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Simplify the Season
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.
About the Author
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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