Join a Potluck Dinner Group
Keep the giving and receiving going well into the New Year by coming together every month with a small group of friends and/or family members for a potluck dinner. My recipe for Barbecued Pulled Pork or Chicken Sandwiches is not only easy to make, but a real crowd-pleaser. And like all of these holiday tips, you'll find the love and care you put into it will come back to you manifold all year long.
Throw a Wrap Party
One of the last tasks on everyone's to-do list in December is wrapping gifts. Turn this sometimes-dreaded job into a fun event by hosting a "wrap party." Everyone brings beautiful holiday-themed gift wrap and ribbon to share and their presents needing wrapped. You set up "wrapping stations" around your home with supplies (pens, labels, scissors, trash can, etc.). Guests move from station to station depending on the gift wrap they would like to use. Be sure to fill your home with Christmas music and serve heartwarming spiced cider and Sister Schubert's Cinnamon Rolls to get everyone in the mood. You all will be amazed at how quickly you finish. After all, many hands (and good company) do make fast work!
Holiday Tips: Give a Little, Get a Lot
The season of giving is upon us, but with the help of family and friends, you can also find yourself receiving some of the season's greatest gifts. See how these tips will not only help lighten your load this holiday, but also help you spend more quality time with those who matter most.
Organize a Toy Swap
If you have little ones at home like us, then you know how toys can quickly pile up. And November is a great time to sort through them and decide which ones need a new home.
Organize a "toy swap" and invite neighbors, church members and family. Ask those invited to bring their own hand-me-down toys (in clean, working condition), and let them know they will be able to take home as many toys as they bring to swap. Doing this type of exchange at holiday time is really a win-win situation. Those participating get a jump on Christmas shopping without spending a dime, and any toys that don’t find a new home can be donated to charity – making wonderful Christmas gifts for children in need.
Host a Cookie Exchange
As you head into December, keep with the spirit of sharing by hosting a cookie exchange. Everyone loves home-baked goods at Christmas, but it is a time-consuming task. When you take part in a cookie exchange, you only have to bake one variety, but in return, you receive a delicious assortment of goodies, made by those you love and who love you. For your contribution, try my favorite Christmas Sugar Cookies.
