Taking The Hassle Out Of Christmas - Part Three - Planning For The Big Day

Christmas is a time to create memories and family traditions, we have a few.

Everyone must stir the Christmas Cake
The tree gets decorated with more than just Mums input.
Streamers everywhere are a must.

I am a hoarder, I still have Christmas decorations that the children made me in kindergarten, and ones they had given me for Christmas itself, and even ones, my nieces and nephews made me, every year I still put them up, it gives the house a real warm feeling.

It doesn't have to cost the earth, Christmas is about togetherness and the joy of Creation.

I always start planning about October, as we normally have 20-25 people here for Christmas Dinner alone with people coming and going all day long, some Christmases are quiet and there may be 8-10 but that happens very rarely.


At the supermarket 

Start getting dinner bargains

I'm  always on the look out for specials

Party Drinks
Wine
Paper Tablecloths
Disposable Plates
Beer
Serviettes
Chickens
Bread
Cheeses ( dates have to last till Xmas )
Chips
Crackers
Dips
Pates ( again dates have to last well after Xmas)
Chocolates
Xmas Biscuits
Presents Ideas

Anything that you see, that will save you on the big day is a massive savings, keeps lists of what you have pre brought so you do not double up.



Decorating the house the family way

Decorations made with love are the best kind, sure we can go to the shop and spend $100.00 on decorations if we chose too, or if we could, but there is nothing nicer than knowing that all the decorations were made with love.

Making  Your Own Christmas Decorations

Pretty Pinecones

  

Dip pinecones in gold paint (either partially or all of the way) or use a mixture of water, glue, and glitter for a sparkling effect.

Place on side tables or use to fill baskets and bowls.

The little baby pinecones look really sweet in baskets around the house as well.

Dream of Sugarplums

For a fast, sweet decoration, put out bowls of holiday candy in pretty, stemmed glassware.

Look around the Salvation Army shops of 2nd hand shops and find some really pretty display glasses
if you want to leave them out for longer than one day get sweets that are wrapped.

Homemade Doorknobs

Deck the doorknobs with jolly kid-made bells.

It's a great activity for days when it's too wet or chilly to play outside and -- between your craft bin and the refrigerator -- you probably have all the supplies on hand:an egg carton, paint, glitter, glue, and yarn.

Scissors
Egg carton
Acrylic poster paint
Glue
Glitter
Embroidery needle
Yarn
Jingle bells
Step 1
Cut the cone-shape pieces that separate the eggs out of a cardboard carton (one egg carton will produce five bells). 

Step 2 Paint each divider, using acrylic or poster paint. Let dry; apply glue along the edge of the divider, all over the outside, or wherever you like, and sprinkle with glitter. 
Step 3 
Thread an embroidery needle with yarn, poke a hole through a bell's crown, and pull yarn through partway. For a clapper, slip a jingle bell onto the end of the yarn; tie a knot above the jingle bell. Tie several bells around a doorknob, staggering the lengths of the yarn. 


Salt Dough Initials

Salt Dough Christmas Ornaments

You could spell out Merry Christmas

We love using salt dough for making little models, taking prints from nature and for learning a little during all that play.

Salt dough is one of the easiest things to make at home and requires only 3 very simple ingredients!

Easy peasy salt dough recipe:

• 1 cup salt
• 1 cup plain flour (all purpose)
• Up to half a cup of water (add bit by bit until the right consistency)

Mix together until smooth. Knead into a stretchy dough. If it is too sticky then add more flour. Use it to make just about anything!

When the models are finished, lay them on some baking parchment (greaseproof paper) and cook on a very low heat for about 2 hours. About 100 degrees C (210 F) is enough. If the models are thick then they will need to be turned half way through and may need an extra hour.

If you want them to hang up then don’t forget to stick a skewer through them before they go in the oven. I always forget!When dry they can be painted and varnished and should last a long time, unless dropped

Salt Dough Trees:

Using the same salt dough as above, but colour it green, then roll out make tree shapes and poke a hole for the ribbon then bake following instructions above.

The recipe involves lots of gloopy (PVA) glue drizzled over the cooked, cooled shapes, then smothered in glitter, sequins, pom poms and any other small paraphernalia you can find!
Shake off any excess glitter 

The finished, delightful, ornaments!
Hanging up by their strings, waiting for the tree!

