Getting Ready for Christmas! How Are You Preparing?


 
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PhilipHedrick

TVWBB Fan
Hello TVWBB Community!

With Christmas just around the corner, I’m in full preparation mode! From decorating the house to organizing meals, there's so much to get done. I’m spending time making sure everything’s ready for the holiday season, whether it's shopping for gifts, wrapping presents or making sure the Christmas lights are all set up!

I’d love to hear how everyone else is gearing up for the holiday season. What are your plans for Christmas this year? Are there any family traditions you’re especially looking forward to? Or perhaps you’re working on a special project for the holidays?

Let’s share and inspire each other as we countdown to Christmas!

Wishing you all a stress-free and joyful holiday season ahead!
 
Interesting that this has come up today! I’m three batches of Chex mix in and have three more lined up to make today. I will begin the sugar cookie project later this week, that will be ~200 cookies, the third baking project will be early next week then I will get things packed for shipping.
Much shopping has already been accomplished! Thanks to Amazon, eBay, Big Bad Toy Store, Thermoworks, Cabela’s, my goldsmith, local shopping will happen soon, I am not a fan of last minute “Crush” shopping. I spent too many years in retail to want to be out in that mess!
Wow, reading that, I guess I’m in better shape than I’d thought! I will lay in holiday cheer as I find interesting bottles!

Since my wife’s son had a heart “incident” menu options are still under consideration. Might go easy on myself and do a ham, possibly porchetta? But, SWMBO is a Christmas ham girl so, that’s probably where that will go, no problem, I just need to get through the Thanksgiving feast first, turkey breast (?) leg of lamb, hassleback sweet potatoes, a hash brown casserole, Brussels sprouts, creamed pearl onions! I may have guests bring dessert unless granddaughter wants to do something but, I think the menu list for next Thursday seems like enough work for me!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Merry Christmas!
Happy Hanukkah!
And any other holidays I may have missed!
 
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Wow, it sounds like you’ve got a fantastic lineup of holiday treats and meals planned! Three batches of Chex mix and more on the way is impressive! And 200 sugar cookies? I bet those will be a huge hit!

Shopping sounds like it’s well under control on your end, which is great avoiding that last-minute rush really does make things so much more enjoyable. I can imagine your experience in retail would make you want to steer clear of the holiday crowds!

Your Thanksgiving menu sounds absolutely delicious! Hassleback sweet potatoes and a hash brown casserole are sure to be crowd-pleasers not to mention the lamb and turkey breast. The idea of having guests bring dessert is smart it’ll free you up to focus on everything else you’re preparing.

Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving and a festive Christmas season ahead! It’s so fun to hear what everyone is up to your plans are inspiring me to get a little more adventurous with my own holiday cooking this year!
 
My years of getting up on a ladder and stringing lights are in the past. Exterior decorations are minimal and low altitude. We do a nice tree and host Christmas supper for the immediate family. Miriam still does Cashew Brittle but has cut out her major cookie production. We really miss all of the preparation but there does come a time----------------------

BTW, anyone who's never tried Cashew Brittle, you're missing a treat. Even better if you add smoked bacon chunks to it!
 
It sounds like you've found the perfect way to keep the holiday spirit alive without the need for ladders and extensive decorating! A cozy tree and a Christmas supper for family sounds wonderful and it must be so nice to have everyone together to celebrate.

Cashew Brittle sounds amazing, especially with the twist of adding smoked bacon chunks! I can imagine how the saltiness from the bacon would pair perfectly with the sweetness of the brittle. Miriam’s tradition is definitely something special. I haven’t tried making brittle myself but you’re inspiring me to give it a go this season maybe with that bacon addition!

Thanks for sharing your traditions! Wishing you and Miriam a lovely holiday season ahead!
 
Bob Bailey said:
My years of getting up on a ladder and stringing lights are in the past. Exterior decorations are minimal and low altitude. We do a nice tree and host Christmas supper for the immediate family. Miriam still does Cashew Brittle but has cut out her major cookie production. We really miss all of the preparation but there does come a time----------------------

BTW, anyone who's never tried Cashew Brittle, you're missing a treat. Even better if you add smoked bacon chunks to it!
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I’m in with the entire post there Bob! Can you post the cashew brittle recipe, please? That sounds like an absolute winner!
I used to work with a woman that made the best brittle I’ve ever had, she said picking the right day was important, lowest possible humidity was best!
 
Timothy F. Lewis said:
I’m in with the entire post there Bob! Can you post the cashew brittle recipe, please? That sounds like an absolute winner!
I used to work with a woman that made the best brittle I’ve ever had, she said picking the right day was important, lowest possible humidity was best!
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Lemme see if I can pry it out of Miriam:) You might need to remind me if I don't post it in the next day or so. Not operating anywhere 100% yet.
 
