They’re coming fast. The holidays are upon us folks, even if it seems like we still have lots of time. Think about it. How many weeks are left until your kids start Christmas vacation?
See what I mean?
Since I am one that far too often waits until the last minute, I have been trying to get better organized. I’ve already started shopping for Thanksgiving. I don’t mean to brag, but I’m feeling pretty good about this, since I’m usually one of those people you see in the stores on the eve of any major holiday. Not this year! Knock on wood…
Even if it seems too early to shop for Thanksgiving, and it may be too early to purchase certain items, there are things you can begin collecting now. You can also take advantage of some of those early sales. I bought some cranberry sauce the other day for about half the usual price. The “best before” date is good until March 2007, so I put it in the pantry on my “Thanksgiving shelf” along with a few other early bird items.
Now, you might be wondering why I’m using canned cranberry sauce instead of making homemade. Well, I’m going to use a great trick my aunt taught me, which I’ll share with you. Buy one can of whole berry cranberry sauce and one can of the jellied style. The night before Thanksgiving, mix them together and stir in one small jar of orange marmalade. Chill overnight and stir before serving. Garnish with orange slices, and you will have delicious cranberry sauce that is as good as homemade, without all the fuss and muss (and you can start purchasing these items now).
Gathering as many items here and there in the weeks approaching the holidays will make things easier when the big day arrives. It also helps you avoid spending a large sum all at once, because you can break it up into smaller purchases over time. This works for me, especially with four growing kids to feed! Now, if I can just keep them out of the stuff on the Thanksgiving shelf for the next few weeks, I’ll be all set.