Planning ahead as the holiday season approaches can be a winning option to enjoy a stress-free and delicious celebration. Ordering your Christmas ham early guarantees the best selection, price, and peace of mind. Here are five compelling reasons to order early and a few festive ideas to savour your holiday ham from  Halswell Butchery!

Secure the Best Quality and Selection

When you order early, you get first dibs on premium Christmas hams, ensuring you’ll have access to the highest quality cuts and a range of options. From traditional bone-in and boneless hams to gluten-free and smoked varieties, early ordering lets you choose the perfect ham for your Christmas table. At Halswell Butchery in Christchurch, we’ve stocked an impressive selection of hams to fit every family’s needs, and our knowledgeable team is here to help you choose the perfect cut.

Avoid Holiday Supply Shortages

With demand peaking during the holidays, ordering your  Christmas ham from Halswell Butchery ahead ensures that your family’s favourite festive centrepiece won’t be out of stock when you’re ready to buy. By planning ahead, you’ll avoid the seasonal rush, limited store availability, and last-minute stress, giving you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your Christmas ham is already ordered and waiting for you at Halswell Butchery.

Enjoy Convenient Meat Delivery or Pickup Options

Beat the holiday rush by ordering your Christmas ham online through Halswell Butchery. You can choose between home delivery or scheduled in-store pickup. Whether you want your ham delivered to your home or prefer the convenience of picking it up yourself, our flexible options make it easy to add your ham to your cart, check out, and have your order ready to enjoy in time for Christmas. We’re here to make your holiday preparations smooth and simple.

Get Time to Plan Your Perfect Ham Recipes and Sides

One of the best reasons to order your ham early is the time it gives you to plan out the details of your holiday feast. Explore seasonal recipes, and decide on a glaze and side dishes to serve alongside your Christmas ham. Whether you want a honey-glazed or maple-baked ham, ordering ahead lets you create a menu that will delight everyone at your Christmas table. Plus, you’ll have time to try different pairings to bring out the best flavours in your holiday centrepiece.

How to Serve and Enjoy Your Christmas Ham Throughout the Season

A versatile Christmas ham can be enjoyed well beyond the main holiday meal. Try incorporating leftovers into ham-stuffed rolls for a festive brunch, create a hearty ham and cheese omelette for Christmas morning breakfast, bake into a quiche for lunch or simply add sliced ham to fresh salads for a lighter option. By ordering early from Halswell Butchery, you can ensure you have enough ham to enjoy throughout the season, from Christmas Day to the days that follow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size ham should I order for my holiday gathering?

A good rule of thumb is to plan for 200-250g of ham per guest. This should allow for generous portions and even some leftovers.

Can I freeze my Christmas ham if I order it early?

Yes, hams can be safely frozen. Store them in their original packaging, or if they have been opened, wrap them tightly before freezing to maintain freshness. Defrost them in the fridge for 24-48 hours before baking.

What ham is best for Christmas: bone-in or boneless ham?

Bone-in hams have a rich flavour and make a traditional centrepiece, while boneless hams are easier to slice and serve. Choose based on your gathering size and preferences.

What’s the best way to store leftovers after Christmas?

Wrap your leftover ham tightly in foil or an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze portions for future meals.

Make this holiday season an unforgettable one by ordering your  Christmas ham early and enjoying the best options available. With high-quality hams,  convenient delivery or pickup, and the perfect flavours to impress your family and guests, Halswell Butchery has all you need to make Christmas deliciously easy.