Shutterstock©Stir-up Sunday is a day for the family to come together and prepare the Christmas pudding – but when does it take place and what is the history of this special day? We reveal all…
Origins of Stir-up Sunday
It is thought that this special day had roots in the Catholic and Anglican churches, originating from the prayer that begins:
“Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people…”
The purpose of this prayer was to “stir up” the church congregation to prepare for Advent, but over time it also took on a culinary element.
Victorian times
During Victorian times, Stir-up Sunday, which takes place five weeks before Christmas, also became the ideal time to make traditional Christmas puddings, with families literally gathering round the table to “stir-up” ingredients in a bowl, before steaming the pud. This allowed the flavours to develop in the weeks before Christmas day.
What do I need this Stir-up Sunday?
Make sure you have a Christmas pudding recipe in mind and all the ingredients needed.
On the day, gather around the table and add the ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Pass the bowl from person to person, allowing each to stir the pudding.
Keeping the religious element, it is often said that anyone participating in Stir-up Sunday should mix the pudding from East to West, to mark the journey of the three wise men who travelled East to West to visit baby Jesus.
The youngest member of the family should stir first, passing on the bowl to the next youngest until everyone has taken a turn. While stirring, each person should think of a wish – but they shouldn’t share it!
When everyone has participated, steam the pudding according to your recipe, then cool and store the pudding until Christmas day.
When does Stir-up Sunday take place?
In 2024, Stir-up Sunday will take place on November 24. This unique tradition changes date every year, always falling on the last Sunday before Advent – five weeks before Christmas.
This tradition is steeped in nostalgia, with older members of the family often organising the gathering and passing on favourite pudding recipes to the younger generation.
What a lovely way to keep families connected, while celebrating past traditions and beliefs!
Traditional pudding recipe
If you don’t have a favourite recipe to hand, why not try this one for traditional Christmas pudding? It includes almonds, apples, candied peel, orange zest, nutmeg, butter and brandy and makes two 1.2 litre puds which each serve 8 people.
Or try a more modern alternative incorporating chocolate and cherry, or a vegan version to suit all your guests.
Nutty Low-Sugar Christmas Cake
And we can recommend this delicious Nutty Christmas Cake, another great choice for stir-up Sunday.
For more Christmas recipe ideas, take a look at our cookery section for bakes, savoury dishes, starters and desserts!
And read an uplifting, fiction short story, as one family have a mix-up over their Stir-up Sunday arrangements.
Allison Hay I joined the "My Weekly" team thirteen years ago and, more recently, "The People's Friend". I love the variety of topics we cover both online and in the magazines. I manage the digital content for the brands, sharing features and information on the website, social media and in our digital newsletters.
