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Does your mother enjoy entertaining throughout the holiday season? Do you feel that she may be taking on too much and you would like to help? Well, the best thing that you can do is to lesser her burden by planning your baking and cooking far ahead of schedule. Mom may not have any issues with doing everything at the last minute, but she should get to enjoy her holiday, too. Show her that you are willing to plan in advance and divvy up her workload. Here are some suggestions:
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1. Gather Mom’s Recipes and Add your Own
Even if they may be top-secret, twist Mom’s arm into letting you gather her recipes together to decide what you will be cooking and baking this season. You may rely on old favorites, or switch it up by trying something new from a site like Tori Avey.
Or, how about reintroducing an old favorite, such as a cake or appetizer that hasn’t seen the light of day in decades? It’s always fun to reestablish an old tradition.
2. Decide On Your Menu ASAP
While you are still early in the season, sit down with Mom and decide on the holiday dinner menu together. If others are willing to bring a dish, let them, and get the details far in advance. That way you will only have to concentrate on what Mom herself is responsible for.
Also, if you have a set menu in mind, you will be able to shop for non-perishable ingredients early, before the stores are inundated with last minute customers.
3. Schedule in Baking Time
Of course, there is more to the holiday meal than a roast ham with all the trimmings. Mom’s guests are also going to expect home-baked goodies, such as pies, cookies, and all types of treats. So, you mustn’t skimp on baking, either though it can take a lot of your time. The best course of action is to schedule a specific time to get your baking finished. It is probably best to coordinate it with wrapping presents, so you can get something else done while your treats are in the oven.
4. Do as Much as You Can Ahead of Time
There are many treats and dishes that can be made long before your holiday meal and frozen in the meantime. Did you know that even sugar cookies can be premade and then frozen? In the future, Mom can simply let them thaw for a few hours and decorate them right before they are needed. After all, freezing pre-made dishes and goodies will cut down on the number of things that Mom has to do on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so she can just relax and enjoy herself!
In conclusion, the key to getting as much done as possible without worry is to be realistic. Sure, helping Mom out in the kitchen splits the burden, but sometimes you just need to relax and let go of perfection. After all, the holidays are supposed to fun, not stressful.