Christmas Countdown -- 4 Weeks Before Christmas:
Calendaring -- Mark parties, concerts and tasks for the entire Advent and Christmas season for everyone on the family calendar. If you don't have a family calendar, make one now. Put it in a place where the entire family can see it. You won't miss a special event or party if everything is on the calendar.
Make sure to include in your planning time to clean, bake, wrap, decorate, and shop. Don't forget to reserve time to worship and spend time with your family.
Cleaning -- If time and your schedule permits, do a more thorough cleaning than usual. Get everyone in the family to help. Don't forget about items such as ceiling fan blades. Wipe the walls down with an extended handle cleaning tool to get the dust bunnies off the walls. Don't forget to clean out your pantry, freezer and refrigerator.
Gift Wrap -- Go through your gift wrap stash and take note of what you have on hand. Make a list of what you need to purchase. Throw away torn wrapping paper and bags. Get rid of crumpled bows. Purchase a gift wrap organizer to keep bags, wrap, bows, etc. neat and ready for use. Have everything all in one place and ready to go. It will help you breeze through the task with time to spare.
Food & Recipes -- Plan what you will be cooking this holiday season. Get out your recipes. Check your pantry for ingredients you have on hand. Make a list of what you need to purchase. Purchase non-perishable items as far in advance as possible.
Get your baking pans and other cooking utensils out. Make sure they are clean and ready to use. Put them where they are easy to reach.
Gifts -- Make your gift list and check it twice! Read advertising fliers. Search online for coupons. Shop early to get the best selections. If you purchase items online, make sure to do so far enough in advance to allow for slow delivery due to the holiday rush.
Purchase as much as possible in advance. Wrap gifts immediately. If your tree is already up, put the gifts under the tree. If not, be sure you put the gifts in a safe place (but remember where you put them)!
Consider Others -- In the spirit of Christmas, don't forget about those less fortunate. Get involved in an Angel Tree project for less fortunate children. Donate food to your local food bank. Make a thoughtful gift basket and visit an elderly neighbor who may be over-looked during the holidays. Make a cash donation to your favorite charity.
Lights & Decorations -- Begin your decorating as soon as possible. Get out your decorations and sort through them. Get rid of lights that don't work. Throw away broken (non-sentimental) ornaments. Replace non-functioning bulbs on light strings. Replace the entire string with a fresh set, if necessary. Don't take chances! Many homes have been ruined by fire during the holidays by faulty lights and unattended candles.
Christmas Countdown -- 3 Weeks Before Christmas:
Bake Ahead -- Many items can be baked and frozen ahead of time. Check freezer charts and freezer storage guidelines for help. Get out your recipes, ingredients and baking utensils. Make sure to have good quality freezer containers to store your baked goods in. Have plenty of aluminum foil, plastic zip bags and wax paper on hand. If frosting cookies, etc., make sure frosting is completely hard before stacking. Place wax paper between layers of cookies prior to freezing.
Deck The Halls & Trim The Tree -- Get out those decorations. Put on some holiday music. Have hot chocolate or spiced cider on hand. Make it a family event. Get everyone involved . . . dad, mom, kids, grandparents, grandkids. Now deck those halls!
Carry On -- Keep shopping and wrapping gifts, baking and freezing. Make sure to get plenty of help from family members. Don't forget to set aside time for special family events. Gathering around an Advent Wreath weekly to recall the events of Christmas and make beautiful memories for everyone.
Christmas Countdown -- 2 Weeks Before Christmas:
Fill The Freezer -- Prepare as many "make-ahead" dishes as possible and freeze them. If unexpected company arrives, you'll be prepared.
Fridge Follies -- Give your refrigerator another quick clean. Get rid of anything old and outdated. Wipe down the inside. Check out the tips on refrigerator cleaning for help.
Grand Standing -- Make your front entryway special. Hang a wreath on the door. Sprays of greenery and bows make a pleasant display on fireplace mantels. Hang your up Christmas stockings. Put out some Poinsettias. Free up space in your hall closet for guest coats. Set out some Christmas scented potpourri. If using candles, don't leave them unattended.
