The Times They Are A Changing

Most of the year I really try to eat a healthy diet. Even during holidays I don’t go completely crazy, but I have been know to stray a bit. Jenn at General Parenting has been posting some mouth-watering holiday cookie and candy recipes. Not only are they extremely tempting, they are on the low end of complicated which is how I like my recipes. This got me thinking.

Many times Christmas is one of the few times we some of our friends and family through the whole year. With everyone’s budget dragging below sea level, there must be a way to still enjoy the parties and get-togethers we normally have. Of course, large extended families have been picking names for gifts (outside their immediate families) for a long time. So, that might be a nice practice this year even if your extended family isn’t so large.

In a way, you could look at these times as almost a blessing. I don’t use that work often, but think of how you can make Christmas so much more personal than you have in the past when you shopped at the mall for gifts. There are still some gifts you can make, although time is getting short. The important thing about making gifts is to be reasonable about the time you have to put into it. Don’t, at this late date, plan on making all your gifts. You will be overwhelmed and won’t enjoy the holidays. Find that one person who would really enjoy getting something you handmade.

Parties and Getogethers

1. A sit down dinner for 14 might be out of your budget this year as far as pre-Christmas parties go. So, consider a later party around 7:00 pm or 8:00 pm when your guests have already eaten their evening meal. Ask every one to bring their favorite cookie/candy/dessert they usually make for the holidays. Also, ask them to bring copies of the recipe so party members can take them home. (I thought of this idea as it’s much like a cookie exchange). All you have to supply is your dessert dish and recipe, holiday decorating and drinks (eggnog, coffee, etc.).

2. If you do decide on a pre-holiday dinner, there’s no need to serve prime rib or any really expensive foods. How about a Mexican food theme? I have a simple and delicious recipe for Chicken Enchiladas. If anyone is interested, just ask and I’ll send it to you. Finish with Spanish rice, black beans and a green salad. Easy peasy! Dessert again can just be those holiday cookies and candies you’ve been baking. Go one step further and have each person/family bring a new unwrapped gift for a needy child. The next day you can deliver them to a location requesting these gifts.

3. What about a holiday party for kids. The food is always easy which, of course, will include the holiday goodies. But, set up a craft table. This can be done for any age group and almost all kids love doing arts and crafts. Just make sure the crafts are age appropriate. They could make ornaments, holiday decorations or even a gift for mom or dad. Take a stroll down the isles of your local craft store for ideas. There are plain ornaments that just need painting. After the kids have painted them, you could take them outside or in the garage and spray a clear coating on them while they enjoy their food. After they are dry, attach inexpensive thin ribbon for hanging. This article tells how to make Christmas snow globes out of baby food jars (but it would seem any small jars would work).

Ask each child to bring a clean small jar with them, but plan on having some extras for those who forget - they are kids after all. This sounds like so much fun, I wonder if this idea wouldn’t make a good party for an afternoon tea. Just find something a little more sophisticated for the adults (probably women) to create.

Note: Send your invitations via email or go to evite.com

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