Crepe Paper Streamers

Now days you can get all different colours of crepe paper and balloons so you can theme your lounge into wonderful colours and really give it that festive feel..
Just cut  the crepe paper wad into about 8 pieces lengthwise,and then sellotape one end to the wall or ceiling and twist and unwind then once you get to the other end of the room sellotape that to the wall or ceiling and secure it


Fruit Pomanders

Although these are very time consuming to make the smell they give off is amazing

You will need

Oranges
Whole Cloves
Ribbon

Decide on a pattern and work the cloves into the skin of the orange  do it over a plate or towels as the juice may leak out.

Once you have your clove design tie a ribbon around the orange and either hang it someone to permeate or place in bowls somewhere close to where people sit, so they get that Christmas feel.

Pre Planning Who Will Be There

It always good to know ahead of time how many you will be expecting, so try emailing or phoning and get numbers in, not just for the food side of it, but everyone at my place on Christmas Day gets a gift, so I can be on top of the list rather than get a surprise on the day

If you have a Christmas Dinner where family and friends bring a plate, co-ordinate it so that you can phone ahead and ask if they have a preference for what the bring, that way your full menu can be planned just from making a few calls and it spreads the costs evenly and doesn't just let one person cover the bill.

Everyone has different skills, so utilise those skills

My teenage nieces love doing the desserts, so that's cool, it saves me having to do them, so I can focus on something else, they purchase the ingredients and make them up, and that is their families contribution.

My sister cooks the chicken  so once again she buys the chicken and cooks them, and brings them down covered in tinfoil, ready to go in the warmer drawer.

We do have some booze, but mostly you bring what you drink, so that way, you don't have to buy stuff you may never touch again till next year, and believe me even beer has an expiry date, so I found out.

Seating

With lots of people come the seating woo's, so when you know your numbers add 4 ( for just in cases) and then go about hiring chairs or borrowing off friends and family, so you can make sure everyone has a seat at the table.

Weather

Christmas Day is not always fine, so always have a backup plan.

Venue

Depending on numbers attending it may be beneficial to host Christmas somewhere people friendly than the average house, you may chose to go to a restaurant or another venue that totally caters for Christmas Dinner, I guess it all depends on your budget.

Maybe hiring a big tent or marque is the way to go.

Toilets

Of course with lots of people comes the use of the very important room, so pre plan it may be beneficial to hire some portable toilets, and showers if people are staying over, and also gather bedding from friends and family, or request those that are staying over bring there own bedding

Lots of people

Lots of people, means lots of people to keep occupied, and you do not want them inside, so keep them occupied we have a Christmas Day Sports bag, it has softball bat, tennis balls, cricket bat, softball mitts, rugby ball, woosh ball, and lots of  old family board games and cards.

Of course after Christmas this bag needs to be checked to make sure nothing needs replacing, and that games have been put back together properly and I normally rubber band them so no parts can escape.

Rubbish Bins

Plenty of rubbish bins and rubbish bags need to be scattered around as there is one you can guarantee with a lot of people there will always be rubbish.

And the less you have to pick up the better.

Glad wrap & Serviettes, Plastic Knifes , Spoons and Forks

Make sure you have plenty of these items, we have a family kit, that has loads of real knifes, forks and spoons and also a plastic tub with tea towels, so that dishes can be done outside, and after each meal all utensils go in there and they can get dealt too outside away from the house.

Paper plates get chucked so it a minimal clean up mess.

Batteries

Have you noticed that everything now days needs a battery, so look clearly at labels and see what you will need on hand on Christmas Day, and always keep some spare, for those children visiting that open a toy and then are upset because it can't be played with.

Enjoy

Although it is only one day it is a very special day and by being orginised it makes it a lot easier to manage.

Taking The Hassle Out Of Christmas - Part Two - Gift Idea's For Everyone

Well now is the time that you start making people and present lists, watching the supermarket and chain store specials and start buying partial presents that could suit just that certain someone, and complete those last minute '' I know I should of got something extra ''comments, so that options can be made at a later stage and no one is left out.

