It’s time! If you’ve stockpiled a few freezer meals to use during the holiday season, pencil them into the menu plan during the next week. What? You say you missed out on this step? Check the supermarket’s freezer section. A stash of family-sized entrees like lasagna or Florentine chicken can Read more…
Celebrating with kids? It doesn’t need to cost money. Putting “celebration” at the center of the season–and taking the focus off of gifts and giving–can be the key to happy holidays that don’t break the bank. Better, when it comes to kids and Christmas, cheap is good! Simple, inexpensive Read more…
Printable address labels are wonderful things, and never more so than during the holiday season. Sure, they’ll see to it that your Christmas cards get to the right address, but try these other uses for self-adhesive address labels during the holiday season: Label baked goods for a professional touch. Seasonal Read more…
Christmas cards and holiday letters are spilling from the mailbox these days, so take note! Their arrival means it’s time to update the address book. Check cards and envelopes for address changes; update address books or contacts apps for those who have moved or changed telephone numbers. Too busy? No Read more…
What’s for dinner … on Christmas Day? Christmas Eve? New Year’s Day? The only one who should wing it when it comes to holiday meals? The turkey. Smart cooks know that a written menu plan calms chaos in the kitchen, and never more so than before a big holiday feast. Read more…
It’s the holiday chore nobody wants: wrapping gifts at midnight, Christmas Eve. To head off last-minute wrapping, wrap gifts as you go. Wrapping in small doses, you’ll do a better job and enjoy it, too. To track whose gift is which, use small stickey notes to identify gifts. Another way Read more…
Christmas card chores can feel overwhelming if done in a big gulp by a single hand. Spread the joy with a Christmas card round robin! Draft all family members for the job, and divide cards among them. Each member starts with a different section of the list, writing a brief Read more…
Can it really be December 10th? With the turn of a calendar page, the season is upon us–and for most of us, our time is our scarcest holiday resource. The beginning of December is the perfect time to check your progress! Sit down with the family calendar and evaluate where Read more…
Will your family travel this holiday? Take time today to check travel plans. Confirm flights and hotel stays, or check the car for winter travel safety. Prepare packing lists, and check luggage sizes online if you’ll fly this year, Tidy up loose ends before you go.
Will you entertain during the Christmas season? Whether it’s a simple potluck gathering, formal dinner party or all-out bash, planning pays. Get a grip on any holiday parties now, before the December rush begins. Sending invitations early makes it more likely guests will be able to attend; having shopping and Read more…