Christmas for mum of four Abbie Haye is all about the whole family getting together for one huge celebration.
And with the 31-year-old from Salford and her three sisters having nine children between them, there’s never a dull - or quiet – moment on Christmas Day at her mum and dad’s house!
“It’s chaotic but magical,” says Abbie. “There’s a big age range between the kids, from 19 down to 11 months, but they’re really close, so it’s lovely for us to be together at Christmas, even when we drive my mum and dad mad because we’re so loud.
“The children will be playing with their presents, Mum’s rushing around making sure everything’s OK with dinner, everyone’s chatting, and later on we’ll play games and that’s when the party food comes out.”
Although her mum Julie is in charge of the roast, Abbie helps create a delicious spread on Christmas evening. She says that’s when Iceland’s party food range is a gift.
“I have my freezer full of Iceland party food at home and on Christmas Day I take it with us. You can cook it from frozen so it comes out of the oven hot and we can just lay out a spread and dip in when we fancy something.”
There’s a big family to cater for – Abbie has Thomas, 12, Isabella, 10, Matilda, four, and baby Teddy – but she keeps the cost down by stocking up on brilliant multi-buy bargains.
“They’re really good value because to make so many different things yourself would be very expensive and time-consuming."
“I look out for the three for £5 party food deals. The chicken skewers and mini pizzas are a big hit with the kids, and three for £10 on brands like TGI Friday’s loaded potato skins, they’re my favourite” she says.
“The girls love the party desserts too, so I make sure I get mini eclairs and profiteroles – the Galaxy caramel ones are gorgeous.”
“We love Christmas Eve too, and there’s party food out for everyone then especially because my sisters are popping around with presents. It’s just really nice and easy to put a few trays in the oven and have it ready while everyone’s getting excited and in the mood.”