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Ways to calm down, destress during holiday, special event preparations
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A HEALTHY AGEYes, Virginia, you can havea stress-free holiday season
Sit back and consider these tips for reducing your holiday hassles -while still having a glorious celebration.
by Wendy J. MeyeroffMarcia Kilroy is the over-65 matriarch of a fairly large extendedfamily. Of course, when the holidays come around, Marcia insists thatthe celebration be held at her home. For years Marcia worked so hard atmaking the perfect holiday banquet that by the time dinner actuallyrolled out, she was exhausted, her bad knee was killing her, and shecouldn't enjoy the fabulous feast she'd spent two days working on.
Sound familiar? If so, sit back and consider these tips for reducingYOUR holiday hassles - while still having a glorious celebration:
Tip #1: Don't do everything yourself - Every year Marcia's daughtersbegged to be allowed to help. She finally decided, "Why not? WhySHOULD I do all the work?" So one daughter now brings dessert,another provides the salad, the sister-in-law brings another contribution.Eventually the grandkids will be brought into the process as well.
Tip #2: Don't clean as if the health inspector is coming - We're notadvocating dust an inch thick and floors that are filthy. But don't getdown to the "white glove" level either. A little dusting and vacuuming,some damp mopping and you should be fine. Don't worry about turningthe mattresses, pressing the tablecloths and washing the windows!
Tip #3: Don't be afraid to ask for help - It used to be that Marcia had thetable all pulled out and set up with the best china and glasses before herguests arrived. Now the sons-in-law pull out the table (lugging theheavy extension boards) and everyone chips in to do the set-up.
Tip #4: Don't use this time of year to start experimenting with four newrecipes - Either experiment throughout the year -- and then choose yourfavorites for the holidays - or choose ONE item (NOT the main dish) ona trial basis. (Example: Maybe now's the time to try those dill-roastedpotatoes instead of the mashed you always served.)
Tip #5: Choose one item as the central focus of your party and play itup - Maybe your specialty is your apple pie. Get out your mostgorgeous dessert plate and put it up on a pedestal. Dress it up with pinecones and leaves around it and make it your centerpiece.
Tip #6: Consider a dessert buffet for the non-relatives - Have toentertain for business during the holiday season? Want to have somefriends over? Fine; just don't try and hold several major dinnersbetween Thanksgiving and New Year's. Invite friends and/or business
December 2000
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associates over for "coffee and...". Have each guest bring a specialdessert and you supply a variety of interesting coffees and teas. Get nicepaper plates and cups - in fact, go for broke and throw in plasticsilverware! Don't worry about what Martha Stewart, Miss Manners oryour Aunt Sophie will say. Remember, it's YOUR holiday too. Youhave a right to enjoy it!
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