Simplifying the Holiday Season
by Megan Corwin
Description: Ideas on how to simplify the holiday season.
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Let's take a look at a typical Christmas To-Do list: bake cookies, buy
and make gifts, attend office party, church commitments, address and
mail cards, clean the house for guests, decorate...it goes on and on....
The holidays are meant to be a time of joy and family celebration. But
all the running around we do can zap the fun. Here are some ideas to
simplify the season.
Gift Giving:
* Purchase a family gift rather than gifts for individuals.
* For extended families, draw a member's name out of a hat and give
only one gift. Limit the present amount.
* Make soup, beverage or cookie mixes. Package in a pretty jar or
container with instructions attached.
* Have family members create a wishlist on amazon.com so there's no
guessing what they want, purchasing is easy, and there are no trips to the
crowded mall.
* Start a collection. For example, a few years ago I began purchasing
nativity set figurines for my mother. Each year she gets a new item to
add to her collection. Again, no guessing - I always know what to buy
for her.
In the Kitchen:
* Early in the season make a really big batch of chili. Freeze in
individual serving size containers. Great for those nights when you are too
tired to cook.
* Large families still gathering at Mom's for the big dinner, but the
children have grown up? Hold a potluck feast so that the cooking is
shared by everyone.
* Host a cookie swap. Invite 6-12 friends over asking them to bring a
dozen cookies per invitee. Exchange varieties. Each participant only
bakes one type of cookie, but goes home with all sorts of treats.
* Purchase frozen pre-shaped cookies from the freezer section of stores
like Sam's Club or Gordon Food Service.
Wishing you a peaceful season.
Reprinted with permission.
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