Happy Thanksgiving!
Hello Moms of Faith! I want to wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with joy and laughter.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
http://www.momsoffaith.com/he-makes-all-things-new.htm
Sincerely,
Lara and Moms of Faith Staff!
A few leftovers recipes…
Turkey Casserole Recipe
2 C. cooked turkey breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 C. sliced celery
1 C. mayonnaise
3 T. grated onion
1 to 1-1/2 T. lemon juice
1/4 C. slivered almonds
1 C. grated cheese
1/2 C. chow mein noodles
Preheat oven to 350° F. In a 2-quart casserole, combine turkey, celery, mayonnaise, onion, and lemon juice. Top with almonds, cheese, and noodles. Bake about 30 minutes.
Source: razzledazzlerecipes.com
Savory Turkey Cobbler
4 tablespoons butter
2 ribs celery, sliced
1 bunch green onions, about 6 to 8, thinly sliced
6 tablespoons flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup leftover or canned turkey gravy, or use more chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
3 cups diced leftover cooked turkey
Topping:
1 large egg
1/2 milk
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cornmeal
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon granulated sugar, optional
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 scant teaspoon poultry seasoning or crumbled rubbed sage
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes, optional
cranberry sauce, optional
In a large saucepan, heat 4 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat until frothy; add celery and cook until celery is tender. Add green onions and cook 1 minute longer. Add 6 tablespoons flour, stirring until well blended and bubbly. Add chicken broth and turkey gravy; continue cooking, stirring, until thickened and bubbly. Add seasonings, thawed vegetables, and turkey; heat through. Pour into a buttered 9-inch square pan or 2-quart baking dish.
Heat oven to 400°
Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk 1 egg with the milk and melted butter. In another bowl, blend the 1 cup of flour with cornmeal, baking powder, salt, poultry seasoning, and parsley. With a wooden spoon, stir dry ingredients into the egg and milk mixture until well blended. Drop spoonfuls of the dough all over the hot filling. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until topping is browned and filling is bubbly.
Serve with cranberry sauce on the side, if desired. Serves 4 to 6.
Turkey Pasta Casserole With Asparagus and Cheddar Cheese
8 ounces mini penne pasta or similar shape
6 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons flour
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning blend, or to taste
2 cups cooked asparagus, cut in 1-inch pieces
3 cups diced cooked turkey
8 ounces shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup soft bread crumbs
1 tablespoon melted butter
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Heat oven to 350°
Cook pasta in boiling water following package directions.
In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter; add bell pepper and sauté until tender. Add garlic and green onion; sauté for 1 minute longer. Stir in flour until well blended. Stir in chicken broth, cooking until thickened. Stir in milk; continue cooking, stirring frequently, until thickened and hot. Add seasonings, asparagus, and turkey; heat through. Stir in cheese and cook until melted. Stir in the cooked drained pasta and pour into the prepared baking dish. Toss bread crumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle over top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Serves 6 to 8.
Source: southernfood.about.com
Better to Give then to Receive
A couple weeks ago we had a womens leadership meeting at my church. We were discussing what we want to accomplish as a church with our in house single Moms during the Christmas season.
One of the ideas we came up with was a “giving tree.” I am sure most of you have seen these at grocery stores and such. It is a tree with paper ornaments on it. Each “ornament,” has a name on it and a wish list. They are usually for children who live in childrens homes. These kids usually have no contact with their families and will never know who the person blessing them was. However, it is a HUGE blessing to these kids.
We have decided to do it with the single parent families in our church. Each of these kids will make a “wish list” card and someone from the church will pick a child and fulfill their wish list.
I think this is an awesome thing, and I have had a personal experience with it. When I was about 14/15, I lived in a childrens home. I had no contact with my Mother for months. Christmas rolled around and I was only 1 of 3 kids left in the cottage. All the other children were able to go home to be with their families. I was very sad and confused.