Christmas Countdown -- 1 Week Before Christmas:
Halt -- If you've planned ahead well, your shopping should be finished. Wrap those remaining gifts and set them under the tree.
Finish -- Your deep cleaning chores. Complete your holiday baking.
Complete -- Your holiday decorating.
Christmas Countdown -- 2 Days Before Christmas:
Defrost -- If you've purchased your turkey or ham frozen, defrost now in the refrigerator. Don't defrost in the sink. See meat storage guidelines for tips on handling meat and defrosting.
Caroling & Lights Go caroling with family, friends and church members. Take your family to see Christmas light displays.
In the Mood -- Deliver charitable items to food bank, toy donation stations, etc. Play Christmas music along the way.
Christmas Countdown -- Christmas Eve Day:
You should be ready except for those last minute details:
Last minute cleaning -- Spray some air freshener. Light some candles.
Have your Christmas music on hand to play in the background.
Recheck packages for missing bows and tags -- replace if needed.
Set the table tonight to save time tomorrow.
If traveling to different houses for gift exchanges, divide the presents into areas by the locations they will be delivered to. Put the smaller items in tote bags so they won't be misplaced.
Take out frozen baked goods to defrost. See freezer charts and freezer storage guidelines for more information.
Attend Christmas Eve Services with your family.
Christmas Countdown -- Christmas Day:
Your Christmas countdown is done, so . . .
Celebrate!
If you didn't attend Church on Christmas Eve, worship with your family today. You're prepared, enjoy time with your family.
Consider adding some celebratory activities for the next 11 days and enjoy the "season" of Christmas.
Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Stress-Less Thanksgiving
If you want to have more Thanksgiving fun and the party's at your house, these tips will help you plan your Thanksgiving event. By planning ahead, you'll be able to "savor" the holiday:
Cleaning -- Hopefully, you've completed your fall cleaning earlier. If not, check out the Fall Cleaning Tips in the September issue of Messy Makeover Magazine. You have to be a subscriber to access the archives. [Note: go to http://www.straighten-up-now.com/]
Menu Preparation -- Not everyone eats turkey on Thanksgiving Day. Different cultures have different traditions. I know of one family who always has squid every year for Thanksgiving dinner! While not every family has such exotic tastes, menu planning and preparation is still the first step in good holiday planning regardless of what's on the menu.
Plan Ahead -- Many items (especially canned goods) can be purchased well in advance. Some entrees can be cooked ahead and frozen without losing flavor, nutrition or texture. If you have a dish that can be frozen, cook it ahead of time and freeze it. If you're not sure how long items can be frozen, check out the tips on freezer charts and freezer storage guidelines.
Delegate -- Delegate items to family, guests or other attendees. You don't have to prepare everything! Even people that don't cook can bring chips and store bought dips, bags of ice, a bakery dessert or a jar of pickles. Everyone should contribute.
Shop -- Once you have your menu planned, write out the ingredients for each dish. Check your refrigerator and pantry for items that you already have on hand. Your budget will appreciate it. Create your shopping list and purchase what you can ahead of time.
Special Items -- Don't forget about items such as plastic wrap, zip lock bags, aluminum foil, wax paper, paper towels, etc. If using prepackaged mixes, check the contents and directions for other items you may need to prepare it (eggs, milk, etc.).
Decorations -- Part of the holiday fun is decorating. I personally love fall colors and fall decorations! Use a combination of flowers, gourds, leaves and berries to dress up your home and your table. Scarecrows, dried corn, turkeys and horns-of-plenty are attractive as well. Candles are welcoming, just be sure to put them in a safe area away from small children and pets.
Have Fun -- You don't have to be Martha Stewart or spend a lot of money. Create some family fun. Set aside some time with your family and make your own holiday decorations. Plan ahead and shop early. Fall decorations come out in hobby and craft stores as early as July!
