Christmas is all twinkling lights, happy memories, and – let's be honest – a sprinkle of festive chaos. Between juggling to-do lists and attempting to channel your inner MasterChef, the holidays are no small feat. But behind every joyful Christmas, there’s always that one (or maybe a few) unsung heroes making it all come together – we like to call them the Christmas Makers.

Here at Stockland Burleigh Heads, we see you, Christmas Makers. We know about the late-night gift-wrapping marathons, the early-morning kitchen hustle, and the endless quest for the perfect present. That’s why this year, we’re here to make things a little easier – and a lot merrier.

To help you navigate the holiday hustle, we’ve put together the ultimate guide. From Christmas food ideas and must-have groceries to genius hacks (ever wondered how to keep cherries fresh?). Consider this your holiday survival cheat sheet, so you won’t be that person scrambling for whipped cream to top off your pavlova… Plus, we've chatted with local retailers, shared our trading hours, and packed this article with everything you need to sleigh the season!

Extended trading hours for the Deadline Dashers

First up, we know that convenience is key during the busy holiday season. That's why we're extending our trading hours, so you can shop at your convenience. Whether you're an early riser or a last-minute shopper, our extended hours ensure you can get everything you need for a delicious Christmas feast and more.

View hours here

10 essential food tips for the Feast Makers

When it comes to Christmas cooking, a little planning can go a long way, but there are also those genius hacks that can make it all that bit easier. Here are our top ten food hacks to try this Christmas:

1. Keep cherries fresh by soaking in sparkling water for 30 minutes
2. Order seafood in advance to ensure availability and freshness for your Christmas feast
3. Extend Christmas pudding shelf life: wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months
4. Easy peeling: boil potatoes for five minutes, then chill in ice water before peeling
5. Quick glaze: mix jam, soy sauce, and mustard for a sweet and savoury ham glaze
6. Make-ahead gravy: prepare up to three days before, refrigerate or freeze
7. De-shell easily: soak prawns in warm water for 10 minutes before peeling (and when you’re done pop them in the freezer until bin day!)
8. Make-ahead mince pies: freeze unbaked pies for up to two months
9. Green bean trick: blanch in boiling water, then shock in ice water to preserve colour
10. Quick canapés: top toasted bread with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers
11. BONUS TIP: simmer some cinnamon sticks and cloves on the stove to fill your home with the scent of Christmas

Last-minute reminders for the Festive Dazzlers

To ensure a stress-free and joyful holiday, there are a few essential tasks to tackle:

• Review your holiday menu and double-check your ingredients (we’ve even got a handy downloadable checklist below)
• Check postal cut-off dates for both international and domestic mail
• Send out your holiday invitations if you're hosting
• Confirm cooking times for your main dishes, like ham and turkey, so you’re not scrambling last-minute
• Always have snacks for a quick-and-easy platter in the case of any unexpected guests
• Chill those beverages to avoid any warm toasts
• Make sure you’ve got enough wrapping paper for any last-minute gift wrapping emergencies
• Have some festive containers ready for guests who might want leftovers
• Make sure you’ve got extra batteries for new toys or gadgets
• Set the table early – include all linens, decorations, and place settings
• Don’t forget a Christmas Day playlist to set the festive mood
• Remember the small things that make Christmas magical: leave out treats for Santa and carrots for the reindeer

Meet your local Christmas Makers

Our centre is home to passionate local retailers who bring the magic of Christmas to life.

Meet Josh, store manager at Earth Markets, your locally-owned go-to for the freshest fruit and veggies! Josh shares that their specials are always changing, tailored to seasonal trends and availability – so keep an eye out for those carrots, perfect for feeding Santa’s reindeer! Beyond bringing quality produce to the community, Earth Markets loves to give back by donating fruit platters to schools for fundraising events, helping support local students and programs.

Meet Kathryn, a naturopath at Health Food Central. She’s inviting you to stop by and explore their range of gift-worthy wellness products this season. Her top pick? Collagen powders – perfect for boosting skin elasticity, hydration, digestion, muscle mass, and more.

Meet Jane, another friendly worker at Health Food Central. Jane has been the store manager for over ten years and is also a local naturopath – well known for her friendly service and expertise in natural wellness. This holiday season, Jane is excited to offer some of their most popular items including their locally made Christmas Cakes – both regular and gluten-free! These home-baked delights, packed with all your favourite festive ingredients, arrive fresh each year and always sell out quickly. Jane is also thrilled to feature Loco Love Bon Bons, a beautiful, ethically crafted treat from the Northern Rivers, which make a perfect gift or stocking stuffer.

Meet Ethan, a sales assistant and baker at Bakers Delight who’s no stranger to holiday hustle. With bakers working ‘round the clock during the Christmas season, Ethan’s alarm goes off at 1:30 a.m. – but he’s got a sweet reward in mind. This year, he’s bringing his favourite lemon tarts to Christmas lunch, the perfect treat to make those early mornings worthwhile. This festive season, Bakers Delight is spreading joy with Christmas delights. From signature bread loaves and artisanal sourdoughs to festive favourites like Seasonal Tart 6 Packs and Christmas Cakes, there’s something to bring cheer to every table. Their bread is baked fresh daily using traditional recipes, with real ingredients, and baked by real bakers. Make Bakers Delight your destination for holiday treats that will delight your tastebuds!

Meet Riley, one of the welcoming faces at The Meatsmiths – your ultimate destination for festive favourites. From fresh Aussie king prawns to traditional Bangalow hams (whole, half, or boneless), tender turkey, and juicy pork roasts, they’ve got your Christmas feast covered. Place your order by Friday 20 December, and you’ll be automatically entered to win a Bangalow half ham! Just call or pop into the store to lock in your holiday spread. As for Riley’s pick? He’s all about taking one of their mouthwatering hams to his Christmas lunch, though he’s also partial to their succulent pork loin.

Stay inspired

Looking for last-minute present inspiration? Check out our Christmas gift guide with all the best presents available in centre. Think thoughtful gift ideas for every budget and every loved one.

View gift guide

Download our Christmas Maker checklist

Having trouble keeping track of everything? Let us help you out! Download our handy grocery checklist, print it, and tick things off as you go. 

Download here

There you have it your holiday holy grail – the ultimate cheat sheet to ensure a Christmas that's merry, bright, and (dare we say it?) stress-free. Now it’s time to pour yourself a glass of eggnog, put your feet up, and let us handle the heavy lifting. After all, you've earned it, Christmas Maker.

For more everyday inspiration, updates on the latest trends and exclusive offers, register now as a Stockland Member to receive monthly updates, latest news, and exclusive events from your local Stockland Shopping Centre.

This information has been provided by our Stockland retailers. All reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the information is correct at the time of the content going live. However, no warranty is given as to the accuracy of that information. The information may change from time to time without notice. Stocks are limited and only available while stocks last with individual retailers. Products may vary from location to location. Prices may also change without notice. Please contact our retailers for more information.