Bob Bailey said:
Lemme see if I can pry it out of Miriam:) You might need to remind me if I don't post it in the next day or so. Not operating anywhere 100% yet.
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Thanks Bob, absolutely no rush, I’m not a candy maker but, my grandson has a great interest in chemistry and this would be something right up his street!
Change of menu already for Thanksgiving! Since I have learned through years of disappointment, I ordered desserts!
Had a flyer arrive (email) from a nearby bakery about two hours ago, ordered a Pumpkin pie, Dutch apple pie and, a dozen cloverleaf dinner rolls! That takes care of desserts and breadstuffs, I’m off the hook and no one needs to deal with saying they are bringing something and “forgetting” it.
Just finished batches 4-5-6 of Chex mix, the last being somewhat increased in spiciness, I have to send some to Florida, some to Texas, some will be hand delivered, a lot will be enjoyed here and by New Year’s Eve, I will pulverize some for the inclusion in meatloaves for the feast of Epiphany! It’s become an interesting “end of the holidays” tradition for us, extra good meatloaves, mashed potatoes made with the tail end of whipping cream (or a fresh jug!) using up all the treats and snacky stuff.
Time to clean up the kitchen again!
 
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Timothy F. Lewis said:
Thanks Bob, absolutely no rush, I’m not a candy maker but, my grandson has a great interest in chemistry and this would be something right up his street!
Change of menu already for Thanksgiving! Since I have learned through years of disappointment, I ordered desserts!
Had a flyer arrive (email) from a nearby bakery about two hours ago, ordered a Pumpkin pie, Dutch apple pie and, a dozen cloverleaf dinner rolls! That takes care of desserts and breadstuffs, I’m off the hook and no one needs to deal with saying they are bringing something and “forgetting” it.
Just finished batches 4-5-6 of Chex mix, the last being somewhat increased in spiciness, I have to send some to Florida, some to Texas, some will be hand delivered, a lot will be enjoyed here and by New Year’s Eve, I will pulverize some for the inclusion in meatloaves for the feast of Epiphany! It’s become an interesting “end of the holidays” tradition for us, extra good meatloaves, mashed potatoes made with the tail end of whipping cream (or a fresh jug!) using up all the treats and snacky stuff.
Time to clean up the kitchen again!
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Cashew Brittle (Microwave) Recipe - Food.com

From GE Microwave cookbook, 1977. Fast and easy brittle that sure beats standing over the stove stirring! Have made this so many times I can count the
www.food.com www.food.com

I either fry or grill bacon until very crisp, crush and sub in for half of the cashews.
 
Joan said:

"Getting Ready for Christmas! How Are You Preparing?"​


It's all I can do just concentrating on THANKSGIVING 🥰
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I totally get it! Thanksgiving can be a big undertaking, especially with all the cooking, planning and gathering everyone together. It seems like as soon as Thanksgiving wraps up, Christmas is right around the corner!

Are you making any special dishes for Thanksgiving this year? Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with great food and good company!
 
Thank you all for the amazing responses to my post! It’s so inspiring to hear how everyone is getting into the holiday spirit. I wanted to share an update on what I’ve been up to as I dive deeper into Christmas preparations.

This year, I’m turning my kitchen into a holiday wonderland! I’ve been testing some new recipes think caramelized Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze and a decadent chocolate yule log. 😋 My goal is to create a cozy, mouth-watering Christmas dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds. And of course, the cookies baking them with my kids is my absolute favorite part of the season. We’re trying out a few new cookie recipes this year, including gingerbread men and peppermint bark.

On the decorating front, the tree is up, and it’s definitely the showstopper in the house this year. I’ve added some new ornaments and I’m obsessed with the twinkling lights that make everything feel magical. I’m also going all out with the Christmas lights outside, trying to create a mini light display that rivals the local neighborhoods!

As for gifts, I’m wrapping them with extra love this year adding personalized tags and even a little holiday sparkle to the paper. It’s those little details that make the season so special, don’t you think? 🎁

I’d love to hear more about your own preparations what are you most excited for this year? Any fun traditions or maybe a new recipe you’re excited to try? Let’s share and make this holiday season unforgettable for all of us!

Wishing you all a stress-free, joyful and magical countdown to Christmas!
 
I often smoke almonds as gifts. That's the easy part, though. The tedious part is bagging them, tying a ribbon around each one, and adding a small, pretty holiday card tethered with the ribbon. And delivering them.

Right now, though, there's still a pumpkin on the front porch. And there's a half-frozen turkey taking up too much room in the 'fridge.
 
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