Each year Christmas comes on the same day. Despite the fact that I’m an organized person it never feels like I have enough time to get ready! All of a sudden I’m realizing that I have to have things packed and ready to ship in a matter of weeks! Having all of our children on the west coast this Christmas means a different type of holiday for us. All the gifts have to be packed and mailed in time to arrive for Christmas!
How to get ready? The first step is to determine our budget. I don’t want to be paying for our Christmas purchases for the rest of the year! Determining ahead of time what we plan to spend and then sticking to it helps us stay within our budget.
Then I make a list of who I need to shop for and jot down ideas that come to mind or suggestions I been given. I’d love to give homemade gifts to everyone but that’s just not possible. For neighbors and our postmaster I make my Snax Mix, I can mix up a large batch and have enough for everyone.
Another favorite food item I like to make is Candied Pecans. These are tasty to enjoy by themselves or put on a salad. You can make them ahead of time and store in an airtight container.
I have a few knitting projects going. I’m making our grandson a Christmas stocking. My mother-in-law started this tradition when she knit stockings for each of our four children. When our two daughters were married I continued the tradition and knit a stocking for each of our son-in-laws. When our granddaughter came along I made her a stocking and now it’s time to make one for our grandson. I’m almost finished! Should be done by this weekend.
I also found a free template online for some adorable bird ornaments. As soon as I finish the stocking I’m starting on this project. Aren’t they wonderful?
For any family dogs I made up a batch of homemade dog biscuits. I know the dogs enjoy this tasty treat!
Will you be hosting the big Christmas meal at your house this year? If so figure out which dishes can be prepared ahead of time. By making some of the dishes ahead of time you will be able to have an enjoyable and relaxing Christmas.
What do you do to get ready for the holidays?
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Nancy on the Home Front 