However, on Christmas morning, there were presents under the tree for me! Every item that I had put on MY wish list was there. I was SO happy. It is the most memorable Christmas experience I ever had because someone cared enough to go beyond their own wants and care for a stranger.
Now, back to our meeting…
While we were discussing our plans, our pastors wife shared what they did one year with their daughter. She told us how their daughter grew up with lots of privileges and never really lacked for anything. So, they decided that one year they would not exchange presents. Yes, you read right, they were not going to give her any gifts. Instead, she was going to use the money they would have spent and buy gifts for needy children.
Well, of course you can imagine what people in their church thought and said…I mean this was outrageous. Not to mention what their daughter was thinking and feeling. LOL!
Fast forward several years later when their daughter became an adult…she shared with her Mother how THAT was the BEST Christmas she ever had!
WOW!
So, I leave you with these questions to ponder…
Do your kids REALLY know the meaning of Christmas? Do they know the great gift of Jesus Christ given to them? Are others…OUTSIDE your family…the priority? Do we take the time to realize that while we are shopping for ipods, clothes, jewelry and toys that there are MANY who will have NOTHING under the tree if they even have a tree?
CHRISTmas is NOT about getting gifts or piling a ton of them under the tree for our kids. It is about a savior who was born to save a dying world. It is about love. Loving others MORE than ourselves. Loving those who are dirty and poor and OUTSIDE of our family unit and comfort zone.
Aren’t you glad that God GAVE?
When You Are Overcome with Fear or Sadness…
…RUN TO DADDY!
Psalm 143
Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous. Don’t put your servant on trial, for no one is innocent before you. My enemy has chased me. He has knocked me to the ground and forces me to live in darkness like those in the grave.
I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear.
I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done. I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.
Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die.
Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.
Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.
For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress. In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies and destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.
Have you ever felt like David? Do you live in fear? Have you ever felt like you were going to drown in depression or despair? I have. I struggle with feeling overwhelmed on a regular basis and I have to do just as David did. CRY OUT to God.
David did a lot of wrong things and lived in peril for most of his life. However, David KNEW WHO he belonged to and WHERE to run in his time of need.
Many times, we spend so much time wallowing in our misery that we fail to look up and cry out to the One Who loves us and is WITH us through EVERY trial and sad moment in life. He is here. He is with us. He will NEVER leave us or forsake us.
The lesson for us in this Psalm of David is to RUN to Daddy! Let is all out before Him and beg Him to guide every step you make…every thought you have…and every word you speak. Let HIM take the lead.
And…
Never forget His UNFAILING love for you every day! He LOVES YOU! God loves loves loves YOU! You are more precious to Him than anything. You are the apple of His eye. He loves you so much that He takes the time to watch over you and hear you. He even knows the amount of hairs you have on your head. He formed you and KNEW you in your mothers womb. He sent His only begotten Son to die for you so that you could be with HIM for all eternity! HE LOVES YOU!!! Yes, He REALLY does!!
Now, THAT should bring a smile to your face!
Copyright © Lara Velez, All Rights Reserved
Let’s Pray;
Daddy God, thank You for loving and caring for me. Thank You for Your Word and the life it give. I love You, Lord and I want to crawl up on your lap and just sit with You. I am running to You, Daddy. I need You, NOW. I am in such turmoil and need Your everlasting love to embrace me and for You to save me from my own thoughts and feelings. Help me, Lord. Help me to remember WHO I belong to and all the many reasons to smile! Thank You. In Jesus Mighty Name.
Your Homework:
Look up the following Scriptures and study them…
- Hebrews 13:5
- Joshua 1:5
- Psalm 37:25
- 2 Corinthians 4:9, 10:5
- Romans 8:31-33
Dig Deeper:
Study Daddy’s Word and learn about what HE thinks of YOU!
