AND CONS
Nothing paints a more comforting picture than that of a sumptuous, summery Christmas lunch shared with loved ones in the comfort of your own home.
Understandable, especially when you consider the following pros:
- Cooking according to diets: A combination of being in control of cooking the food and knowing your guests’ dietary preferences makes it easy to whip up meals à la vegetarian, vegan, Halaal or meat-based.
- Leftovers: No need to cook for the next few days! You can store away leftover food in the fridge or freezer. You can also encourage your guests to take home some food, or you can distribute these to the less fortunate.
- Relaxed atmosphere: From taking breaks in between cooking to eating with your guests in your best chef’s outfit, you can soak in the casual atmosphere at your leisure.
- Traditions: Christmas lunches bring families and friends together. It’s a time of love, joy and warmth. Whether you’re having a festive braai or watching on as the little ones look for coins in your pieces of malva pudding, it’s an intimate experience like no other.
However, Christmas lunches at home also come with their own cons, namely:
- Stress: Decorating, table-setting, food-prepping, cooking, serving and cleaning it all up afterwards can be incredibly exhausting. This robs you of the chance to fully immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.
- Cost of ingredients: Adding to the stress is the cost of ingredients, particularly if you’re going a meat-based route and/or you’re cooking for a large group. On top of the main meals, there are also dessert and snacks to consider.
- Space: Speaking of large groups, you may fret over how many people you can accommodate in your home.
- Lack of socialisation: The more time you spend in the kitchen, the less time you get to spend with your guests. This can cause a disconnect between them and you, which in turn stokes the fires of frustration.
CHRISTMAS LUNCH AT A RESTAURANT: PERKS AND SNAGS
Convenience. Professionalism. High-end experience. These are the words that you would associate with restaurants that open their doors to diners on Christmas.
All for good reason, too. Check out the following perks:
- No cooking: Also, no decorating, prepping and cleaning. In other words, you’re not lumped with the responsibility of organising the lunch. The restaurant does it all for you, thus ensuring a stress-free experience.
- Food variety: Many restaurants offer their own Christmas-themed set menus. These often unique and appeal to the festive spirit (and appetite). Alternatively, you’re free to choose from a wide variety of dishes on their regular menus.
- Good quality: Put aside your worries of burning your food. The kitchen staff will make sure that your meals are cooked to the highest standard.
- Ambiance: Christmas decorations, themed table settings and music galore! High-end restaurants will go all out to get you in the festive mood.
While eating out on Christmas sounds like a smart alternative, there are potential snags to be found:
- High costs: Inevitably, you will have to shell out a bit more money to indulge in a three- or four-course meal. It can be pricey, whether it’s for two people or more. To say nothing of the deposit you’d need to pay to secure a booking.
- Booking: It’s stressful trying to secure a booking at your desired restaurant. Somebody else might take your preferred slots. Or, you’re loath to part with so much money just for the booking deposit when it can be used towards paying off bills or buying Christmas gifts.
- Crowdedness: Everyone will be out in full force on Christmas. They’ll be within elbow-knocking distance on the restaurant floor and in the parking area. What’s more, there’ll be those guests who’ll be dining at your table next, wanting you to hurry up and leave. Overall, these crowds can get rowdy and be overwhelming.
- Less personal: Eating out means that the meals lack the comforting quality of home-cooked food. Also, you feel like you have to restrain yourself in a formal setting, and you don’t get to enjoy your cherished Christmas traditions.
HOME VS. RESTAURANT: WHICH IS BETTER?
The truth is, there’s no right or wrong answer. How you want to spend your Christmas lunch is entirely dependent on your priorities.
If you value tradition, seek a cosy, intimate atmosphere and want control over the food options, then eating at home is the best choice.
Or, if you desire variety, stress-free convenience and a celebratory atmosphere, then eating at a restaurant is your best bet.
Let us know in the comments below what you’re planning for Christmas lunch next month!
