The holidays - how did we get here already?

Can you believe it's only a week and then the holiday madness is over?  I hope your holidays are going well...I hear such things are possible!  :-)

So, another theory on making the holidays easier.  Make Christmas dinner easier.  That literally means making fewer foods...Because I don't know about you, but coordinating food is the toughest for me.  How do you make sure you take the meat out soon enough that it doesn't overcook especially while you're waiting for your guests, especially the latest one, you know who you are.  :-)

So, have fewer things to coordinate!  If you want to wow people, and let's face it, we all do...Extra appetizers...More and prettier cheeses, or meats, or whatever your favorite appetizer is.

And then, one or two meats, one carb side, and one veggie...You can do it!  You know you can!  Alright, in the spirit of compromise, maybe two veggies, because some small people are not fond of cauliflower, and is Christmas day really the day you want to deal with what you should eat?

That's too scary!

Just another thought!

And instead of making and sweating over that extra side course, this is my favorite part, packet of apple cider, husband or small child, and walk out into your backyard...And sit for a bit...

And isn't it wonderful we have the craziness?

Just a thought...or two!

Happy Everything!

Can the season really be easier? Bah Humbug?

Alright, how to make the season easier...No, really!

My biggest recommendation so far this season?  Cut your card list to 20 or less.  I’ve gotten to 12, which probably says more about our social life than anything, but let’s face it, if you see someone you care about at least twice this year, they know what you and your family looks like.  And they know you love them.  And what else are the cards for?

Instead, before you fill that time with something you decide to add to your to-do list this year, alright, that’s what I always do!, please consider getting some packets of cocoa on your next shopping list (no making a special run just for this, and please, do not make from scratch!  It’s too late in the season to make anything from scratch!)…So make a packet or two, if your small one is old enough to share, and make a call to someone you love or play footsies with someone small or large. 

Happy Everything!

It's the Holidays! Yikes!

Alright, so we are officially in the thick of the holiday season.  Who else is truly terrified?  Overwhelmed?  Or is it just me?

Of course, you know what I'd recommend for any soon-to-be parents, but after that, what to do?

And how to do it on a budget?

That's the tough part.  There are some wonderful places that recycle "gently used" children's clothes.  That always amazing me.  None of my kids gently use clothes.  Not me, just look where the feet ought to be on my four year old's pajamas.  But there are amazing Moms who manage it. There are also Moms, some friends of mine, who manage to keep all of the pieces of their childrens' toys.   Not me.  My youngest's puzzles are more an imagination game, or maybe conceptual art, than actual puzzles.

So you can use those sites.

And a friend recommends giving to charities as a family instead of individual gifts for all the cousins and aunts and uncles or however it works in your family.  Pick your favorite charity, and instead of wrapping all those presents you didn't have to worry about this year, go jump in a puddle (West Coast) or make a snow-man, with your favorite small person or teenager of choice.

Just a thought or two...

Happy Everything!

Jess