Memorize: Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ - 2 Corinthians 10:5
Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved
Tuesdays Mommy Tip – Sore Throat Soother
Do you have a great tip for Moms? They can be about anything (family friendly, of course) that pertains to a Mom’s life, including; beauty, kitchen, health, parenting, and so much more! Click Here to find out how YOU can join Moms of Faith’s Tuesday’s Mommy Tips!
NOTE: PLEASE read the rules. We have a few who are not posting to the ACTUAL TIP post on their blog. I need you to post your link to the actual TIP POST…NOT the main page of your site. THANK YOU!!
OK, on to this week’s Mommy tip…
Sore Throat Soother
This is the season for sore throats…a quick tip that always helps my kids feel better is a teaspoon of honey. Maybe it is the sugar…LOL…however, I choose to believe that it is the soothing texture and how it sticks there for a bit. 
Budget Friendly Christmas Gift Ideas
This time of year can be expensive. Throw in an ailing economy and it can be down right depressing. However, we can have a decent Christmas and not break the bank. Below are some inexpensive gift ideas to help you get the most for your money!
Quick Tip: The very BEST way to shop is to shop AFTER the holidays and get all the great 50-70% off sales. You can also look for big sales throughout the year. If you can plan for that each year, you will have most of the work done by the time the next holiday season rolls around!
Low Cost Gift Ideas:
Homemade gifts:
A few Examples…
- knit, sew, crochet - You can make blankets, scarves, mittens, napkins, etc.
- scrapbook- You can create a photo collage, a special memory scrapbook, etc.
- woodwork – You can design some napkin rings, pens, cross, keepsake box, etc.
- jewelry – This is a great idea for those who have this ability. Make a beaded necklace, earring, etc.
- potpourri - You can make your own with different spices and scented oils.
- bath salts - create you own homemade jars of bath soaps
- Be Creative! You can do SO much of you just get those creative juices flowing and USE your God given talents!
Practical and Inexpensive Gifts you can Buy:
Time: Nothing says I care more than your time. You can make a coupon gift, take a friend to lunch, organize a room in your friend’s house. Whatever your talent is, give it to someone. It costs you nothing but your time and THAT is the best gift you can give.
Edible Goodies: This can go in so many directions. Cook for someone. Bake cookies and put them in decorative tins you can get at the dollar store. Make jar gifts with the dry ingredients and recipe of your favorite cookies, brownies, etc.
Pedicure: This is less then $20 and I know BOTH sexes like this! LOL!
Gift Cards: These are great gifts when you have no time or for parties. $10 is not a bad gift card. Trust me the person will NOT give it back! LOL!
Music: Create a CD of your friend or loved one’s favorite songs. If it is for a spouse make a LOVE CD.
Chocolate: For many women this is a gift they will LOVE you for!
Ornament: You can buy or design a pretty ornament.
Gift Basket: Get in inexpensive basket and add some of their favorite things to it. Or make it themed…candles, spa, edibles, etc.
Candles: Need I say more?
Gourmet Nuts: They sell these at grocery stores cheap. You can put them in a pretty container and there you have a yummy and fun gift.
Stationary: This is always a sure thing with a woman.
Gourmet Coffee or Teas: Again, you can find these in grocery stores. Instead of going to a specialty sop where you will spend too much money, buy them at the grocery store and make the presentation creative.
Magazine Subscription: Most magazine subscriptions are fairly inexpensive. They usually range from $10-$25.
Movie Night: Buy a $5 blockbuster gift card, large microwave movie theatre popcorn bowl, and candy. Put it in the popcorn container and there you have a gift that anyone will appreciate.
Beauty Supplies: Look for sales. Buy one get one free lotions are very popular this time of year. Use it to your advantage and you can have two gifts for the price of one.
Framed Picture: This is the perfect gift for a parent of loved one. Frame a picture you know they will appreciate. They will LOVE it!
For the Kids…Below are Cheap Gift Ideas for your children and teenagers.
Some of these inexpensive gift ideas can be used for multiple ages. That is why you may see the same idea more than once with a different twist in some cases!.
