Category: Christmas

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Pickng a Holiday Theme | Day 3 of 60 | Prepping for Thanksgiving and Christmas

Choosing Your Christmas and Holiday Season Theme for 2025

The holiday season is a magical time of year, filled with joy, family gatherings, and festive decorations. As we look ahead to 2025, it’s the perfect moment to start thinking about your Christmas and holiday theme.

Why Choose a Theme?

Having a theme can make your holiday celebrations more cohesive and memorable. It helps you decide on decorations, color schemes, and even the types of food you’ll serve. Plus, it adds a fun twist to your holiday preparations!

Popular Themes for 2025

Here are some exciting themes to consider for your holiday season:

1. Classic Winter Wonderland

  • Think whites, blues, and silvers.
  • Use snowflakes, icicles, and twinkling lights.

2. Rustic Charm

  • Incorporate natural elements like wood, pinecones, and burlap.
  • Use warm colors like red, green, and gold.

3. Vintage Christmas

  • Embrace retro decorations and colors.
  • Use old-fashioned ornaments and classic holiday music.

4. Modern Minimalism

  • Focus on simple, clean lines and a limited color palette.
  • Use geometric shapes and metallic accents.

5. Cultural Celebrations

  • Highlight traditions from different cultures.
  • Incorporate unique decorations and foods from around the world.

Tips for Choosing Your Theme

  • Consider Your Space: Think about how your chosen theme will fit into your home.
  • Budget Wisely: Some themes may require more decorations than others, so plan accordingly.
  • Involve Family: Get everyone’s input to make the theme more personal and fun.

Final Touches

Once you’ve chosen your theme, it’s time to get creative! From decorations to food, let your theme guide your choices.

Atlanta White Detox Bread

A Festive Recipe to Try While Holiday Prepping

As you prepare for the holiday season, why not try making Atlanta White Bread? It’s a simple recipe that takes a few hours but can be a great addition to your holiday meals.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/8 cup oil
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1 packet instant yeast
  • 1 cup warm water

Instructions:

  1. Mix the warm water and yeast packet together.
  2. Add some sugar and let the yeast bloom for about 5-10 minutes.
  3. In a bowl, mix the yeast mixture with salt, oil, and flour until combined.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured or oiled counter until smooth.
  5. Place the dough in a bowl and let it sit for 90 minutes.
  6. After 90 minutes, knead again and cut into four pieces and let them sit for another 30 minutes.
  7. Store three pieces for future meals and place one piece into your baking container.
  8. Bake for at least 20 minutes at 375 degrees.

Variations for the Holiday Season

  • Herb-Infused Bread: Add dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
  • Sweet Cinnamon Bread: Mix in cinnamon and a bit of nutmeg for a sweet holiday flavor.
  • Cheese and Garlic Bread: Fold in shredded cheese and minced garlic for a delicious side.

With these ideas and recipes, you’re all set to make your 2025 holiday season unforgettable! Happy planning!

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Gift List | Day 2 of 60 | Holiday Prep Thanksgiving & Christmas

The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Gift Giving

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and, of course, gift-giving! Creating a Christmas list can help you stay organized and ensure you don’t go over budget. Let’s explore how to make your list, stick to your budget, and understand gift etiquette in various settings.

Making Your Christmas List

Start by writing down everyone you want to buy gifts for. This can include family, friends, coworkers, and even service providers like mail carriers and garbage collectors.

  • Tip: Use a spreadsheet or a simple notepad app to keep track of names and gift ideas. This way, you won’t forget anyone important!

Staying Within Budget

Setting a budget is crucial to avoid overspending during the holidays. Here are some tips to help you stick to your budget:

  1. Set a Total Budget: Decide how much you can spend overall. This will help you prioritize your spending.
  2. Allocate Funds: Assign a specific amount for each person on your list. This ensures you don’t overspend on one person and leave others out.
  3. Look for Deals: Keep an eye out for sales and discounts. Websites like RetailMeNot or Honey can help you find great deals.

According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, the average American planned to spend about $998 on holiday gifts in 2022. Setting a budget can help you manage your finances better and enjoy the season without stress.

Gift Etiquette in the Workplace

When it comes to giving gifts at work, it’s important to be thoughtful and considerate. Here are some guidelines:

  • Know Your Company Culture: Some workplaces have strict policies against gift-giving, while others encourage it. Always check the rules first.
  • Keep It Professional: Choose gifts that are appropriate for the workplace. Items like coffee mugs, plants, or gift cards are usually safe bets.
  • Consider Group Gifts: If you want to give something more substantial, consider organizing a group gift with your coworkers.

Gift Etiquette for Neighbors and Service Providers

When it comes to neighbors and service providers, a small gesture can go a long way. Here’s how to approach it:

  • Neighbors: A homemade treat or a simple card can show appreciation. If you’re close, consider a small gift like a candle or a festive decoration.
  • Condo Building Employees: A gift card or a nice basket of goodies is a thoughtful way to thank your building staff for their hard work.
  • Mail Carriers and Garbage Collectors: A small gift or a card is a nice gesture. The U.S. Postal Service allows mail carriers to accept gifts worth up to $20.

Gift Etiquette for Teachers

Teachers play a significant role in our lives, and showing appreciation is always a good idea. Here are some tips:

  • Group Gifts: Consider pooling together with other parents for a larger gift. This can be a gift card to a local restaurant or a nice gift basket.
  • Personal Touch: A handwritten note from your child can mean a lot. It shows that you value their hard work and dedication.

