You'll be busier than ever this holiday season, so here's how you can get the most out of these festive occasions with the least amount of time and stress.
Mark your calendar Plan what you will do each day for the next week, and plan to start your activity on schedule.
Make a List Make a list of supplies you need. Make a list of people you plan to give gifts to.
Plan your shopping trips With the price of gas, you need to plan your shopping trips and don't forget your list and try to stick to it.
Bake home made cookies It's surprising what a few gaily decorated sweets can do. Brightly decorated cookies not only are taste-ticklers, but they make interesting gifts...especially when packaged with holiday wrapping and bows. Make the dough in advance and store in the refrigerator, or buy the cookie dough. Costco and most grocery stores now carry a wide variety of cookie doughs.
Try these Time-Savers Keep a supply of peeled carrots, celery, and lettuce in the refrigerator ready for an attractive veggie salad plate. Save tidbits of meat from turkey bones. Use for gravies or chop fine, add relish for sandwich spread.
Here's an easy to make Holiday Cookie:
You will need: 1 cup shortening, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup white sugar, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons orange juice, 1 tablespoon grated orange rind 2 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 1/2 cup pecan nut meats (broken).
Cream shortening and add sugars gradually, while beating constantly. Add egg, well beaten, orange juice and orange rind. Sift flour, soda, and salt together and add the nuts. Form into rolls. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use. When ready, slice thin, place on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes. You can decorate before or after baking, depending on your mood.