Toddlers…
Balls: Toddlers are easy to please. Balls are fun and teach eye hand coordination.
Dress Up Clothes: You do not have to spend a fortune on a store bought dress up outfit! Go to your local thrift store, give some pretty hand me downs, or clear your closet. They will LOVE dressing up.
Puzzles: Great gifts for little ones.
Books: Buy them a book and READ it to them.
Play Dough: My kids LOVED play dough and it’s non toxic, so this is a great and inexpensive gift for toddlers and even a little older.
Stuffed Animals: Who doesn’t love stuffed animals?
Children 5-10…
Time: Time is important to your kids. Make them a special coupon book of things you know they would like to do. Or make a “gift certificate” of a special day you plan and present it to them. They will have it to look forward to in the near future.
Dress Up Clothes: You do not have to spend a fortune on a store bought dress up outfit! Go to your local thrift store, give some pretty hand me downs, or clear your closet. They will LOVE dressing up.
Candy: This is a no-brainer.
Board game: Games are fun. PLAY the games with them.
Books: Buy them their favorite book or a few in their favorite series.
Diary: Encourage them to write their feelings.
Coloring Books and Crayons: Most kids love to color.
Hot Wheels: My HUSBAND loves these. LOL!
Stuffed Animals: Who doesn’t love stuffed animals?
Barbies: Great gift for a girl and MANY of them are $10 and under.
Slippers: Kids love character slippers. Pay Less sells them for cheap.
Jump Rope: Easy and great gift to get them moving.
Tweens and Teens…
Time: Time is important to your kids. Make them a special coupon book of things you know they would like to do. Or make a “gift certificate” of a special day you plan and present it to them. They will have it to look forward to in the near future.
Candy: This is a no-brainer.
Board game: Get a great game that a teenager will like and tape a coupon on it for a fun day with family and friends to play it. Teens are at the end of there time with us. MAKE the MOST of it!
Gift Cards: Teenagers LOVE to shop. This is a GREAT gift for a boy or girl.
Beauty Supplies: Most teenage girls LOVE anything related to beauty.
Disposable Cell Phone: If you cannot afford a cell phone, get them a disposable one. At least they will get it for a bit and it will encourage them to work for it!
CD’s: Music is a no-brainer. Be careful what you put in their ears though!
Books: If they like to read, get them their favorite type of book. Or get a devotional book. Spiritual growth is important at this age.
Journals: They need to have a place to vent and put their feelings
Pens: I know girls love these.
Craft Supplies: If they are crafty or good with their hands this is a fun gift.
Models: A lot of boys like to create models.
Pedicure: This is less then $20 and I know BOTH sexes like this! LOL!
Sports: Get them a poster of their favorite sports person. Or, anything related to sports!
Party: Create a coupon or certificate agreeing to throw a slumber or regular party for them and be the hostess with the mostest.
Clothes: What teenager doesn’t like clothes?
Magazine Subscription: Most magazine subscriptions are fairly inexpensive. They range from $10-$25.
As you can see, there are MANY things that you can do and buy this Christmas season without going crazy and overspending. Be creative. Pray. Look for the best deals, and soon you will find that holidays do not need to be expensive!
Copyright © Lara Velez, All Rights Reserved.
Do you have any ideas for cheap and inexpensive gift ideas? PLEASE let us know! You can respond to this post or email them to me at submissions @ momsoffaith.com!
Have an inexpensive Holiday Season!
CONGRATULATIONS Paulette!
Paulette entered our “Funny Mom Moment” Fun Fridays Contest and WON! She won a complete blog makeover ($225 value!)!! WHOO HOO! Congrats, Paulette! Please send me an email to Lara @ momsoffaith.com with I am a FUN Friday Winner in the subject line!
You could win too! WATCH for FUN Fridays on Moms of Faith!!!
Fun Fridays – Funny Mom Moment
For more information on Fun Fridays, Click Here.