Gift Etiquette for Friends and Family

When it comes to friends and family, the rules can be a bit more relaxed. Here’s how to navigate gift-giving:

  • Set a Spending Limit: If you have a large family, consider setting a spending limit for gifts. This keeps things fair and manageable.
  • Personalized Gifts: Think about what each person would truly appreciate. A thoughtful gift shows you care and pay attention to their interests.

Creating a Christmas list and understanding gift etiquette can make your holiday season much more enjoyable. By staying organized and mindful of your budget, you can spread joy without the stress. Happy gifting!

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Day One | Holiday Prep for Thanksgiving and Christmas

The holiday season is just around the corner, and it’s time to get organized! Today, we’ll focus on setting budgets and planning menus for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Step 1: Set Your Holiday Budget

  1. Review Last Year’s Spending
    Look back at your credit card and bank statements from last year. Write down what you spent on food and drinks for Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you do not have a budget set already, decide how much you want to spend on each person per day, that is your budget.
  • Thanksgiving Dinner: $____
  • Black Friday Snacks/Meals: $____
  • Saturday Meals: $____
  • Sunday Meals: $____
  • Total Food/Drink Expenses: $____
  1. Create a New Budget
    Based on last year’s spending, set a realistic budget for this year. Consider any changes in your guest list or menu that might affect costs. Health Storey does not believe in snacking, Can you add more food to the meals and eliminate grazing from each holiday?
  • Thanksgiving Budget: $____
  • Christmas Budget: $____
  • Total Holiday Budget: $____

Step 2: Plan Your Menus

Next, let’s think about what you want to serve. Here’s a simple outline to help you get started:

Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

  • Appetizers: Cheese platter, veggie tray, or stuffed mushrooms
  • Main Course: Roast turkey, Roasted and stuffed Squash
  • Sides: Mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing / dressing
  • Desserts: Apple crisp with Ice cream, Cranberry pound cake,

Christmas Menu Ideas

  • Appetizers: Bruschetta, chicken sausage bombs
  • Main Course: Vegetarian fried chicken
  • Sides: Roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce,
  • Desserts: Stolen bread, Christmas cakes,

Step 3: Meal Prep with the Instant Pot

To make meal prep easier, Health Storey suggests using an Instant Pot for making rice potatoes, steamed vegetables and hard boiled eggs. Here’s how to incorporate them into your meals:

  • Rice or Potatoes as a Base: One cup of steamed rice or potatoes can be the foundation for various meals throughout the week.

Example Meal Ideas

  • Rice Bowl: Top with grilled vegetarian chicken sausage, veggies, and teriyaki sauce.
  • Stuffed Squash: Mix rice with ground turkey, spices and place inside of baked or grilled carnival squash.
  • Potato Casserole: Layer potatoes with cheese, broccoli, and ham in an oven safe dish.

Step 4: Grocery Shopping

If you only shop on weekends, consider buying a 2-pound bag of rice per person per week for about $5.00 each.

By setting a budget and planning your menus today, you’ll be well on your way to a stress-free holiday season. Remember to keep track of your spending and adjust your budget as needed. Happy prepping!

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For Planners | Week One Schedule For 60 Day Holiday Prep.

Week 1: Planning and Preparation

1. Day 1: Create a Christmas budget.

2. Day 2: Make a list of gifts you need to purchase for friends and family.

3. Day 3: Research and choose a theme for your holiday decorations.

4. Day 4: Start a holiday planner or journal – For Americans, one month to Thanksgiving – Plan the Menu for the four days. A sample menu which is Health Storey Friendly will be available for you to use.

5. Day 5: Set up a holiday playlist with your favorite Christmas songs on Youtube to play over the holidays.

6. Day 6: Plan your holiday card list, e-card list and designs.

7. Day 7: Decide on your Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day menus.

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60 Days to Christmas| Preparing a Weekly Holiday Budget

Christmas Budget

Welcome to the Prep Which Starts on October 24 2025. For Day which is next week, create a Budget for your Christmas season. Here is a weekly budget we set for a single person living in the Atlanta who doesn’t have to travel over the holidays.

Budget for Christmas

8 Week Holiday Budget Breakdown (8 Weeks Before the Christmas Holiday)

Total Budget: $1,070  Weekly Budget: $133.75

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1

   – Advent Calendar Gifts: $25  

   – Gifts: $50  

   – Total: $75

Week 2

   – Advent Calendar Gifts: $25  

   – Gifts: $50  

   – Total: $75

Week 3

   – Advent Calendar Gifts: $25  

   – Food and Beverages: $50  

   – Total: $75

Week 4

   – Advent Calendar Gifts: $25  

   – Decorations: $50  

   – Total: $75

Week 5

   – Advent Calendar Gifts: $25  

   – Holiday Cards: $25  

   – Gifts: $50  

   – Total: $100

Week 6

   – Advent Calendar Gifts: $25  

   – Food and Beverages: $50  

   – Total: $75

Week 7

   – Advent Calendar Gifts: $25  

   – Travel Expenses: $50  

   – Total: $75

Week 8

   – Advent Calendar Gifts: $25  

   – Charitable Donations: $50  

   – Miscellaneous: $50  

   – Total: $125

Adjust the amounts based on your personal preferences and financial situation. Happy budgeting and we look forward to preparing for the holiday season with you starting on the 25th of October 2025.