Week 12

Is November really half over? *sheds tear* I just cannot believe it.  Each month seems to come and go faster than the one before.  But, every time I turn the page on the calendar, I am more and more grateful that I have been preparing step by step for the last few months.  Thanksgiving is next week and, instead of that thought throwing me into complete panic, I am actually looking forward to it.  There is a busy week of preparations ahead, so let's get started!

• Make a batch of holiday goodies.  This will be your last baking week, so make sure to squeeze in the one treat your family cannot live without.  Grocery store shelves are well stocked with all kinds of Christmas sprinkles, fruits, and nuts.  If you already have enough goodies in your freezer, consider making a batch of sugar cookies to decorate with your kids closer to Christmas.  You can freeze those as well and pull them out for a party or fun afternoon later.
• Make a freezer meal.  If you have run out of ideas, consider running to  your local warehouse club and buying a frozen entrée to keep on hand.  You can never have too many ready-made meals so don't skip this step.  You can always use those remaining meals the week after Christmas too.  I mean, who wants to cook then?
• Buy at least one gift
• Wrap and label packages
• Work on homemade crafts or gifts
• Make place cards for Thanksgiving
• Clean serving dishes.  If they are like mine, they have collected a half inch of dust in the last few months.
• Borrow any additional pieces.  Don't be afraid to ask family, friends, and neighbors.  Do not add to the expense of the holiday purchasing serving pieces right now.  Keep a list of what you don't have on hand and snatch them up during Black Friday sales or in January when retailers are clearing their inventory.
• Check, clean, and iron your linens.
• Work on centerpiece.  Check your candles and clean any silk flowers you may be planning to use.
• Make a 3x5 card for each serving dish and tape it to the dish itself.  Include what goes in it, when it can be filled, and silverware needed for serving. This is invaluable when your kitchen is filled with family and friends all asking what they can do to help.  Plus, it makes your meal preparation a no-brainer and keeps you from scrambling in the heat of the moment.