National Free shipping day: For many stores shipping is free if you spend a certain amount, if you’re a member etc. However, definitely take advantage of Free Shipping day on Dec. 14.
PRESENTS: The first Wed of August has been a “Take a Break” focusing on holiday gifts to start making since 2011. This past August, featured “activity gifts” to help friends and family deal with long periods of being at home due to Covid. Here is a link to that post, which also includes the ones from previous years. Below are suggestions for free or nearly free gifts.
• Create a personalized package: Combine a number of small gifts into one special package.
• Turn a service into a gift: If you have special skills, such as bookkeeping, accounting, hair care, cooking, pet care, etc. give a coupon for your service.
• Food: There are so many sweets at this time of year, consider savory items such as a packet of spice rubs, herb mixes, flavored salt infused oil along with granola, homemade vanilla, candies, cookies, sweet breads etc.
• Sugar Scrubs are definitely enjoyed by certain people. One year I made “gardener’s soap” by mixing sugar and Dawn soap with moisturizer. It was a hit. I ended up giving small jars of it to a group that had come to help a mutual friend clean out their house. In short, anyone who gets their hands good and dirty will appreciate it.
• Re gifting is fine just make sure you don’t give the gift back to the person who gave it to you. Check for gift tags, monograms, or anything else that indicates you are “re gifting.”
• Pass along heirlooms. I have a stash of my mother’s cookie cutters. Over the years, I’ve given them as gifts to nieces and nephews.
If you’re thinking what to get for someone whose affected by chronic condition(s), consider the following previous posts:
Unique Gifts for Hospital Patients
Christmas/Holiday Gifts for Hospital Patients
BAG, TIN OR BOX IT: Anything that avoids wrapping paper, tape, scissors etc. saves time and energy. Plus it’s better for the environment. Check your local thrift store for gently used items. Store your gift bags inside a bigger shopping bag so they don’t get damaged. When the bags just become too ratty looking, re purpose them as gift wrap or turn them into “To From” cards. And by all means, save the bags, tins, bows and baubles that may come your way for re purposing in the new year.
RE PURPOSE HOLIDAY CARDS Still have a stack of cards from last year? Cut them up and use them for “To From Cards.”
TREE If you want the “designer look,” consider this, for every one foot of tree you will want to consider having 100 lights, 9 feet of garland and 20 ornaments. If you’re saying, “in what universe,” consider the following tree substitutes:
- Decorate a potted plant
- Collect greens or branches. Put in a vase or even a bucket and hang lights (if you have them) and small ornaments.
- Check the Dollar Store for small faux trees and pick up several and spread them around the house or put them altogether and create a Christmas tree forest.
- Stack up green objects to look like a tree.
If you are using a real tree, prep before you set up by putting a tree bag beneath the tree, and covering with a tree skirt (which can just be a piece of fabric). Keeping the tree well-watered keeps needles from falling off. When it’s time to take the tree down, and after the decorations and lights are off, pull up the bag and take outside. Depending on where you live, the tree can be recycled at your transfer station, or curb side pick-up. Living in the country, trees are left outside for the birds to enjoy and will eventually compost. DO NOT BURN INSIDE. Outside bonfires are fine, but inside it can create a real mess and could easily cause a chimney fire.
HOLIDAY KITCHEN HACKS
• Collect Ingredients in One Place: As you grocery shop, put ingredients for holiday meals in one section of your pantry or cupboard that is clearly marked with a “don’t touch” me sign. Drives me crazy that I buy things for special meals only to find that “someone,” who shall remain nameless, has eaten them.
• Turkey too dry?: Pour chicken stock on the overcooked bird, which will add some much-needed moisture
• Crushed candy canes: The perfect garnish for holiday treats. Can also melt some white or dark chocolate and add crushed candy cane. Pour onto a cookie sheet, or other flat surface and voila, chocolate bark.
• Use Oven to Table Cookware: There is lots of expensive oven to table cookware but some of the best is good old fashion Pyrex https://www.pyrexhome.com that is glass and can easily go from the oven to the table. Even better, when the meal is done, snap on the lids and put in the freezer or frig. No muss, no fuss. If you don’t have a set, put it on your Christmas list as it just saves time and money.
• “Air iron” your tablecloth: Lay the table cloth on the table a day or two in advance and the wrinkles will be gone by the time you’re ready to eat.
• Cook ahead: Lots of items can be made a day or two ahead of time so no need to exhaust yourself trying to do it all in one day. Make ahead foods include: stuffing, cranberry sauce, casseroles, pies, cakes, cookies,
• Use the appliances: Now’s the time to use slow cookers, microwaves, instant pots, and food processors. To be honest, I reduced my chopping veggie time considerably by using my food processor. Probably the most utilized appliance in my kitchen.
• Pre made is fine: Even the best chefs will purchase pre made items. A client of my husband’s sent us a gift of a smoked turkey one year. From then on, I’m all about getting a smoked turkey, as it’s my least favorite food to cook.
• Dessert: Keep it simple. There is so much sweets at this time of year, just make a platter and serve with tea and coffee. Oh and serve dessert in another room so you don’t have to obsessively clean up right away.
HEALTHY HACKS
• Batch Cook: Cook when you feel like it in large quantities and freeze a meal or two for later. Opt for home cooked over store bought whenever possible.
• Check out mocktails: Reduce alcohol consumption by opting for a mock tail instead. Seltzer with a twist of lemon or lime works as well.
• Take Walks: Being outside is healthy so even taking a walk around the block is good. Just 20 minutes of walking a day strengthens the immune system.
• Move throughout the day: If you do a lot of sitting, stand up every hour and move and stretch
• Make healthier versions of holiday treats: Avocado, applesauce, extra-virgin olive oil, and Greek yogurt can often be substituted for butter in recipes if you’re concerned about reducing saturated fat.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water
• Cat Nap: A 10 minute nap is a great power booster
PAST HOLIDAY POSTS
Coping with Loneliness During the Holidays
Keep the December Blahs at Bay
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