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Simplify the 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 wish list 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.
Megan Corwin is a personal coach who enjoys helping work at home
professionals grow their businesses while maintaining an
organized household.
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