Guest List -- Make your guest list early. Realize that some people have more than one house to visit on Thanksgiving. Try to time your Thanksgiving celebration so that the majority of your guests don't feel pulled in different directions.
Commit -- Get a firm commitment from your guests as soon as possible. Make sure to write down which dish each person is bringing for your menu. Have a back up plan for that menu item in case of last minute cancellations or "no shows."
Table Setting -- If you have a formal dining area or dedicated space, set your table and put out your decorations the day before. This will eliminate last minute rushing around.
Timing -- Make sure you check how long it takes to cook each item. Timing is everything when preparing large meals. You don't want to over or under cook foods or have dishes getting cold (dry, hard, etc.) because another item is still cooking.
Cleaning -- Hopefully, you've completed your fall cleaning earlier. If not, check out the Fall Cleaning Tips in the September issue of Messy Makeover Magazine. You have to be a subscriber to access the archives. [Note: go to http://www.straighten-up-now.com/]
Menu Preparation -- Not everyone eats turkey on Thanksgiving Day. Different cultures have different traditions. I know of one family who always has squid every year for Thanksgiving dinner! While not every family has such exotic tastes, menu planning and preparation is still the first step in good holiday planning regardless of what's on the menu.
Plan Ahead -- Many items (especially canned goods) can be purchased well in advance. Some entrees can be cooked ahead and frozen without losing flavor, nutrition or texture. If you have a dish that can be frozen, cook it ahead of time and freeze it. If you're not sure how long items can be frozen, check out the tips on freezer charts and freezer storage guidelines.
Delegate -- Delegate items to family, guests or other attendees. You don't have to prepare everything! Even people that don't cook can bring chips and store bought dips, bags of ice, a bakery dessert or a jar of pickles. Everyone should contribute.
Shop -- Once you have your menu planned, write out the ingredients for each dish. Check your refrigerator and pantry for items that you already have on hand. Your budget will appreciate it. Create your shopping list and purchase what you can ahead of time.
Special Items -- Don't forget about items such as plastic wrap, zip lock bags, aluminum foil, wax paper, paper towels, etc. If using prepackaged mixes, check the contents and directions for other items you may need to prepare it (eggs, milk, etc.).
Decorations -- Part of the holiday fun is decorating. I personally love fall colors and fall decorations! Use a combination of flowers, gourds, leaves and berries to dress up your home and your table. Scarecrows, dried corn, turkeys and horns-of-plenty are attractive as well. Candles are welcoming, just be sure to put them in a safe area away from small children and pets.
Have Fun -- You don't have to be Martha Stewart or spend a lot of money. Create some family fun. Set aside some time with your family and make your own holiday decorations. Plan ahead and shop early. Fall decorations come out in hobby and craft stores as early as July!
Guest List -- Make your guest list early. Realize that some people have more than one house to visit on Thanksgiving. Try to time your Thanksgiving celebration so that the majority of your guests don't feel pulled in different directions.
Commit -- Get a firm commitment from your guests as soon as possible. Make sure to write down which dish each person is bringing for your menu. Have a back up plan for that menu item in case of last minute cancellations or "no shows."
Table Setting -- If you have a formal dining area or dedicated space, set your table and put out your decorations the day before. This will eliminate last minute rushing around.
Timing -- Make sure you check how long it takes to cook each item. Timing is everything when preparing large meals. You don't want to over or under cook foods or have dishes getting cold (dry, hard, etc.) because another item is still cooking.
Halloween Safety
Halloween safety is an important topic. Halloween can be a time of great fun for parents and children alike if celebrated properly and safely.
For various reasons, some parents choose not to let their children participate in Halloween. If you choose to let your children participate, here are some excellent Halloween safety tips to keep them safe.
Curb Your Excitement Children can get very excited -- costumes, candy, etc. Excitement causes distraction. Be responsible and extra careful during this time. Curb your own excitement. Be watchful and vigilant.
Remember the 3 "C's": Casualness Causes Casualties! Use your common sense. This can help you and your children avoid tragedies during the holidays ahead.