Funny Mom Moment:
Share one of your funniest Mom moments on your blog with a link back to THIS post AND Moms of Faith HOME PAGE and you could win a FREE blog makeover!!! (wordpress self hosted or blogger) $225 value!
IMPORTANT! You MUST fill out Mr. Linky WITH your post TITLE AND a link to YOUR POST. If not, I will not enter you.
Winner will be chosen based on following rules above and how funny the moment was to my funny bone. LOL!
Note: Winner will be placed on my design schedule for the month of January.
IN These Last Days…
He has CALLED me…and YOU to this day. He has called US to live in these last days. Yes, I believe these ARE the last days.
Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. - 1 Timothy 4:1 (NLT)
Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. - 2 Peter 3:3 (NLT)
“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. - Matthew 7:21 (NLT)
Hmmm… Sounds like these days we are in. Where is the moral compass of our leaders and law makers? Yes, their consciences are dead. He knew we could handle living in these times though…even if we do not see it yet!
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. - Philippians 4:6-8 (NLT)
We will NOT be able to think on the things above if we do not guard our mind and ears!
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. - Romans 10:17
Let’s look at the “flip side” (opposite) of cometh and hearing in the above Romans Scripture…
Come - go, go away, depart, leave, withdraw, retreat.
Hearing - ignore, reject, disapprove, disagree with.
You see, when we are not setting our minds on the things above and listening to what the word says a.k.a GOD, we are telling faith and truth to leave, depart, go away. We are ignoring, rejecting, and disagreeing with God.
What we hear MATTERS. Whether it is coming from a news program, blogs, what people are saying, movies, television, etc. What we HEAR directly affects what will come. Faith COMES by HEARING.
Fight the good fight of the faith; lay hold of the eternal life to which you were summoned, and for which you confessed the good confession of faith before many witnesses. - I Timothy 6:12
How can we fight the good fight of faith if we are telling faith to leave, depart, go away.
How can we fight the good fight of faith if we are ignoring, rejecting, and disagreeing with God by not hearing the Word of God.
How will we have peace in this current world if we do NOT FILL OUR MINDS with God’s Word…a.k.a TRUTH!
The flip side of faith is; doubt, uncertainty, skepticism, unbelief, mistrust, denial, dissent, discredit, infidelity, rejection, agnosticism.
For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. - Jeremiah 29:11
THAT IS THE TRUTH!
No demon…
NO circumstance….
NO president…
NOTHING can change what GOD has for us OR His love for US!
NOTHING!
NO weapon formed against us shall prosper!
We are the head and NOT the tail!
We are above and not beneath!
Greater is He who is IN us than he that is in the world.
Daddy will NEVER leave us or forsake us.
WE are the apple of His EYE!
BEWARE of what you allow yourself to hear!!!
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. - Romans 10:17
In these days, we MUST be on guard more than ever.
We must be aware more than ever.
We must PRAY more than ever.
We must seek His Face MORE THAN EVER!
We must read His Word MORE THAN EVER!
We MUST teach our children His Word and Ways MORE THAN EVER!
We have a call my dear Moms of Faith. We have a CALL! A call to teach our children and to live out loud…yes OUT LOUD for our Beloved Saviour Jesus Christ.
Let’s start a FIRE!!!!
“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! – Revelation 3:15-16 (NLT)
Copyright © Lara Velez, All Rights Reserved
Let’s Pray;
Daddy God, Thank You for creating me. Thank You for choosing me to live in these days. Thank You for Your strength, and Your mighty Word. Help me to seek You. Thank You that it has all the information I need to live a happy, peace filled, and consecrated life. Help me to live for You. Help me to stand up for You and what is right. Help me to teach my children YOUR ways. Help me to guard my ears. Help me to recognize the things I listen to that are not pleasing to You and steer me away from YOUR purpose. Help me to find the right things to hear. Give me strength to let go of the things and people that I listen to the are faith robbers. I love You, Lord. I want to stand before You at the end of my days and hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant, Well done!” I want to FIGHT the good fight of faith! Help set a fire in me that will blaze all the way to Heaven! I want to be ON FIRE for YOU!!! Help me to teach my children to do the same. THANK YOU! Praise Your Holy and Magnificent Name. You are Worthy. You are Holy! You are MY BELOVED! You are MIGHTY! YOU ARE LOVING YOU AND YOU ALONE ARE MY PROVIDER YOU ARE THE ALPHA AND OMEGA YOU ARE PRINCE OF PEACE Thank You FOR LOVING ME!! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen!
