Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, Oh My

Christmas is the holiday when most of us have the most to do; so we focused our attention on helpful hints to make your Christmas as hassle free as possible. However, you can use these guidelines for all your holidays.

1) Don’t let procrastination get the better of you. Read “Procrastination…Why Do We Do It?”.

2) Make a list of all that needs to be done such as hanging Christmas lights, buying gifts, putting up the tree, the baking and cooking, decorating, meal planning, house cleaning, gift wrapping, etc.

3) Prioritize your list. Determine when each task must be done and when each task can be done.

  a) Reservations should be made first. Reservations for transportation and hotel might be difficult or

      impossible when the holiday is near. If you plan to dine out on a holiday make your reservations early;

     then check back in a few weeks to confirm.

  b) Christmas lights and artificial trees can be put up as soon as Thanksgiving weekend or even earlier if you  prefer. Buy fresh trees one to two weeks before Christmas day

   c) Start looking for and buying gifts during your normal shopping trips, the earlier the better. In fact shopping  online is even easier, less stressful, and safe. Learn what to look for in “A Guide to Safer Internet Shopping”.

   d) Buy one or two universal gifts just in case someone pops in unexpected. A great tip here is to pick up cheese and sausage gift packs or boxes of chocolates. These are readily found at Christmastime; and they make great gifts for anyone. Wrap gifts as soon as you buy them; then you won’t get stuck staying up late wrapping a mountain of gifts all at once. For more helpful information on how to stretch your shopping budget read “How to Spend Wisely and Money Saving Tips” and “How Can I Afford Christmas Gifts?”.

   e) We all want our homes to be spotless for the holidays, especially if company is coming. However, now

is not the time for spring cleaning. With all the extra tasks that must be done, there simply isn’t time. Do a general cleaning and straightening of the bedrooms, dining room, den, etc. a few days ahead of time. Leave the bathrooms and kitchen until the day before. Give them a quick wipe down just before guests arrive.

   f) Make a grocery list for the holidays; and buy what you need during your regular shopping trips. Buy

items that will keep on the shelf or in the freezer several weeks ahead. Forgotten items can be picked

up on your next shopping trip.

   g) Prepare any foods that you can one or two days ahead of time; and keep in the refrigerator. You don’t want to spend all Christmas day stuck in the kitchen cooking.

4) Great job so far; but there is one big thing that can ruin everything on that special day if you aren’t prepared. How do you get a hot 20 lb turkey, roast, or ham out of your roasting pan and onto a cutting board or platter? It’s not as simple as just lifting the rack out of the pan. Getting it off the rack without it falling apart is something we struggled with for years. We tried all kinds of racks, nets, large forks, towels, and gloves. You name it; we tried it. Finally, we found a special rack that blew us away! No more burned

fingers or hands! No more turkey legs on the floor! In 30 seconds our 22 lb turkey was out of the roaster and on the platter ready to be carved! Give yourself and your family a big Christmas gift! You will not regret purchasing this roasting rack. We guarantee you will love it! Vist our Hints and Tips page for the latest tips.