Costume Check Help your child pick out his/her costume. Whether it's specially made or purchased, it should: (a) Be made of flame retardant material, (b) Have eye holes large enough not to obstruct peripheral vision.
Jack-O-Lanterns If you use jack-o-lanterns with candles inside as part of your holiday display, place them far from the door. You won't set costumes on fire. There are battery operated pumpkin lights that flicker. Consider using these instead. Go to: pumpkin lights for more information.
Props Make sure any prop your child carries (pitchfork, sword, etc.) has a smooth surface and flexible tip -- no one will get injured if it's dropped or fallen on.
Pumpkin Carving Don't allow children to use sharp knives. Do the major cutting yourself. Purchase a pumpkin carving kit. These come with small plastic saws that are safer than knives (but they can still cut little fingers).
Be careful and supervise their work. Let the smaller children draw the faces and clean out the inside of pumpkins.
You can decorate pumpkins without carving as well. Try painting a pumpkin or use Mr. Potato head pieces as an alternative to carving.
Eat Before You Treat Feed you children a good meal before Trick-Or-Treating. They need the nutrition and are less likely to "pig out" on sweets later.
Basic Safety Talk Use this time to talk about general safety, not just Halloween safety. Reinforce basic safety tips such as: (a) Don't get into cars with strangers, (b) Not talking to strangers, (c) Looking both ways before crossing streets, (d) Be aware of what (and who) is around you, (e) Obeying traffic rules and (f) For older kids . . . don't talk on your cell phone while driving (parents take note as well).
Check It Out Always check the treats, especially ones given by people you don't know well. Alas the days of popcorn balls and caramel apples are gone! Accept only wrapped candy.Make Halloween safety a priority. Have a fun, safe and happy time with your kids and they'll carry on the tradition that you taught them to their own families some day!
For various reasons, some parents choose not to let their children participate in Halloween. If you choose to let your children participate, here are some excellent Halloween safety tips to keep them safe.
Curb Your Excitement Children can get very excited -- costumes, candy, etc. Excitement causes distraction. Be responsible and extra careful during this time. Curb your own excitement. Be watchful and vigilant.
Remember the 3 "C's": Casualness Causes Casualties! Use your common sense. This can help you and your children avoid tragedies during the holidays ahead.
Costume Check Help your child pick out his/her costume. Whether it's specially made or purchased, it should: (a) Be made of flame retardant material, (b) Have eye holes large enough not to obstruct peripheral vision.
Jack-O-Lanterns If you use jack-o-lanterns with candles inside as part of your holiday display, place them far from the door. You won't set costumes on fire. There are battery operated pumpkin lights that flicker. Consider using these instead. Go to: pumpkin lights for more information.
Props Make sure any prop your child carries (pitchfork, sword, etc.) has a smooth surface and flexible tip -- no one will get injured if it's dropped or fallen on.
Pumpkin Carving Don't allow children to use sharp knives. Do the major cutting yourself. Purchase a pumpkin carving kit. These come with small plastic saws that are safer than knives (but they can still cut little fingers).
Be careful and supervise their work. Let the smaller children draw the faces and clean out the inside of pumpkins.
You can decorate pumpkins without carving as well. Try painting a pumpkin or use Mr. Potato head pieces as an alternative to carving.
Eat Before You Treat Feed you children a good meal before Trick-Or-Treating. They need the nutrition and are less likely to "pig out" on sweets later.
Basic Safety Talk Use this time to talk about general safety, not just Halloween safety. Reinforce basic safety tips such as: (a) Don't get into cars with strangers, (b) Not talking to strangers, (c) Looking both ways before crossing streets, (d) Be aware of what (and who) is around you, (e) Obeying traffic rules and (f) For older kids . . . don't talk on your cell phone while driving (parents take note as well).
Check It Out Always check the treats, especially ones given by people you don't know well. Alas the days of popcorn balls and caramel apples are gone! Accept only wrapped candy.Make Halloween safety a priority. Have a fun, safe and happy time with your kids and they'll carry on the tradition that you taught them to their own families some day!
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