Your Homework:
Look up the following Scriptures and study them…
- Daniel 2:44
- 7 Timothy 4:1
- 2 Peter 3:3
- Philippians 4:6-8
- Revelation 3:15-16
Dig Deeper:
Begin to seek God about how YOU can be on FIRE for Him. As Him to show you how to live out loud and make a REAL difference for righteousness and morality and TRUTH!!!
Memorize: “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! – Revelation 3:15-16 (NLT)
I do not know about you, but I most certainly do not want to be cold…OR spewed out! I want to be ON FIRE for JESUS!!!!!!!
Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved
In Him,
Tuesday’s Mommy Tip – Reducing Acidity in Tomato Sauce
Do you have a great tip for Moms? They can be about anything (family friendly, of course) that pertains to a Mom’s life, including; beauty, kitchen, health, parenting, and so much more! Click Here to find out how YOU can join Moms of Faith’s Tuesday’s Mommy Tips!
NOTE: PLEASE read the rules. We have a few who are not posting to the ACTUAL TIP post on their blog. I need you to post your link to the actual TIP POST…NOT the main page of your site. THANK YOU!!
OK, on to this week’s Mommy tip…
Reducing Acidity in Tomato Sauce
I grew up with an Italian Mother. One positive thing I can say about her is that she was a good cook. She gave me a love for cooking and Italian food. However, we do things very differently. I am always looking for a healthy way to do it. Many people, my husband included, suffer from heart burn after eating something with tomato sauce. Now, some Italians use sugar or wine. I do not like either in my sauce. So, I peel a large baking potato and cook place it in the made sauce to cook with it for about an hour. It reduces the acidity. How do I know? Well, since I started doing it, my husband does not get heartburn when I make a dish using my homemade tomato sauce.
Organizing Tips for Christmas Season
As many of my faithful reader know, I am organizationally challenged. So, I went on a search for a helpful article on organizing for the holidays and this is what I found…
Start the Christmas Season the Organized Way
I am sure that by now you are all running around at a frantic pace trying to get everything ready for the Holidays. Each in our own way and own religion celebrate this season with family and friends and I wish you and yours a joyous Holiday. I know at this time of year that you don’t really have the extra time that you really want in order to relax so let me see if I can give you a few shortcuts to help ease the burden of the season.
It isn’t only the hustle and bustle of buying the Christmas gifts that can become stressful, it is all of the other things that we need to get ready at this time of year, get the house clean, make out Christmas Cards, bake cookies and make candy and don’t forget to plan the BIG Christmas Dinner! It can become so overwhelming that our brain shuts down at times and that is one of the main reasons that I live with ‘lists’. I hope that these little hints will help to make your season brighter and a lot more MERRY!
Things To Do In December
Are you getting mixed up with everything that you have to do, places to go, parties to go to, appointments , gifts to purchase and cards to send?
Try this for a helpful hint: Get a three ring binder and put a calendar in the front of the binder that has only the month of December.
Now mark what day you are going to do the Christmas Cards. Insert a divider in the binder that is labeled Christmas Card List. Take a lined piece of paper and add columns for: every ones name, address, city, state and Zip Code, and two extra columns; one labeled sent and one received. As you do your cards this year, fill in your list so you have it ready for next year.
