First of all congratulations on being such a good example of Fatherhood. You and your son obviously have a wonderful relationship.

May I recommend two pre-maid items that are very good and would shorten your time in the kitchen?

Matthew Walker's Plum pudding is the ONLY pudding that I have at Christmas. Also Holmfields Mince Tarts are very nice. They are available by mail through the British Grocery in Lebanon Illinois. They have an 800 number for orders. I believe that they have a web site too. There are also many other British shops on the web.

Perhaps you would rather make everything from scratch, which is fine. I have made mincemeat which was pretty good. I prefer the tarts to the pie. I've never had Mincemeat pie in an English home but always tarts instead.

Enjoy your special dinner with your son and a Merry Christmas to you both.