We seem to have categories, don't we

• Acquaintances
• Face book & Email Friends
• BFF Friends
• Family
• Extended Families
• Gift Swappers
• Secret Santa's

Some people are just satisfied with receiving just a message from you, so here are a few links for really cool animated Christmas Ecards, which the whole family will love, and just perfect for those

Acquaintances or Facebook & Email Friends

https://app.box.com/#/files/0/f/0/1/f_10541209167

http://www.theoworlds.com/christmas/

http://www.bluemountain.com/ecards/christmas/interactive/card-3287002

http://www.bluemountain.com/ecards/christmas/interactive/card-3147366

http://www.bluemountain.com/ecards/christmas/interactive/card-3145370

A couple for the children

http://www.bluemountain.com/ecards/christmas/interactive/card-3145169

http://www.bluemountain.com/ecards/christmas/interactive/card-3339162

A card the whole family can get together and make to send out

http://bargainer.co.nz/content/bargains/cast-christmas-holiday-ecards

And something just a little bit special to send out to the children, a video message from Santa

http://bargainer.co.nz/content/bargains/santa-video-message

Or watching the reindeer on their flight for Christmas

http://reindeercam.com/

Now we are getting down to the nitty gritty the 

BFF's of the world.

Now they do need to receive something tremendous.
Depending on your budget of course, here are a few ideas.
And of course a nice soap or some homemade fudge would do just fine, but for that something special

For the girls:

This firm will personalise a wine label for you, you chose the wine, design the label and they will do the rest, it says their wine starts from $10.00 but there will be set up costs to do this I'm guessing but a super duper idea.

http://www.signaturewines.co.nz/

For the guys:

Personalised Golf Balls
There is a minimum number to order, but it works out at less than $1.00 a ball

http://www.golfballs.co.nz/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=4

For the person who just has absolutely everything, I bet they dont have one of these, and they are best believe me, the Kids got me one a few years ago and I use it all the time, it stops your banana from getting squished in your handbag.

Streets ahead in Palmerston North had them I think they were $8.00

Family, 
Where would we be without them.

Nieces & Nephews

I set my self a limit for the nieces and nephews, and it is normally around the $20.00 mark, but then most of mine only receive the one present from me every year as once they get to be 16 yrs old I don't buy Birthday presents anymore for them, so I think $20.00 is pretty reasonable.

Their gifts normally are a voucher of something they are into and a box of chocolates, that I have managed to pick up on a special leading up to Christmas.

My own children

I have a limit for my both my children and their wives.
Now that they are married, its easier to chose one item that they really need, and let it cover Christmas for both of them, that way if the item brought come to $100.00 - $200.00 say, it is not to bad, but it would be rare that I would spend that amount.


Extended Family

Some home preserves maybe, some of your famous Tomato Sauce that they all love, possibly give a Bottle per individual family, or  maybe do some small jars of jam, or pickle, they can be dressed up with a fancy self personalised label and a nice ribbon.

Or maybe you can find something out of this Christmas Cookie Cook Book

https://app.box.com/s/ekgm3gnmm93ir3mqskui

and give a gift of love.



Gift Swappers

Wondering what a gift swapper is, well its simple.
You get invited to an after work drinks evening, or a Xmas BBQ and really feel that you must take something as you know everyone will gift swapping.


Secret Santa ( For Churches or for the needy)

This is where shops like the,

•  $2 Shop
• Dollar Deals
• Emporiums
• Coin Saves
• Back Street Budget Stores

come in handy as there is just so much to chose from.



Secret Santa For Family Gifting

Normally a dollar amount is set for a gift exchange or a category, so this makes it a little easier to make purchases, but depending on the gift amount, it may work out to be an expensive gift, so don't be afraid to speak your mind, if the costs are too high.

I would also suggest looking out for these items anytime your shopping, as they are so handy to have in your gift bag all year round, for the in case presents that quite often come up.

• Body Washes
• Luffers
• Pretty Soaps
• Handkerchiefs
• Roses Chocolates
• Fudges
• Favourite chocolates
• Itunes Vouchers, sometimes they have 3x $20.00 cards for $50.00
• Warehouse Vouchers, sometimes they also have 3x $20.00 cards for $50.00

Check out loyalty cards, such as Fly buys, Visa Hot Points, Brownie Points on your Power Bill accounts as sometimes you can redeem points for vouchers, and these make great gift ideas, I usually get 1x Warehouse voucher off my Brownie Points each year,and a good few presents off Fly buys, and on my hot points as well, I can do either redeem presents or accept vouchers, it depends on what I need to complete the list.