Insert Another Divider labeled: Christmas Grocery List
Insert two pieces of paper in this section, label one “Groceries” and the other “Munchies” Now you can list things as you think of them so all you will have to do is grab your list and go. If you shop like I do and buy things as they are on sale; use your master list for a shopping list and then check off the items as you purchase them. You will always know what it is that you still need to purchase.
Insert another Divider and label: Recipes
In this section I make copies of all of the recipes that I will need to use for cookies, candy, Christmas Dinner, Munchies etc. Now I have everything in one place year after year and just add things to it when I change the menu.
Insert a Divider labeled: Craft and Decorations
Here I make a list of my holiday table decorations, things that I make that are special for the kids (cookies, popsicles, favorite drinks and juices etc.) This way I have a list from year to year and don’t have to think about what I made last year or how I did the table.
Add another Divider and label it: Gift Giving
This is the best one, if you are like me, you forget from year to year what you bought for people and it gets so embarrassing when you repeat gifts. In this section, add a piece of paper for everyone that you buy for and put his or her name on the top of the page. Now list the gifts that you purchase for them as you buy them or as you wrap them, this way you have a referral list for everyone on your list. If your family is one that exchanges names for Holiday Giving, this is a good place to keep the Master Lists so they do not get lost.
All of your lists are in one handy binder and nothing will get lost from year to year. Next year just pull out your handy binder and you already have a head start.
Need Ideas for that “LITTLE SOMETHING” Gift?
We all have people that we give a “Little Something” to at Christmas Time, but it is getting harder and harder to find things that are within our budget. Some of these may help to ease the burden of coming up with something that shows you care: Most of these gifts can be found at your local Dollar Store or are relatively inexpensive.
- A Basket filled with Bathroom soaps, a candle, bath salts, a fancy washcloth and brushes
- Windshield Ice Scraper
- Cover for the steering wheel
- A candle with a candle ring
- A small basket filled with a variety of cookies or snacks
- Pair of gloves
- Stationary
- Cookie Mix in a Jar
- Pocket or Purse Calendar with days marked in it for a ‘get together’ such as lunch
- Hot Pads in a Baking Dish
- Kitchen Towels and Wash Cloths with a bottle of Dish Soap
- Address Book
- Box of Chocolates
- Small hand tool- you can’t have too many of these
- Candy dish filled with yummy stuff
HOW SHOULD I ORGANIZE MY CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS?
There are so many ideas on how to do this that the list is just endless. Color co-ordinate your boxes for Christmas win Red and green so you know which ones are for Christmas. Label the boxes or tape pictures on the outside so you know what is in the boxes. Make a list and tape it on the outside of the boxes. Stack the Christmas boxes in one area so you know which ones to pull out. The list goes on and on and they are all great ideas, but we have heard them all before, so let us try a few new ones that have not been suggested.
1. Add a big red bow to the box that has the door wreath, your Christmas Binder, table placemats and tablecloth, Kitchen Christmas towels and pot holders and a picture from last years Christmas to help to remind you that this is all worth it. This is the box that you will take out first, usually right after Thanksgiving, to give you the holiday boost you will need.
2. The box with the Green Bow has the outside lights in it and we all know that we want to get these put up before the weather gets to windy and cold (especially in Wisconsin where I live).
3. Now comes the Christmas paper container that we will want to move to a closet or the bedroom so it is handy as we get those presents so they can be wrapped and labeled right away.
Wow that was a big job done!! But, we are ready to attack the Christmas List and make our grocery list and have the information we need to write out our Cards.
About the Author: Jan Hayner is a Professional Organizer and the creator of Organizing Your Life—-the easy way; at www.organizingyourlifetheeasyway.com. Visit her website for tips and shortcuts on Home Organizing, Household Cleaning Solutions and Fast and Easy Recipes. Get her free pampnlets “50 Things That Only Take 10 Minutes To Organize” and “Guiltbusters for Working Moms”. Free Newsletter, pamphlets and checklists to help you take the stress out of life.
Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com
