Falling on the last Sunday before the Christian season of Advent, Stir-up Sunday is the traditional day set aside in late November for the stirring of the Christmas pudding. Traditionally the words 'Stir-up, we beseech thee,...' would be heard ringing out from churches across Britain, reminding Victorian churchgoers to run home and get started on their plum puddings. Each family member would take it in turns to stir the mixture from East to West in honour of the Three Wise Men whilst making a wish. A coin would then be placed within the Christmas pudding mix, supposedly bringing wealth and fortune to whomever was lucky enough to find it. Today, Stir-up Sunday has evolved to become the day in which you prepare your various Christmas baking recipes, including mincemeat, Christmas cake and other Christmas desserts, ready for Christmas Day.

Whether you prefer to keep with tradition and make your Christmas pud on Stir-up Sunday or just dedicate the entire day to all things Christmas baking, browse this collection of recipes for some festive Stir-up Sunday recipe ideas. For a boozy homemade Christmas pudding, try Dominic Chapman’s recipe for Christmas pudding which includes a delicious brandy butter recipe to boot. Never made a Christmas pudding before? Follow our guide for How to make Christmas pudding which also includes a simple recipe for the traditional Christmas dessert. If you fancy trying your hand at making your own mincemeat this year, Karen Burns-Booth has shared her Fat-free mincemeat recipe which has become a firm family favourite. However, if you're not counting the calories this year, try Marcus Wareing’s recipe for frangipane-topped mince pies for a bit of early Christmas decadence. What would Christmas be without a classic Christmas cake? Karen Burns-Booth’s traditional Christmas cake recipe is sure to prove a crowd-pleaser this Christmas with additions such as plump cherries and ground almonds. Just remember to keep feeding it with brandy so it stays moist ready for the big day!