Although of course like everything there are hidden charges, they are almost effectively FREE.

Trade me is another great place to shop but make sure you know what you're looking for, as sometimes you end up spending more than you had bargained for.
The $1.00 reserves (my favourite hang out) is a great place to find a bargain, go to NEW, then Closing Soon and have a look through a few pages, you will be amazed at what you can find.

Through the year, if you've been a good budgetor you would have browsed through sales catalogues and stocked a few things away, also as you were shopping, if you had seen a few little bits and pieces that could be a potential present, you would've grabbed it and hidden it away, so now would be the perfect time to go through your Present box or Free box and piece together what's in there and line it up with potential present getter's.


Avon special catalogues are a great thing to look through as well as they have great special such as talcum powders for $2.00 which can be accompanied by something extra for the Aunties.

Also another place I love to lurk, is Vista print, you can design all sorts of fabulous goodies, and if you are an email hoarder like myself, you will keep all past emails, which include little treasures like this link

Vista print free delivery voucher, when you spend $30.00 or more.

http://bargainer.co.nz/content/bargains/vistaprint-free-shipping-coupon

And sometimes, just sometimes, they have a whole lot of stuff that is free, you only have to pay the postage, and its well worth the $7.00 post to receive the goods, Ive previously received stuff like, pens, notebooks, personalised post it notes, tote bag or library book bags, cups, bookmarks, t shirts and they were all free and they all go towards, Secret Santa for the local Church collection or if its something specific for me, then its a bonus.

Here is what they are offering now, it is a great idea.

Custom iPhone Case:
Only $10 each plus delivery.
Upload your own photos or use our designs.

vistaprint.co.nz

Now I have given you all my Christmas Secrets, you are bound to find some bargains.

BUT If you are still stuck for ideas, here are a few ways of getting some Christmas Stocking filler for next to nothing, IF not NOTHING!!!

Keep your eyes open. 
Chances are you'll start seeing free items like java singles given away at coffee shops, or perfume and makeup samples at department stores.
My hairdresser keeps a bowl of free shampoo and conditioner singles for her customers. Bath-and-body product stores sometimes offer free samples at the register.

Regifting rules! 
Did you receive a sudoku book, coffee gift card or frou-frou lotion set that you know you'll never use? Maybe somebody else will.

Conference calls. 
At many professional seminars or conferences the sponsoring companies offer promotional items.
In the last couple of years I've gotten quite a few giftable treats: small notepads, a coffee gift card, lip balm, stress balls, hand cream, pretty pens, flash drives and "rattlesnake eggs" (pairs of small, oval magnets -- a big hit with my young nephews).

Enter Lucky Drawings. 
I've won quite a few items -- toys, dining gift certificates, fancy coffee, videos, an iPod Shuffle -- just by filling out a form or dropping my business card in a box.
If you're lucky enough to win a prize that's too big for a stocking, put a picture of it in the sock.

Social media giveaways. 
Companies give away snacks, beauty products, toiletries, gift cards and other goodies to get attention.
Follow companies whose products you like and check in at least once a day.
(Note: Start a separate e-mail account to keep freebie mail from cluttering up your inbox.) If you're really ambitious, check out…

Social media contests. 
Cameras, computers, airline tickets, electronics, jewelry, automobiles and cold, hard cash are given away regularly. 

Black Friday gift cards. 
Read the ads carefully, because some stores hand out gift cards (or small gift items) to the earliest shoppers.


Check the mail
Some department stores mail spectacular coupons, e.g., "$10 off a purchase of $10 or more." Spend as close to $10 as you can.

Christmas Gift Guide

If you are still stuck for something to buy for that one person

http://bargainer.co.nz/content/bargains/hundreds-great-christmas-gift-ideas


Christmas Gifts For Children To Make To Give Away

Boys

Ok Here is a very effective gift, because Men are so messy they need something for their screws, nails and bolts, so I have the perfect idea, and it wont cost the earth.

You will need Mums help for this.

