So, you’re hosting the big family and friends Christmas meal this year, for the first time. Yikes, right? Oh, the pressure – mostly that we put on ourselves. It is the first time we are hosting in such a major way and so we want everything to be perfect (at least by our standards). Don’t worry, you’ve got this.
First, let’s start first by facing the truth – The Christmas holidays can be brutal; they are not for the weak or faint-hearted. They are for the fittest, the strongest and the bravest. You have to possess certain qualities in order to survive, and still have the energy needed for January 2 when you return to work. You need to be an organizer, a shopper, an entertainer and oh, a cook.
If we’re not careful, the holidays can take the joy out of cooking, even for those of us who love to cook. We’re not only busy planning menus and shopping for ingredients but we’re also making the gift-list and checking it twice so that no one’s left out. We’re cleaning and decorating the house, squeezing in errands during lunch time, keeping our commitments to organize our social club’s party, helping out with the church’s annual Christmas luncheon and the staff party. Even thinking about it is exhausting. But I have a plan – a plan that works for me and I know that it can help you. Feel free to tweak it here and there to suit your circumstances and make it your own, just as you would a recipe.
