🎄 The great Christmas debate: uncork on the 24th evening or 25th morning?

🕐 Team Christmas Eve (24th evening): "Life is short, let’s pop the cork!"

"Why wait for tomorrow for what we can enjoy tonight?"

The unbeatable arguments

• The magical moment
  On the evening of the 24th, that’s THE moment. The candles, the fairy lights, the turkey coming out of the oven, Aunt Monique telling the story of her trip to Lourdes for the 15th time. It’s NOW that you should open the Château Haut Brion, not the next morning with dark circles and the beginning of a hangover.
• The meal is better
  Let’s be honest: Christmas Eve dinner on the 24th is the main event. Foie gras, lobster, stuffed capon, an overflowing cheese platter. The morning of the 25th? Reheated leftovers and stale croissants. Your Pomerol 2012 deserves better than an industrial pain au chocolat.
• The atmosphere
  On the 24th, everyone is still fresh, elegant, smiling. On the morning of the 25th, Uncle Jean-Claude has slept fully dressed on the sofa, your mother-in-law has been looking for her glasses for 20 minutes, and the kids are already screaming over their presents. Not exactly the ideal atmosphere for enjoying a Premier Grand Cru Classé.
• Tradition (the real one)
  Historically, the festive meal is CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER. Not the brunch the next day. Our ancestors didn’t even ask the question: you feasted on the evening of the 24th, full stop.

☀ Team Patience (25th morning): "Good things are savoured on an empty stomach"

"A great wine has to be earned. And enjoyed with a clear head."

The (almost) convincing arguments

• The fresh palate
  After a night’s sleep (and a toothbrush), your palate is FRESH. Not yet saturated by foie gras, the pre-dinner Champagne, and the chocolate yule log. It’s the ideal time to really APPRECIATE the nuances of a great Bourgogne.
• Serenity
  On the morning of the 25th, everyone is calm, rested (well, almost). You can FINALLY taste without cousin Kevin screaming for the last Quality Street, or your mother-in-law talking about her knee problems.
• Anticipation
  Waiting is also a way to make the pleasure last. Knowing that a beautiful bottle is waiting for you the next day is a bit like saving the best for last.
• The oenological brunch
  Who said you can’t drink wine on Christmas morning? A Champagne with croissants is still seriously classy. And if you’re truly decadent, a Sauternes with foie gras for breakfast—no one will judge you (well, they will, but who cares).

🤷 Team "We don’t care": let’s open bottles on BOTH days

"Why choose when we can have it all?"

The wise person’s solution
Let’s be honest: you’re not going to buy ONE bottle for Christmas. You’re going to buy at least 6 (we know you). So why limit yourself?

The pro strategy:

• Evening of the 24th: Great Bordeaux, powerful Côte-Rôtie, wines that make an impression
• Morning of the 25th: Champagnes, elegant Burgundies, lighter wines

Result:

• Everyone is happy
• You’re a genius of family diplomacy
• You have an excuse to buy more wine

🎯 The real debate: so what about the 26th?

No one talks about it, but December 26th is the day of the TRUE connoisseurs

Why?

• No one makes an effort anymore (pyjamas accepted)
• The leftovers are still just about edible
• You’ve finally gotten rid of your mother-in-law
• You can FINALLY drink what YOU want

The wine for the 26th:

Something simple, good, comforting. Like a Côtes-du-Rhône that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Because honestly, after 48 hours of festivities, you’ve earned some simplicity.

📊 The (very scientific) poll

We asked 100 wine lovers about their habits:

• Team Christmas Eve (24th evening): 68%
• Team Patience (25th morning): 12%
• Team Both (because why choose): 18%
• Team "I drank everything on the 23rd": 2%

Conclusion: Team Christmas Eve wins by a landslide. But we still respect the 12% of holdouts in Team Patience.