With the Christmas holidays only five weeks away, here is a checklist for Thanksgiving week and the next four weeks to ensure timely completion.

Following this checklist allows you to pace yourself and not be so stressed.

This is Thanksgiving week: Make sure you plan your final grocery list times and SHOP early in the week to beat the last-minute crowds.
On Monday, start to THAW out your turkey in the refrigerator. Butterball experts say an average 12-pound turkey will take about three days to thaw in this manner. You may also thaw in cold water, but never thaw at room temperature, as it can be unsafe.
Make preparations for your table decorations. On Tuesday and Wednesday, iron the tablecloth if you are using linens. Set the table. Polish silver, clean your china plates, and make sure everything is shining! Give the house a final clean sweep and freshen up the guest bathroom and guest bedrooms. Thaw any pre-made dishes and desserts.
Give thanks. The meal is prepared, so now let’s focus on the reasons to be thankful. PLAN a fun family activity to do together. There are many suggestions online.
Black Friday shopping: Take your lists. It’s not for everyone, but for those brave enough to face the crowds, bundle up, and have a fun shopping day! OR, if you are like me, grab a cup of great coffee and sit back and SHOP online!
SELF TIP~Don’t forget to purchase festive clothing for yourself and family members for upcoming parties!

Cyber Monday deals are awesome. If you hate waiting in lines and fighting the crowds, consider all the great deals on Cyber Monday and shop online.
Have you gotten your tree yet? Do you use artificial trees? This is the week to TRIM the tree!
String the popcorn, have a FAMILY NIGHT and make decorations together. Of course, Christmas Carols are a must!

FINALIZE your Christmas menu. Tally up your attendees.
SYNC Calendars with family members. This is the time of year with many events, and if you have a large family, people can go in a million different directions. To counter this, sync your family calendars.
CHOOSE wisely-Remember, you do not have to say yes to every function you are invited to attend. Carefully choose those you and your family most want to be a part of and politely decline others. This will protect your family time together during the holidays. You are in control of your calendar.
Continue SHOPPING for items on your gift list.

GROCERY SHOP for all non-perishables for your Christmas meal.
MAKE AND BAKE ahead for the Christmas meal and freeze until the big day. I recommend investing in a vacuum sealing system. It is a great food saver and keeps your frozen foods sealed tightly until you are ready to thaw them.
PICK UP any final gifts this week.
GATHER ALL YOUR WRAPPING SUPPLIES, including bows, tape, wrapping paper, scissors, and gift tags, into one area.
WRAPPING GIFTS~Set aside at least one day this week to wrap gifts. I love to watch Christmas movies or listen to Christmas music and wrap my gifts.
PRAY for each person as you wrap up their surprises!

SHOP for any final items for your Christmas meal.
DELIVER teacher gifts!
GO~Attend all those wonderful holiday programs and parties!
PREP Make a final clean sweep of the house, freshen the guest room and guest bath, and prepare the table for the Christmas meal.
THAW~Late in the week, thaw pre-made dishes and desserts in the refrigerator.

FAITH~Attend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services together as a family.

FAMILY~Eat, Unwrap, Laugh, Love, and Enjoy one another!

May God continue to Bless You and Your Families!

PAM FOSTER

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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