A Piece of wood about 40 cm long 4 cm wide
4 Jam jars with Metal Lids
Some Screws, Nuts & Bolts and Nails
Varnish & Sandpaper & Paintbrush

You will need to make sure you piece of wood is smooth and has no rough edges, so sanding is a must.
The varnish, this gives it a nice finish and will keep it looking nice for a while.
Get Mum to measure out 4 even points and screw your lid flatside to the underside of the wood and then fill your jars and screw onto lids.

This makes a perfect gift for Grandads or Popas or even Dad, I remember one year my boys made their Grandads these and upon opening them,  they took the gift and the boys straight out to the garage to find the perfect spot for them and then screwed it into the wall, where the still sit.


For The Girls

Rock of Love

Go to the paintshop with Mum and get a few different colours of test pots, these make ideal paints for this present idea.
This is a definate outside job......

Nan or Grandma will love it !!
They can place it in their potplants of the garden

You will need, some awesome rocks
Paints( Waterbased) and a paintbrush
Varnish

Decide what you would like to do, and go for it, whether you leave it plain or paint a pretty design, let each layer dry in the sun before adding another, glitter could be added for that special touch.
Make sure yuo put down some newspaper of plastic so you dont get paint everywhere.

Another idea is to paint the rock a plain colour, then write a note on it such as

Grandma's Garden
Grandpa's Vegetable Patch
I Love you
Garden Fairy

They will love it.

Taking The Hassle Out Of Christmas - Part One - Christmas Parties What To Take

Ok we have all panicked when were invited to a Christmas Party and thought what can I take, and known full well that you would have to make something yourself, as every cent was accounted for,  well here is the solution, when of course a box of favourites simply just won't do..........

Round Filled Cob Loaf 

This is delicious

Cut the top off a cob loaf, and retain the cut piece.

Scrape the inside of a round cob loaf out and bake in a moderate oven for approx 30 minutes.

Cook in a small frying pan with a little butter

1 Chopped onion and 4 Rashers of bacon

While that is cooking, mix together

200 g of Sour Cream
300 g of Grated Cheese
Salt & Pepper

Add the two lots together and microwave for about 2-3 minutes until everything is combined and heated, then pour into the warmed cob loaf, cover with the bread lid, and place on a tray, cover with Tin Foil and you have a fabulous dish to take.

Nuts And Bolts

Ingredients

8 oz Butter

4 Teaspoons of curry powder
500 g  of raw peanuts
2 Packets of crispy Fried Noodles 
3 Packets of Caramel Popcorn 

Melt the butter with the curry powder in a large saucepan.

Add raw peanuts, cook for a further 20-25 minutes, stirring OFTEN

In a meat dish which has been warmed slightly on a top element,  add the noodles and popcorn, then add the peanuts and juice.

Keep cooking on the element for a further 10 minutes, stirring at regular intervals.

Drain on masses of paper towels in another large meat dish, and seal tightly in zip lock bags.

Confetti Dip

Ingredients:

2 eggs (whisked)
2 Tblsp sugar
1 Tblsp butter
2 Tblsp vinegar
250g Tub of Cream Cheese
2 Tblsp of Tomato Sauce
Onion
Green Pepper
Tomato

Method:
Cook these together in a med. bowl over a pot of boiling water until thickened,
Remove from heat let cool then beat in cream cheese and tomato sauce or puree until smooth then add half a chopped onion, half a green pepper and half a tomato minus the pulp.

I sometimes add some red pepper too, you can add what you want basically
Serve with either crackers or vegetable sticks or pretzels.

  

Party Cheese Ball

People are always asking for this recipe! Makes 3 large balls.
Keeps well in the fridge for a few days.
Great with crackers and vegetable sticks.
This is our Christmas or special occasion treat that always gets rave reviews.
Just be patient when mixing.
Your arm gets a good workout but you want to keep going until fully combined and you cannot see the grated cheese.
You can add extra grated cheese depending on your taste

Ingredients:

250g cream cheese
1 medium onion finely chopped
4 gerkins finely chopped
2 cups grated cheese
4 tablespoons Tomato Relish

Method:

Place all ingredients except chopped nuts into bowl
Mix with wooden spoon
Be patient, keep mixing untill grated cheese is blended
Taste, add more grated cheese if you wish
Divide into 3 balls
Roll in chopped nuts to cover
Refridgerate
Enjoy!