Category: 60 Day Holiday Prep

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Day 25 | Write a Letter to Secret Santa & Gift Exchange

Objective: Organize a Letter Writing event with your Secret Santa Exchange

This festive gathering combines heartfelt letter-writing with the joy of gift exchange, making it a memorable occasion for friends. Here’s a step-by-step guide to organizing this fun event!

Event: Christmas Letter & Gift Exchange Party

1. Invitations:

  • Send out invitations (digital or printed) specifying the date, time, and theme. Encourage guests to bring a letter, some money for a stamp, and a draft of a letter they’ve written for a Secret Santa that they will put into an envelope at the party.

2. Setting Up the Venue:

  • Choose a cozy, festive location, whether it’s your home or another gathering space.
  • Decorate with holiday lights, ornaments, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere with comfortable seating.

3. Supplies Needed:

  • Stationery and Envelopes: Provide beautiful paper and envelopes for letter writing.
  • Writing Materials: Stock up on pens, markers, and decorative items like stickers or washi tape for embellishing letters.

4. Activities:

  • Letter Writing Session: Begin the event with a dedicated time for guests to write their letters and put them in an envelope. Encourage guests to share their hopes, blessings, or holiday wishes with their Secret Santa along with a gift idea in the approved budget.
  • Friend Match-Up: After letters are written, the letters will be placed in a basket and then handed out by the host.
  • Gift Exchange: The Secret Santa will mail the gift to the person or you can have the gifts available for exchange at another party.
  • End of the Party Give a toast and share some information with the group from the group creating a warm and festive conclusion to the evening. Consider serving hot cocoa or holiday-themed desserts to your friends.

The Secret Santa Christmas Letter Party is a unique way to celebrate friendship and the spirit of giving during the holiday season.

It encourages thoughtful reflection through letter writing, fosters deeper connections through shared experiences, and creates joyous memories with friends. Enjoy the festivities and the warmth of community this holiday season!

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Organize a Potluck | Day 24 of 60 Day Holiday Prep

Objective: Organize a potluck with friends and family.

Hosting a Traditional Southern Holiday Potluck on Day 24 of Christmas Prep

As we approach the festive season, a potluck dinner is the perfect way to share good food and great company while reducing the stress of holiday cooking. In the South, potlucks often evoke warmth and nostalgia, bringing together favorite family recipes that capture the spirit of the season. Here’s how to plan a delightful traditional holiday potluck that keeps everyone satisfied without exceeding 1000 calories per meal.

Essentials for a Southern Potluck

To successfully execute a potluck, the following essentials are needed:

  1. Invitations: Whether digital or printed, they should clearly state the date, time, and location, along with instructions for what guests should bring.
  2. Space for Dishes: Set up enough tables or a buffet area for guests to present their dishes.
  3. Serving Utensils: Ensure you have enough serving spoons and plates available.
  4. Optional Drinks: Encourage guests to bring drinks, either alcoholic or non-alcoholic.
  5. Containers for Leftovers: Have some extra containers on hand for guests to take home any leftovers.

Typical Potluck Menu

Here’s a sample menu that keeps each dish within a calorie count that allows for an entire meal under 1000 calories:

  1. Southern Green Beans: Sauté fresh green beans with garlic and a touch of olive oil.
  • Calories per serving: ~80
  1. Cornbread Muffins: Moist and slightly sweet, made with cornmeal, buttermilk, and a hint of honey.
  • Calories per muffin: ~150
  1. Baked Chicken with Herbs: Oven-roasted chicken seasoned with rosemary and thyme, served with lemon.
  • Calories per serving: ~250
  1. Quinoa Salad with Cranberries: A refreshing blend of quinoa, dried cranberries, chopped celery, and a light vinaigrette.
  • Calories per serving: ~200
  1. Sweet Potato Casserole: Mashed sweet potatoes topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a light crust.
  • Calories per serving: ~250

Email Invitation

Subject: Join Us for a Festive Potluck Dinner!

Hi [Friend’s Name],

I’m excited to invite you to a Holiday Potluck Dinner at my home on [date] at [time]! Let’s gather to celebrate the season with delicious food and great company.

Please bring a dish to share that fits our Southern holiday theme. Here are a few suggestions along with recipes to help you stay within a calorie count of 1000 for the meal:

  • Southern Green Beans (Recipe: Sauté fresh green beans with minced garlic in olive oil for about 8-10 minutes.)
  • Cornbread Muffins (Recipe: Mix 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup buttermilk, 1 egg, and a splash of honey. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 mins.)
  • Baked Chicken with Herbs (Recipe: Season chicken with rosemary and thyme, roast at 375°F for about 45 mins.)
  • Rice Salad (Recipe: Cook 1 cup rice, mix with chopped celery and 1/4 cup dried cranberries, dress lightly with vinaigrette.)
  • Sweet Potato Casserole (Recipe: Mash cooked sweet potatoes, add a touch of cinnamon, bake until warm.)

Feel free to choose one of these or bring any of your favorite holiday dishes. Please RSVP by [RSVP Date] and let me know what you plan to bring.

Looking forward to celebrating together!

Warm wishes,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Contact Information]

Hosting a potluck dinner is a wonderful way to connect with friends and family while enjoying a range of delightful traditional dishes. Create fond memories this holiday season by sharing in the joy of good food and laughter!