Make a wish: the history of Stir-up Sunday

The day takes its name from an Anglican church prayer, which begins: "Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord..."

The words remind listeners to start stirring up their plum pudding so it has time to mature before Christmas Day.

A tradition the whole family can get involved in, the idea is that everyone should get a turn to mix, and make a wish while they do it. Some households put coins in the mix, with the finder promised wealth, health and happiness for the coming year.
 

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Martha Collison's Stir-up Sunday

"Stir-up Sunday is a lovely tradition that gets the whole family involved. I have to be honest, I've tended to miss it in the past because I'm not a very organised person, but this year I'm determined to be prepared in time. Don't worry about trying to make sure everyone has a stir though – as long as you sit down and eat it together, that's the important thing.

"I really enjoy making Christmas puddings – soaking them in brandy is the fun bit. I probably won’t be putting a sixpence in ours, though. When I was at school, they put a 50p in the pudding, but it was in a plastic bag for safety reasons. It didn’t quite have the same magic!"
 

View Martha's Christmas pudding recipe

Puddings with a twist

The Christmas pudding is as popular as ever, but it doesn't mean you have to stay traditional. Up the ante with Amaretti, tropical fruit and chocolate

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Prepared for you

Look out for our stunning selection in your local Waitrose and online, including our Richly Fruited Christmas Pudding and Heston's Sherry & Balsamic Vinegar Christmas Pudding for a brilliant, boozy finish to your feast

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